Kirkland, WA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

070 governs where and when carts go out. Materials cannot be placed for collection earlier than 24 hours before the scheduled pickup day, and every cart or ordinance unit must be off public property within 24 hours of being emptied. Placement must not block vehicle, bicycle or sidewalk use, and the code lists specific curb positioning: on properties with a level planting strip between curb and sidewalk, carts go in the planting strip or driveway within five feet of the curb; on properties with a sidewalk but no planting strip, carts go within five feet of the curb; where the terrain slopes too steeply for that, the nearest level area applies; and where dense shrubbery or other extraordinary conditions block those spots, the hauler must approve an alternate location that still keeps vehicle, bike and sidewalk access clear.

Carts must sit two feet apart from each other and two feet from obstructions like mailboxes, fences or parked cars so the automated truck arm can reach them without contact. Detachable containers may be stored inside a building between pickups but must stay readily accessible for servicing without special equipment or delay. 075, requires an established, city-reviewed container storage site on the property instead of curb placement whenever another collection point is feasible.