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

YMC Chapter 4.16 governs all garbage storage, collection and disposal inside the City of Yakima. It establishes two service classifications — 'residential classification' (single-family and small multifamily) and 'business classification' (commercial, institutional, larger multifamily) — each with its own container, frequency, and rate structure. The code provides that 'containers and all materials deposited in them shall not be removed by anyone other than city of Yakima solid waste staff or designee,' which makes scavenging from refuse carts a code violation. The chapter further mandates that 'the Yakima County disposal system shall be used for the disposal of all solid waste generated and/or collected within the corporate limits of the city of Yakima' — the Terrace Heights Landfill (north of the city, off Roosevelt Avenue) and the Lower Valley Transfer Station serve as the regional disposal sites. The business classification has a specific prohibition: 'It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation in the business classification to dispose of or store garbage in refuse carts unless such garbage has been prepared for collection, removal and disposal and complies with the definition of "raw garbage,"' with a separate rule for fruit and vegetable wastes of high moisture content. Yard-waste collection is optional and seasonal: a separate yard-service charge is imposed on each residential unit electing the service, with collection running March 1 through November 30 using one or more 96-gallon city-owned carts. Yard waste is limited to grass clippings, leaves, and small branches; branches must be cut to 3 feet or less and not exceed 3 inches in diameter. Customer service: (509) 575-6080.