Federal Way, WA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Extra unit, can/cart garbage
- 32 gallons
- Extra unit, yard debris cart
- 96 gallons, max 65 lbs
- Extra unit, detachable container
- 1 cubic yard
- Curbside window
- 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Extra unit fee
- Additional service charge applies
Summary
Federal Way has no separate city bulk pickup program; overflow and bulky trash goes out as an 'extra unit' next to your regular container under FWRC 11.20.040, and the hauler charges an additional fee for each extra unit collected.
All residential garbage shall be placed in a service provider-provided or approved customer-provided garbage can, micro-can, mini-can or cart. In all cases, customers will be directed to have at least one rigid container as their primary garbage container. Plastic bags may be used as extra units for overflow volumes of garbage, but not as a customer's primary container. Extra units will be subject to an additional service charge or fee. Containers shall be placed at curbside on a public street or private road prior to 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, and shall be removed to their proper storage location as soon as possible after collection, but no later than 8:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
040. An extra unit is an additional quantity of garbage or yard debris set out next to the customer's regular container: the equivalent of 32 gallons for can or cart garbage service, 96 gallons and not more than 65 pounds for cart yard debris service, or one cubic yard for detachable container service. 040 requires every residential customer to keep at least one rigid container as their primary garbage container; plastic bags can be used only for extra, overflow volumes, never as the primary container, and every extra unit set out triggers an additional service charge or fee from the contracted hauler rather than city-issued citations.
The same extra-unit and surcharge system applies to multifamily and commercial customers, who may also use detachable containers or drop-box containers. the same day. 150(1) recognizes them as a distinct category of solid waste that multifamily, commercial, and institutional storage areas must be designed to accommodate.
Violations & Fines
Setting out garbage or yard debris in excess of container capacity without paying for it as an extra unit, or leaving containers at curbside outside the 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. window, is enforceable as a civil infraction under Chapter 1.15 FWRC, with the city's standard $100 first-violation, $200 second-violation, and $300 third-violation penalty schedule under FWRC 1.15.110, on top of whatever surcharge the hauler bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Federal Way run a bulk item pickup program?
Can I set my extra trash out in plastic bags?
How big can an extra unit of yard debris be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Bulk Item Disposal in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle bulk item disposal.