Bothell, WA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Required containers
- Contractor-provided wheeled carts
- Primary garbage container
- At least one rigid container
- Overflow
- Customer-provided approved container, never the primary one
- Container sizes
- Set in the solid waste hauler contract
- Recycling cart per customer
- One of three carts (§ 8.20.020(B))
- Cart identification
- Permanent serial numbers to track lost or stolen carts
Summary
In the City of Bothell, Washington, residential and commercial customers must use contractor-provided wheeled carts for garbage, recycling or organics, with at least one rigid container as the primary garbage container. Overflow can go in a customer-provided approved container, which cannot be the primary container.
As provided in the contract with the solid waste hauler, the contractor shall provide: A. The available container sizes for the respective level of garbage, recycling or organics collection as well as multifamily/commercial recyclables collection and yard debris collection shall be established in the contract with the solid waste hauler. The list of containers is available on the contracted hauler’s website and shall be on file for review and available at the city clerk’s office. ... B. Both residential and commercial customers shall use contractor-provided wheeled carts for garbage, recycling or organics collection service. In all cases, customers will be directed to have at least one rigid container as their primary garbage container. Overflow volumes of garbage, recycling or organics may be placed out for collection in customer-provided approved container as established in the contract with the solid waste hauler and detailed description provided on the solid waste hauler website. This container cannot be the customer’s primary container.
Full Breakdown
Bothell Municipal Code § 8.20.160 sets the container requirements for curbside recycling in the City of Bothell. Container sizes for each level of garbage, recycling or organics collection, as well as multifamily and commercial recyclables collection and yard debris collection, are established in the contract with the solid waste hauler. The list of containers is on the contracted hauler's website and on file at the city clerk's office.
Subsection B is the core rule. Both residential and commercial customers use contractor-provided wheeled carts for garbage, recycling or organics collection service. Customers are directed to have at least one rigid container as their primary garbage container. Overflow volumes can be placed out in a customer-provided approved container as established in the hauler contract and described on the hauler's website, but that container cannot be the customer's primary container. If the customer provides an overflow container, crews are expected to handle it so as to minimize damage, spillage on the roadway or loss of lids.
Cart condition is regulated as well. Contractor-owned carts must be kept in good condition, with no jagged edges or holes, wheels or rollers, and an anti-skid device or enough bottom surface area to prevent unwanted movement. Carts carry instructions for proper use and permanent serial numbers for tracking lost or stolen carts. Carts damaged or missing through accident, the elements, fire, theft or vandalism are replaced as set out in the hauler contract after notice from the customer or city.
The program also depends on service levels in other sections. Section 8.20.020(B) requires the collector to give every customer three carts, one of them for recycling, though the public works director or designee can exempt a customer for space limitations, persistent contamination, or similar unusual circumstances. Under § 8.20.180, recycling is removed at least once weekly, and § 8.20.010(L) defines recyclables as the materials designated in the hauler contract, with the list on file at the city clerk's office and on the hauler's website.
Section 8.20.280 requires all persons to use a licensed hauler.
Violations & Fines
Failing to maintain required collection service is a civil infraction under § 8.20.280, at twenty-five dollars per day per container for a residential customer and two hundred fifty dollars per day per container for a commercial or multifamily customer. A customer who repeatedly damages carts or requests more than one replacement can be reported to the city administrator, and the contractor can discontinue service on the administrator's approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the hauler's recycling cart in Bothell?
Can I use my own bin for extra recycling?
Who replaces a damaged or stolen cart?
Where is the list of recyclable materials?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bothell
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle recycling requirements.