Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bothell
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/Black Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged before being placed in the cart. The lid must close completely, and carts should be spaced at least three feet apart at the curb.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Pet waste and diapers (double-bagged)
- ✓Styrofoam packing peanuts (bagged)
- ✓Broken glass or ceramics (safely wrapped)
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be empty, clean, and dry. Place all items loosely in the cart; never use plastic bags to hold your recycling.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper, mail, and magazines
- ✓Empty plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum cans and tin foil
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (lids removed)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags or film
- ✕Block Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste or greasy pizza boxes
- ✕Batteries and electronics
- ✕Shredded paper (unless boxed)
Yard Waste Bin
Collected weekly. Do not use plastic bags. Use only BPI-certified compostable bags or brown kraft paper bags if you need to line your kitchen compost pail.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, vegetables)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (coffee filters, greasy pizza boxes)
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Weeds and plant trimmings
- ✓Small branches (under 4 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One free curbside pickup per calendar year.
Placement
You must schedule your free pickup in advance. Place approved items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your designated bulky waste collection day, keeping them clear of regular carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Couches and large furniture
- ✓ Major household appliances
- ✓ Large metal items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and liquid chemicals
- ✕ Loose construction debris
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Commercial waste
After utilizing your one free annual pickup, additional bulky item collections can be scheduled for an extra fee. Call Recology at 425-453-0220 to arrange.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your regularly scheduled collection falls on or after one of these three observed holidays, service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as garbage service.
Recology operates as normal on all other holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryBothell's steep hills can become hazardous during Pacific Northwest snow and ice events. If Recology delays your service due to dangerous roads, pull your carts back in. They will collect double the normal volume for no extra charge on your next safe collection day.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryRecology provides seasonal holiday tree recycling. Bare trees (absolutely no tinsel, flocking, or ornaments) can be cut into sections and placed in or next to your green organics cart for compost processing.
Autumn
October to NovemberDuring heavy fall leaf drop, residents with excess yard waste must put it in heavy-duty paper yard bags or bundle branches with natural twine. Extra yard waste set next to the green cart may be subject to additional fees.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans and Bottles? Bothell Residents Can Get Some Cash Back!
Did you know that here in Washington, you can get paid for certain bottles and cans? Look for the 'OR' (Oregon) or 'WA' on the label, and bring them to a buyback center. While Bothell itself might not have a dedicated center right on Main Street, places like the BottleDrop Redemption Centers in nearby areas like Everett or Redmond are super convenient. Just redeem your eligible containers and get a few bucks back. It's a nice way to earn a little extra while doing good for the planet!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Around Bothell
Instead of tossing items that are still in good shape, think about donating them! Bothell has some fantastic local options. Goodwill stores are always a great bet for clothing, housewares, and books. For furniture, appliances, or building materials, check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lynnwood – they're always looking for donations that help fund their housing projects. You might even find smaller local thrift shops that appreciate your contributions and support community programs.
Keeping Bothell Beautiful: Tackling Trashy Behavior and Community Efforts
Nobody likes seeing litter around our beautiful Bothell. If you ever witness illegal dumping, the City of Bothell wants to know! You can typically report it online through the city's website or by calling their public works department. They take this seriously. Also, keep an eye out for community clean-up events – these are awesome opportunities to pitch in, meet your neighbors, and make Bothell even more pleasant for everyone. These events often pop up in parks and along trails, so it's a fun way to get involved.
Drop-off Facilities
Recology Store - Bothell
22833 Bothell Everett Hwy, #111, Bothell, WA 98021
Materials Accepted
Houghton Transfer Station
11724 NE 60th St, Kirkland, WA 98033
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I drop off at the Recology Store in Canyon Park?
The Bothell Recology Store is a fantastic resource for recycling items that shouldn't go in your curbside bin. You can drop off clean block Styrofoam, old textiles, household batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and small electronics. Be sure to check store hours before visiting.
How do I schedule my free bulky item pickup in Bothell?
Single-family residential customers in Bothell get one free curbside bulk item pickup per year. To request this service for an old couch, mattress, or appliance, you must contact Recology customer service at 425-453-0220 to get placed on the schedule.
Does my location in King or Snohomish County change my trash schedule?
No. Even though Bothell spans two counties, the City maintains a unified solid waste contract with Recology for all residents within city limits, meaning rules and schedules remain consistent regardless of your county lines.
What should I do with extra yard waste during the fall?
If your green cart is full during peak leaf season, you can put extra yard waste in compostable kraft paper bags or bundle branches with natural twine. Place them next to your cart. Note that extra yard waste units outside the cart may be subject to a small additional fee on your bill.