Federal Way, WA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- FWRC 11.20.100
- Container size limit
- 32 gallons max for cans
- Plastic bags
- Not accepted at curbside
- Curbside set-out window
- 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Enforcing office
- Public Works Director
Summary
Federal Way bans mixing yard debris with garbage or recyclables. Only yard debris from residents enrolled in the city's yard debris collection program, separated and set out in approved containers, gets picked up by the city-contracted service provider.
Deposit of yard debris in containers for garbage or recyclables for collection by the service provider shall be unlawful. No garbage or recyclables that are mixed with yard debris will be collected. Only yard debris from persons participating in the city's yard debris collection program that is separated and contained in yard debris carts or such other method approved by the city's current service provider will be collected. Yard debris will not be accepted for pickup by a city-contracted service provider if placed in plastic bags at curbside. Approved containers for yard debris collection include yard debris carts, detachable containers, plastic or galvanized garbage containers no larger than 32 gallons in size, and heavyweight Kraft paper bags. Customer-owned containers shall be labeled with a durable sticker that clearly identifies the container's contents as yard debris. Containers shall be placed at curbside on a public street or private road prior to 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, and shall be removed to their proper storage location as soon as possible after collection, but no later than 8:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
100 makes it unlawful to deposit yard debris in garbage or recyclables containers, and the city-contracted service provider will not collect garbage or recyclables mixed with yard debris. Only participants in Federal Way's yard debris collection program get pickup, and only if the material is separated and contained in an approved container: yard debris carts, detachable containers, plastic or galvanized garbage cans no larger than 32 gallons, or heavyweight Kraft paper bags. Plastic bags of yard debris are refused at curbside outright. Customer-owned containers must carry a durable sticker identifying the contents as yard debris so crews can distinguish them from garbage cans.
the same day. 010, including authority to adopt implementing rules, and it is unlawful to violate any provision of the division or those rules. 120 makes it a public nuisance to let solid waste accumulate around a property in a way that creates odor or volume problems, with the service provider required to notify both the city administrator and the customer of any violation it observes.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of FWRC Title 11's solid waste division, including the yard debris containerization rule, is unlawful under FWRC 11.20.010. The service provider will simply refuse to collect improperly bagged or mixed yard debris, and repeat problem customers can have collection service suspended or denied under FWRC 11.20.150 for conduct that makes continued service unreasonable or unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put yard debris in a plastic bag for pickup?
What happens if I mix yard debris with my garbage?
How early can I put my yard debris cart out?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle yard waste collection.