Port Townsend, WA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curbside setback limit
- up to 5 feet onto property
- Enforced by
- Public Works Director
- Container lids
- sealable, close-fitting required
- Can't block
- sidewalks, driveways, on-street parking
Summary
Port Townsend requires garbage, recycling, and yard-waste containers to sit at the curbside for collection, without blocking sidewalks, driveways, or on-street parking.
All garbage, refuse and rubbish shall be kept in metal or heavy duty synthetic material containers that have sealable close-fitting lids or covers which will entirely prevent dogs, birds, rats, mice or flies from reaching the contents thereof, and will prevent odors and gasses from escaping therefrom. The solid waste contractor shall be authorized to require replacement of inadequate or unsafe containers. The containers shall be of sufficient size and number to contain all garbage, refuse and rubbish that collects between the dates for the removal of the same. Rubbish shall be reduced to compact form and placed in approved containers such as will prevent the contents thereof from being scattered by the action of winds or by overturning of the container. Ashes shall be kept in a sound, substantial container or containers such as will prevent the contents thereof from being scattered by the action of winds or by the overturning of the container. Recyclable materials for curbside collection shall be set out in approved recycling containers provided by the solid waste collection contractor.
B. The containers shall be placed at the curbside as defined in this chapter. Curbside placement of solid waste cans and bags, yard waste, and recycling containers shall not block sidewalks, driveways or on-street parking.
C. All solid waste containers are to be kept clean and free of odors by the customer or other person having charge of same.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3364, passed May 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
PTMC 6.04.030 requires garbage, refuse, rubbish, and recycling containers to be set at the curbside for pickup by the city's contracted hauler. Curbside is defined in PTMC 6.04.010 as the area next to the street, private street, or alley extending no more than five feet onto the resident's property, or another spot approved by the public works director if curbside access isn't practical. Containers must have sealable, close-fitting lids that keep out animals and prevent odors and gases from escaping, and must be kept clean and free of odors.
Violations & Fines
Violations are declared nuisances enforceable under Chapter 1.20 PTMC, subject to abatement, criminal penalty, and civil penalty; the public works director enforces the solid waste code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I put my garbage cans in Port Townsend?
What kind of trash container does the city require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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