Renton, WA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

RMC 8-1-1 sets solid waste collection as "compulsory and universal" for garbage, but expressly makes "collection of recyclables and yard waste... voluntary." Once a resident participates, RMC 8-1-3(E) governs who may collect the material: "Any person may collect residential and multi-family recyclables. However, once recyclables are placed at the curbside or other approved point of collection, then residential and multi-family recyclables may be collected only by the City's collection contractor." Scavenging curbside recyclables is separately banned under RMC 8-1-4(N), which transfers ownership to the collection contractor the moment materials are set out.

Recyclable materials are defined in RMC 8-1-2 to include newspaper, uncoated mixed paper, aluminum, glass and metal, food and beverage containers, and PET #1 and HDPE #2 plastic bottles, plus other materials the City and its contractor designate as recyclable, collected in 32, 65, or 90-gallon recycling carts or bins.

Under RMC 8-1-8(B), regular recyclables collection for single-family, duplex, and multi-family residences runs one day per week between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., unless the City authorizes an extension or more frequent pickup. Containers must go to the curb no earlier than 24 hours before collection day and be pulled back within 24 hours after, per RMC 8-1-3(C); in the Center Downtown, Center Village, Commercial Arterial, and Commercial Neighborhood zones, RMC 8-1-4(L) sets sidewalk placement between 5:00 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. the following morning.