Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bothell West
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 Green (varies by standard WM cart) Bin (Trash)
Bag all garbage securely before placing it in the cart. Double bag messy items like pet waste and cold ashes. The cart must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. with the lid completely closed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam and packing peanuts
- ✓Pet waste (double-bagged)
- ✓Cold ashes and sawdust (double-bagged)
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Place all items loosely in the blue cart—never bag your recyclables. Ensure all food and beverage containers are Empty, Clean, and Dry. Lids should be removed from glass jars.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, unwaxed cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper and magazines
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film wrap
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food residue and liquids
- ✕Scrap metal
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags. Layer wet food scraps with dry yard waste. Extra yard waste can be placed in heavy-duty paper yard bags, 35-gallon cans labeled 'Yard', or bundles tied with natural twine (4'x2' limit).
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and weeds
- ✓Leaves, branches, and brush
- ✓Fruit, vegetable, meat, and dairy scraps
- ✓Coffee grounds and filters
- ✓Food-soiled paper and pizza boxes
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On demand (requires scheduling)
Placement
Once scheduled, place your bulky items at the curb securely on the morning of your confirmed special pickup date.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Couches and large furniture
- ✓ Large household junk
- ✓ Non-freon appliances
Not Accepted
- ✕ Liquid hazardous waste
- ✕ Chemicals and pesticides
- ✕ Vehicle batteries
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Wet oil-based paints
Extra fees apply for all bulky item collections. You must contact Waste Management Northwest at 1-800-592-9995 to request an exact quote and book your pickup.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Waste Management Northwest observes Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. If your collection day falls on or after a weekday holiday, service is delayed by one day for the remainder of the week (e.g., Thursday customers picked up Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and recycling collections follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as the standard garbage routes.
For all other holidays, including Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day, your trash will be collected on its normal schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring heavy Pacific Northwest snowstorms or ice events, Snohomish County collection routes may be delayed for safety. Check the WM Northwest Service Alerts page. If your street is impassable, leave your carts at the curb for recovery when conditions improve.
Fall
October to NovemberAutumn brings heavy leaf drops. If you exceed your yard waste cart's capacity, you can place extra leaves in Kraft paper yard bags, 35-gallon cans labeled 'Yard', or tie branches with natural twine (up to 4'x2'). Extra fees may apply.
Spring
March to MaySpring cleaning often generates extra refuse. Remember that overweight carts will not be serviced by the automated trucks. If you have extra garbage, place it in sealed bags next to your bin (extra fees apply), or schedule a bulk pickup for major cleanouts.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cashing In Those Cans and Bottles Around Bothell West!
Hey neighbors! While Bothell West doesn't have its own specific buyback center right in the immediate area, Washington State's got your back with the "Bring Back the Bottle" program. This means you can get money back for most beverage containers like soda, juice, and water bottles. Look for "redemption centers" at grocery stores or dedicated spots in nearby areas like Redmond or Woodinville. It's a great way to earn a little extra cash and keep those recyclables out of the landfill. You can find a list of redemption centers on the Department of Ecology's website. Also, for scrap metal, think about checking out places like Puget Sound Scrap in Everett or similar yards a little further out, they often pay by weight for metals like aluminum, steel, and copper.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Bothell
Instead of tossing items that are still in good shape, why not give them a new home? For furniture, housewares, and building materials, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lynnwood is a fantastic option. They accept donations and then sell them to fund their building projects. You could also check out Goodwill locations in areas like Shoreline or Redmond for clothing, books, and smaller household goods. There are often local churches or community centers that accept donations for specific needs too, so a quick call to a few in the Bothell area might uncover a great spot to donate.
Keeping Bothell West Clean: Tackling Dumping & Joining the Clean-Up Crew
Let's be real, seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be is a bummer. If you ever spot illegal dumping happening or notice a problem area in Bothell West, the best bet is to report it directly to King County Solid Waste Division. They have systems in place to address these issues. For those who want to be part of the solution, keep an eye out for community clean-up events. Many local parks and public spaces in the greater Bothell area organize volunteer clean-ups throughout the year, often announced on the city's website or through local community groups on social media. It's a great way to meet neighbors and make a visible difference.
Drop-off Facilities
Southwest Recycling & Transfer Station (SWRTS)
21311 61st Pl W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Materials Accepted
Snohomish County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off
3434 McDougall Ave, Everett, WA 98201
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides garbage collection in Bothell West, WA?
Bothell West is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Snohomish County. While homes inside the Bothell city limits use Recology, residents in Bothell West are serviced by Waste Management (WM) Northwest.
What holidays delay trash pickup in Bothell West?
WM Northwest observes New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If your normal pickup day falls on or after one of these holidays, your service will be delayed by one day for that week. All other holidays operate on a normal schedule.
Can I put extra garbage bags next to my cart?
Yes, you can place extra garbage next to your cart, but there is an additional charge for any refuse that does not fit inside your primary cart with the lid completely closed.
How do I dispose of old paint in Snohomish County?
Liquid oil-based paint cannot be thrown in the trash. Take it to the Snohomish County Household Hazardous Waste facility in Everett. However, fully dried and hardened latex paint cans can be disposed of in your regular garbage.