Lakewood, WA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Separately from the curbside commingled recycling the contractor runs for residential customers, LMC 13.06.300 regulates who is legally allowed to collect recyclables from any generator in Lakewood at all. Unless a statutory exemption applies, no transporter other than the City's own contractor may collect recyclables from generators within the City without first obtaining a transporter permit from the City of Lakewood. Permits run on a calendar-year basis, valid January 1 through December 31, and the applicant has to pay the full annual fee for the year in question regardless of when during the year the fee is actually paid, per LMC 13.06.300(B).

The chapter does not block legitimate recycling businesses: LMC 13.06.300(C) and (D) preserve the right of a recycling company, nonprofit, or commercial or industrial generator to sell, convey or arrange transport of its own recyclables to a recycler, so long as it holds the required permit, pays the fees, and otherwise complies with Chapter 13.06 LMC. The application itself, under LMC 13.06.310, goes to the Public Works Department and must include the applicant's business information, business license number, proof of liability insurance, indemnification language, and a $1,000 application or renewal fee.

Permitted transporters also have to register the address of every recycling cart or container they place in the City within 30 days, paying a $100.00 location registration fee per cart or container per location under LMC 13.06.340(A), renewable annually.