Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Auburn
Trash Day
Weekly collection Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood route
Recycling
Every other week on your scheduled collection day
Yard Waste
Weekly on the same day as trash collection
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash, recycling, and compost collection services are managed by the City and conveniently billed alongside city water, sewer, and storm drainage services on your monthly utility statement.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (ACH), Mail, Phone, In Person, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
The City of Auburn offers utility discounts and annual rebates for low-income seniors aged 62 or older and permanently disabled residents.
Gray or Black Bin (Trash)
All household garbage should be bagged before being placed in the gray or black cart. Carts must be set out by 7:00 a.m. with lids completely closed and placed 3 feet away from cars, trees, and mailboxes.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Pet waste and kitty litter
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Broken glass and ceramics
- ✓Chip bags and candy wrappers
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected every other week. All recyclables must be empty, clean, and dry. Do not place items in plastic bags; toss them loosely into the blue cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper bags
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
Yard Waste Bin
Do not put plastic in your yard cart. Food scraps can be placed in Kraft paper bags or approved Cedar Grove compostable bags. Yard trimmings must not be placed in plastic garbage bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Kitchen food scraps
- ✓Food-soiled paper (e.g., pizza boxes)
- ✓Leaves and grass clippings
- ✓Branches and twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once per year free of charge
Placement
You must schedule the pickup in advance by contacting WM. Items should be placed curbside by 7:00 a.m. on the confirmed collection day, clear of low-hanging wires or parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large furniture (sofas, chairs)
- ✓ Major household appliances
- ✓ Large boxed items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and chemicals
- ✕ Liquid paints
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Large auto parts
The first scheduled pickup of up to four items is completely free. Additional bulk pickups can be scheduled for a fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Weekday holidays will delay collection by one day for the remainder of the week. For example, if a holiday falls on a Thursday, Thursday customers will be collected on Friday, and Friday customers on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard and food waste collection follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as garbage and recycling.
WM in Auburn only observes these three annual holidays. All other holidays (such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 4th of July) will not affect your collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October - NovemberDuring heavy leaf drop season, extra yard trimmings that do not fit in your yard cart can be placed in Kraft paper yard bags or 32-gallon cans with handles clearly labeled 'Yard'. A fee applies for extra units beyond basic service.
Winter
December - FebruarySevere Pacific Northwest snowstorms or icy roads can delay WM collection trucks. If your service is interrupted due to weather, check the WM Auburn website for real-time recovery schedules before leaving bins out indefinitely.
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning is the perfect time to utilize your free Annual Bulk Item Curbside Pickup. Schedule your collection of up to four large items by calling WM Customer Service at 253-939-9792.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans into Cash Right Here in Auburn!
Did you know you can get a little cash back for those bottles and cans? Washington State has a program, and while Auburn itself doesn't have a dedicated buyback center listed, the closest options are usually within a short drive. Keep an eye out for redemption centers in nearby cities like Kent or Renton. For other recyclables, like scrap metal, checking out local yards like Auburn Scrap Metal can turn your unwanted metal items into a bit of money. It’s a great way to clear out the garage and get rewarded for it!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Auburn
Before you toss that couch or those clothes, think about donating! Auburn has several spots that would love your pre-loved items. Goodwill is a popular choice for clothes and household goods. For furniture and unique finds, Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Kent is a fantastic place to support affordable housing while decluttering. Even local churches or community centers sometimes accept donations for their own drives or to help neighbors in need.
Keeping Our Streets and Parks Litter-Free Together
Nobody likes seeing trash where it shouldn't be. If you ever notice illegal dumping in Auburn, it’s super important to report it. The City of Auburn encourages residents to call the Public Works department or use their online reporting tool if they have one to share details. Staying proactive helps keep our parks and neighborhoods beautiful for everyone. Plus, keep an eye out for community clean-up events that pop up throughout the year – they're a fun way to pitch in and meet your neighbors!
Drop-off Facilities
Algona Transfer Station
35315 W Valley Hwy S, Algona, WA 98001
Materials Accepted
Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station
18800 Orillia Rd S, Tukwila, WA 98188
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the garbage hauler for the City of Auburn, WA?
As of October 2021, Waste Management (WM) is the contracted solid waste hauler for the City of Auburn. They handle all garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection, as well as billing and customer service.
What does an 'Oops' tag on my recycling bin mean?
An 'Oops' tag means the WM driver spotted unacceptable items, such as plastic bags, food waste, or styrofoam, in your blue recycling cart. You must remove the contamination before the cart can be properly serviced.
Does Auburn offer free bulky item pickup for large furniture?
Yes. All WM residential garbage customers in Auburn are eligible for one free Annual Bulk Item Curbside Pickup per year. You can schedule up to four large items (like mattresses or appliances) by calling WM at 253-939-9792.
Can I put kitchen food scraps in my yard waste cart?
Yes! Auburn residents with a yard and food waste subscription are encouraged to put kitchen organics, including vegetable scraps and food-soiled paper, directly into the green yard waste cart. Just ensure you never use plastic bags.