Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bremerton
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.
Gray or Black Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged before placing it in the cart to prevent litter. The lid must close completely. Ensure the cart is placed 3 feet away from vehicles, mailboxes, and other bins.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Cold fire ashes (double-bagged)
- ✓Pet waste and litter (double-bagged)
- ✓Styrofoam packing peanuts (double-bagged)
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be completely empty, clean, and dry. Place items loosely in the blue cart; never bag your recyclables. Remove and discard plastic caps.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper, mail, and magazines
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Block Styrofoam
- ✕Hazardous waste and electronics
- ✕Diapers and heavily soiled paper
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags. Place yard waste and food scraps loosely in the green/brown cart, or line your kitchen pail with BPI-certified compostable bags only.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Fruit and vegetable scraps
- ✓Meat, dairy, poultry, and bones
- ✓Coffee grounds and filters
- ✓Small branches and plant trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-call basis; scheduling and fees apply.
Placement
Do not place bulky items at the curb without an appointment. Set approved items out by 7:00 a.m. on your specially scheduled pickup date, ensuring they do not block standard waste carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Console televisions
- ✓ Major household appliances
- ✓ Couches and large furniture
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and liquid chemicals
- ✕ Lithium-ion batteries
- ✕ Loose construction materials
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
Special arrangement pickups require an additional fee based on the item's size and disposal requirements. Contact WM Customer Service at 800-592-9995 for a quote and to schedule.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled collection day falls on or after one of these three observed holidays, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week (e.g., Thursday customers move to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as standard garbage service.
Waste Management observes ONLY these three holidays. Your collection will occur completely normally on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruarySevere Pacific Northwest weather, including ice and snow on Bremerton's hills, can delay WM collection routes. If roads are unsafe, leave your carts out; drivers will collect up to twice as much material on your next regular service day at no extra charge.
Spring/Summer
March to AugustAs yard work increases, be mindful of cart weight limits to prevent damage to the automated lifting arms. A 32-gallon cart has a 65-pound limit, and larger carts max out at 180 pounds. Never overload the green bin with heavy wet soil, sod, or large rocks.
Autumn
October to NovemberDuring peak leaf drop season, ensure your carts remain clear of sidewalks and bike lanes. Bremerton Municipal Code requires public pathways to be accessible, so place bins in approved street parking strips or curb cutouts as space allows.
Local Tips & Community Info
Getting Some Green Back for Your Bottles and Cans in Bremerton!
While Bremerton might not have a dedicated bottle buyback center right in town, Washington State does have a fantastic program for getting cash back on your redeemable containers. Look for the Washington State "R" symbol on your cans and bottles – things like soda, water, and juice containers often qualify. You can redeem these at most grocery stores throughout the state that sell those beverages. It’s a great way to turn those recyclables into a little extra pocket money while keeping them out of the landfill. Just make sure they're rinsed out!
Giving Gently Used Stuff a New Life Around Bremerton
Thinking about tossing something that's still in decent shape? Before it hits the curb, consider donating! The Goodwill of the Olympic Peninsula has a location in Bremerton that happily accepts clothing, household goods, and furniture. It’s a fantastic way to support local job training programs and give your pre-loved items a second chance. Plus, it keeps perfectly good things out of the trash. You might also want to check out St. Vincent de Paul in Bremerton; they often have similar donation needs and are a vital part of the community support network.
Keeping Bremerton Beautiful: Tackling Litter and Bulky Ignorance
Nobody likes seeing trash strewn about, right? For those bigger items that don't fit in your regular bin, Kitsap County, which includes Bremerton, has specific rules for disposal, and it’s always best to check their website or give them a call for bulky item pickup. If you happen to spot illegal dumping – someone leaving trash or unwanted items in public spaces – it's super important to report it. You can usually do this through the Kitsap County Public Works department. Reporting helps keep our parks, streets, and neighborhoods cleaner for everyone to enjoy.
Drop-off Facilities
Olympic View Transfer Station
9380 SW Barney White Rd, Bremerton, WA 98312
Materials Accepted
Kitsap County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
5551 SW Imperial Way, Bremerton, WA 98312
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for garbage and recycling collection in Bremerton?
Residential solid waste collection in the City of Bremerton is managed through a partnership with Waste Management (WM) Northwest. Local ordinances require all residents to subscribe to weekly garbage and alternating-week recycling services.
What do the different colored waste carts mean in Washington State?
Following Washington State mandates designed to streamline recycling, your bins are color-coded by material. Gray or black carts are exclusively for garbage, blue carts are for loose recyclables, and green or brown carts are for organic compost and yard waste.
Can I throw food scraps into my yard waste bin in Bremerton?
Yes! If you subscribe to the yard waste service, you are encouraged to add food scraps to your green or brown cart. Accepted items include fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, meat, poultry, dairy, and bones. Just be sure to exclude any plastic packaging or bags.
How do I get rid of an old mattress or large appliance?
Since there is no free community-wide bulk pickup in Bremerton, you have two options. You can call Waste Management at 800-592-9995 to schedule a special curbside pickup for a fee, or you can self-haul the bulky items directly to the Olympic View Transfer Station and pay the per-ton drop-off rate.