Port Townsend, WA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential frequency
- At least once a week
- Participation
- Mandatory for all developed property
- Curbside limit
- Within 5 feet of street
- Enforcement
- Nuisance violation under Chapter 1.20 PTMC
Summary
Port Townsend requires every developed property and business to subscribe to the city's contracted solid waste service, with residential garbage picked up curbside at least once a week.
It is mandatory for the owner of all developed property, all residential (single-family and multifamily) tenantable or inhabited buildings, and/or all places of business within the city to take a service that is provided by the city's solid waste contractor. ... Solid waste shall be collected from all residential (single-family and multifamily) tenantable or inhabited buildings ... at least once each week unless qualified for every other week service.
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
Under PTMC 6.04.040, every owner of developed property, every occupant of a residential building, and every business in Port Townsend must subscribe to the city's contracted solid waste service: self-hauling to dodge the bill isn't an option. PTMC 6.04.070 sets the pickup rhythm: residential customers get curbside collection at least once a week, with an every-other-week option available, while commercial accounts can arrange up to daily pickup through the contractor. Containers go out at the curb per PTMC 6.04.030, and violations are enforced as nuisances under Chapter 1.20 PTMC.
Violations & Fines
Skipping mandatory service or dumping outside the contracted system is a nuisance violation under Chapter 1.20 PTMC, subject to civil penalties and abatement action by the public works director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign up for trash service in Port Townsend?
How often is residential garbage picked up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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