King County, WA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

King County has a mandatory recycling program in urban areas under King County Code 10.04 and the adopted Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. Single-family residents in Urban Growth Areas (UGA) must have recycling service, which is included as part of the garbage hauler subscription with no separate subscription charge. Residents pay a single garbage rate and receive recycling and garbage pickup as a bundle. Standard curbside recyclables include paper (newspaper, office paper, magazines, cardboard), glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and specific plastics (typically plastic bottles and jugs). The accepted list varies slightly by hauler and over time; residents should check their hauler website or the King County Solid Waste guide. Yard waste (organics) collection is also available to single-family customers, often optional. Multifamily properties (apartments, condos) are also required to provide recycling service, with owners responsible for ensuring bins are accessible to residents. Commercial businesses within the UGA are required to recycle under KCC 10.04. In rural unincorporated King County (outside the UGA), recycling is voluntary but strongly encouraged. King County prohibits placing recyclables in the garbage (contamination rule for businesses in urban areas). Drop-off recycling is also available at transfer stations for a range of items including electronics, appliances, and textiles.