Yakima, WA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curbside deadline
- 6:00 a.m. on pickup day
- Storage location
- on private property only
- Prohibited
- carts in public alley/street
- Assistance
- free help for elderly/disabled
Summary
Yakima requires garbage carts at the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day and kept on private property the rest of the time: never stored in a public alley, street, or right-of-way.
Only city-provided containers will be emptied. Carts shall be placed at curbside by six a.m. to ensure collection service. Containers that are not provided by the city will not be collected. ... Garbage or refuse carts shall be kept on the residential property at all times. No carts shall be kept or stored on any public alley, street, or within any public right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
The city's residential garbage regulations require only city-issued carts be set at curbside by 6:00 a.m. to guarantee pickup; carts not furnished by the city won't be collected. Outside of a reasonable window around scheduled pickup, carts must stay on the resident's own property, never stored in a public alley, street, or right-of-way, and must be positioned so collection crews aren't blocked by a gate or obstruction. Elderly or disabled residents who cannot move their own carts may request free assistance from the public works department.
Violations & Fines
The refuse division manager can tag overweight or noncompliant carts and leave them at the curb; repeat noncompliance is enforceable under YMC § 4.16.170 and subject to penalties under YMC § 4.16.240.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do garbage carts need to be at the curb in Yakima?
Can I store my garbage cart in the alley in Yakima?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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