Seattle regulates trash and recycling container storage and placement under SMC Title 21 Subtitle III and the Housing and Building Maintenance Code, requiring bins to be stored out of public view except on collection days.
Seattle Public Utilities provides standardized containers for garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste collection. Containers must be placed at the curb or alley edge by 7 AM on collection day and retrieved by the end of the collection day. Between collection days, containers must be stored on private property and screened from street view where feasible. In multifamily buildings, containers must be stored in designated enclosures that are maintained in clean and sanitary condition. Overflowing containers and loose garbage are prohibited. The city offers various container sizes (12 to 96 gallons for garbage) with corresponding rate tiers. Container placement must not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or driveways.
Violations of container storage requirements may result in notices of violation and fines. Overflowing garbage or unsanitary conditions can trigger health department involvement. Repeated violations may result in additional collection charges or mandatory service upgrades.
Seattle, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle trash bin storage.
See how Seattle's trash bin storage rules stack up against other locations.
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