King County, WA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- K.C.C. 10.04.080
- Max jail term
- 90 days
- Max fine
- $1,000
- Applies to
- Unincorporated King County only
- Enforced by
- Health officer / prosecuting attorney
Summary
Dumping solid waste anywhere but an approved receptacle or official disposal facility is unlawful in unincorporated King County, and a violation is a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
It is unlawful to place, throw, deposit or otherwise dispose of solid waste other than in a receptacle provided for that purpose, in any public place, public road, public park, on any private property or in the waters within King County, except as specifically authorized by this title or at the official solid waste facilities provided for that purpose by King County.
B. It is unlawful for the owners or occupants of private property to deposit or accumulate, or to permit the deposit or accumulation of solid waste upon the private property. However, this shall not prohibit the storage of solid waste or recyclable materials in public or private receptacles, in solid waste containers or other approved receptacle or in securely tied bundles when the receptacles or bundles are for immediate or approved periodic disposal. Additionally:
1. The use of a compost pile or bin shall not be prohibited if the use and maintenance thereof is in such a manner as to prevent the attraction, breeding, harboring, or any combination thereof, of insects and rodents; and
2. Any recycling operation shall not be affected if it is operating in accordance with all applicable rules, laws or other permit requirements. Any such use permitted under this subsection B.2. shall not be construed to permit a nuisance as defined by state law. C.1. It is unlawful for any person to haul solid waste on publicly maintained streets, roads or highways in King County unless the load is secured.
Full Breakdown
King County Code 10.04.080.A bans placing, throwing, depositing or otherwise disposing of solid waste anywhere except a designated receptacle or an official county solid waste facility: covering public places, public roads, public parks, private property, and county waters. Subsection B separately bars property owners and occupants from letting solid waste accumulate on their land, though approved storage bins, tied bundles awaiting pickup, and properly maintained compost piles are exempt. The health officer or solid waste division director can refer violations to the Prosecuting Attorney's office under K.C.C. 10.08.100, and K.C.C. 10.08.110 makes a violation a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, plus the enforcement and penalty provisions of K.C.C. Title 23.
Violations & Fines
Violating K.C.C. 10.04.080 is a misdemeanor: up to 90 days in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both, enforced by the health officer or division director through the Prosecuting Attorney's office under K.C.C. 10.08.100/10.08.110 and Title 23.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does King County's illegal dumping code cover Seattle?
Can I be cited for just letting trash pile up on my own land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview
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