Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bellevue
Washington state municipal collections operate on weekly zone-based routes. Specific days are determined by your Organics Recycling Collection Area (ORCA).
State Mandate
Comply with the WA Organics Management Law. E-waste and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.
Grey or Black Bin (Trash)
All trash must be bagged before being placed in the container. The lid must close completely, and the cart cannot exceed the 60 lb weight limit.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Wrappers and film
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Broken ceramics
- ✓Diapers
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Keep all recyclables empty, clean, and dry. Do not bag your recyclables; place them loosely inside the blue cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Paper and mail
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires)
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags. If bagging food scraps, use only Cedar Grove-approved compostable bags. Extras can be placed in paper lawn bags or clearly labeled personal cans.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves and grass clippings
- ✓Branches (untreated wood)
- ✓Food scraps and leftovers
- ✓Food-soiled paper (e.g., pizza boxes)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand by appointment
Placement
Scheduled bulk items should be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the designated special pickup day, keeping them clear of vehicles, mailboxes, and standard bins.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Sofas and large furniture
- ✓ Major appliances (refrigerators, washers)
- ✓ Exercise equipment
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid paints
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt and rocks
Fees vary based on the item type and size. Contact customer service at 425-452-4762 for an exact quote.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your collection day falls on or after an observed holiday during the week, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as trash and recycling.
Republic Services in Bellevue only recognizes these three major holidays. Normal service occurs on holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 4th of July.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Never Bag Your Recyclables
Plastic garbage bags jam the automated sorting machinery at the recycling facility. Always toss your clean paper, plastics, and metals loosely into your blue cart.
Keep Plastic Out of the Compost
Produce stickers, rubber bands, and plastic wrappers frequently contaminate yard waste bins. Ensure you remove all non-organic packaging before tossing food scraps into your green bin.
Pizza Boxes Belong in Yard Waste
Grease from pizza ruins paper fibers, making the box unrecyclable. Toss greasy pizza boxes and other food-soiled paper into your organics cart instead.
Seasonal Information
Fall
October - NovemberDuring heavy leaf drop season, excess yard debris can be bundled with natural twine (up to 4x2 ft) or placed in heavy-duty paper lawn bags next to your organics cart.
Winter
December - FebruaryIce and snow can frequently disrupt collection in Bellevue's hillier neighborhoods. Leave your bins at the curb, and check the Republic Services app for updated recovery day schedules.
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning generates excess household chemicals. Remember that fertilizers, pesticides, and old paints cannot go in curbside bins; take them to the Factoria HHW drop-off instead.
About Bellevue Waste Management
Bellevue's Comprehensive Solid Waste Management
The City of Bellevue partners closely with Republic Services to provide a seamless curbside collection program for garbage, recycling, and organics. By prioritizing waste reduction, the city offers extensive resources like the Greener Living Community Classes to educate residents on smart shopping, eliminating food waste, and proper sorting techniques to lower overall carbon footprints.
Mandatory Organics and Food Waste Recycling
To help divert organic materials from regional landfills, Bellevue allows residents to place food scraps, leftover cooking oils, and food-soiled paper directly into their designated yard waste bins. When bagging food waste, it is critical to use only Cedar Grove-approved compostable bags to prevent contamination at local Pacific Northwest composting facilities.
Managing Bulky Items and Oversize Debris
For items too large to fit in standard curbside carts, such as outdated furniture or broken appliances, residents must contact Republic Services directly to schedule a bulky item pickup for an additional fee. Alternatively, those who prefer self-hauling can utilize the King County Transfer Station in Factoria, which accommodates large household loads and oversize scrap metal.
Factoria's Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Proper disposal of dangerous materials is crucial to keeping King County's water systems and Puget Sound clean. Bellevue residents have convenient, year-round access to the King County Household Hazardous Waste Facility located on SE 32nd Street. This specialized drop-off site safely processes old paints, motor oil, household cleaners, and prescription medicines.
Inclement Weather and Winter Service Delays
Bellevue's distinct topography and hilly neighborhoods, such as Somerset and Lakemont, can make winter collections dangerous during Pacific Northwest snow or ice events. Republic Services utilizes an Inclement Weather Guide and provides real-time service alerts through their mobile app to keep residents informed whenever safety concerns mandate a pause in local routes.
Drop-off Facilities
King County Transfer Station (Factoria)
13800 SE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98005
Materials Accepted
Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Facility
13800 SE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98005
Materials Accepted
Bellevue In-City Recycling Drop-off Center
1600 127th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of an old mattress in Bellevue, WA?
You can either call Republic Services at 425-452-4762 to schedule and pay for a curbside bulky item pickup, or you can self-haul the mattress to the King County Transfer Station in Factoria.
Can I put food scraps in my Bellevue yard waste bin?
Yes, Bellevue's organics program accepts food scraps, leftover cooking oils, and food-soiled paper in the yard waste cart. Just make sure to use Cedar Grove-approved bags if you prefer to bag your scraps.
Does my trash get picked up on Memorial Day?
Yes. Republic Services in Bellevue only observes New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Your collection will occur on its normal schedule during Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Where can I recycle old paint and household chemicals?
Hazardous materials cannot go in your curbside bins. Take them to the King County Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 13800 SE 32nd St (Factoria) for safe disposal.