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

Private hauler tariffs filed with the WUTC and King County zoning rules (KCC 21A.18) govern how residents place and store garbage and recycling carts in unincorporated King County. On pickup day, carts must be at the curb or designated collection point by 7 a.m. with at least 3 feet of clearance on each side and nothing overhead (no branches or wires). The hauler may skip carts that are blocked, placed facing the wrong direction, or overfilled. After collection, residents should retrieve carts within 24 hours. On non-collection days, KCC 21A.18.100 (Development Standards) requires that garbage and recycling containers in residential zones be screened from view from adjacent public rights of way and neighboring properties. This typically means storing bins behind a fence, beside the house, or in a garage or carport. Leaving bins permanently at the curb is a common code enforcement issue and may be cited under KCC Title 23. Multifamily properties must have screened enclosures for dumpsters. Storing garbage in open or unsealed containers that attract pests or produce odor can be a nuisance violation under KCC 13.04 or 23. In bear country (rural eastern King County near the Cascades), residents are strongly encouraged to use bear-resistant containers or store bins in a garage, per Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance.