Kent, WA Property Maintenance: Trash Bin Storage (2026)

Kent Code Enforcement regulates trash cart storage under the Property Maintenance Code adopted in Kent City Code Chapter 8.01 and the solid waste rules in KCC 7.03. Between collection days, carts must be stored in a location not readily visible from the public right-of-way, such as in a garage, behind a fence, on the side yard, or behind the house. Carts permanently stored in the front yard, against the front of the house, or at the curb constitute a property maintenance nuisance and are a code violation when visible from the street. Multifamily and commercial properties must keep dumpsters in enclosed trash enclosures per KCC 15.08.160, with screened gates and no overflow onto the ground or adjacent property. Lids must be kept closed to prevent odor, pests, and wind-blown litter. Code Enforcement responds to complaints on a reactive basis, issuing a courtesy notice first, followed by civil infractions of 100 dollars or more per day if the violation continues. Tenants are also responsible for proper cart storage, and landlords can be cited for violations on their rental property. Carts that are damaged or lost should be reported to Republic Services for replacement, not left in the yard.