Auburn, WA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Auburn City Code section 8.08.100 controls container set-out and anti-scavenging rules for solid waste, recycling, and yard-food waste collection in the city. Carts must be placed at the approved curbside or alley location by the service provider's scheduled start time on the assigned collection day (generally before 7:00 AM) and must be positioned so the hinged lid faces the street and there is at least three feet of clearance on all sides from mailboxes, parked cars, fire hydrants, utility poles, and other carts to allow the automated side-loading arm to operate. Containers should sit on a flat, level surface with wheels pointed away from the street. Once a cart is placed at the curb, only the authorized service provider may remove materials; scavenging from carts is prohibited under ACC 8.08.100. After collection, containers must be removed and returned to their storage location within a reasonable time, generally by the end of the collection day, and may not remain at the curb or in public view as a standing condition. Auburn code enforcement and utility billing staff address repeat bin-placement violations. Customers who cannot move a cart due to disability may request a back-door or carry-out service from WM for an additional monthly fee. Contamination of recycling or yard waste carts with trash can result in a contamination tag and, after repeated offenses, removal of service or additional fees.