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

Federal Way regulates the placement of solid waste containers under Federal Way Revised Code Chapter 11.20 (Solid Waste Collection Regulations) and the public right-of-way rules in FWRC Title 4 (Traffic Code) and Title 19. On collection day residents must place all carts (garbage, recycling, and yard and food waste) at the curb or the edge of the driveway by 7 a.m., with wheels facing the house and handles toward the street, and spaced at least 3 feet apart so Waste Management automated trucks can grab them. Carts may be set out no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before pickup, and must be returned to a concealed storage location on the property by the end of the collection day. Permanent curbside storage is prohibited under FWRC 11.20 and constitutes a property maintenance violation under FWRC Title 1 (Civil Enforcement). Carts cannot block sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, driveways, fire hydrants (15 feet), or vehicle sight lines at intersections. Multifamily and commercial dumpsters must be kept in an enclosed trash area per FWRC Title 19 zoning, with screened gates and no overflow onto the ground or adjacent property. Residents with physical limitations can request carry-out service from WM at no additional charge under FWRC 11.20. Call Federal Way Code Compliance at 253-835-2641 to report violations.