Yakima, WA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum bin clearance
- 5 feet from combustible walls/eaves
- Bin size threshold
- 1.5 cubic yards or more
- Public-way storage
- Prohibited on street, alley, sidewalk
- Governing code
- YMC § 4.16.180(E)(4)
- Max penalty
- $250 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Yakima requires business-class drop-off bins of 1.5 cubic yards or more to sit at least five feet from combustible walls and roof eaves, and bars keeping any commercial refuse container on a public street, alley, or sidewalk.
In lieu of such containers, the premises may be served with drop-off bins; provided, bins with a capacity of one and one-half cubic yards (40.5 cubic feet) or greater shall not be stored within five feet of combustible walls, openings or combustible roofline eaves. Refuse containers shall be placed on the premises in such a manner and at such a location so as to be readily accessible for collection and shall not be kept on the street, alley, sidewalk or other public place...
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
YMC § 4.16.180(E)(4) sets the placement standard for business-class refuse storage in the city of Yakima, Yakima County, Washington. Drop-off bins of one and one-half cubic yards or larger, the size range covering commercial dumpsters and roll-off boxes, must stay at least five feet from combustible walls, openings, and roofline eaves. Containers must sit on the business premises where they are readily accessible for collection; the code bars storing them on the street, alley, sidewalk, or other public place. Only a city-licensed garbage collector may haul a business's refuse, and the code administration division enforces the storage and clearance standard as part of Yakima's business-class solid waste program.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of YMC Chapter 4.16 is punishable by a fine up to $250, imprisonment up to 90 days in city jail, or both, under YMC § 4.16.240.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store a commercial dumpster on the street in front of my Yakima business?
How far must a large dumpster sit from my building in Yakima?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.