Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Burien
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 Bin (Trash)
Set your cart out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Extra garbage must fit in a 2'x2'x2' box placed next to the cart, and the cart's lid must close completely.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Pet waste and diapers (double-bagged)
- ✓Styrofoam packing peanuts
- ✓Dried out latex paint cans
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected every other week. Place all items loosely inside the cart; never use plastic bags to hold your recyclables. Containers must be empty and clean.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened corrugated cardboard
- ✓Paper, mail, and magazines
- ✓Empty plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Wire or plastic clothing hangers
- ✕Block Styrofoam
- ✕Prescription pill vials
- ✕Food waste or liquids
Green Bin (Yard Waste)
Collected weekly. Do not place regular plastic bags inside. Use only BPI-certified compostable bags or paper yard bags if you need to contain extra organic waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, bones)
- ✓Food-soiled paper and greasy pizza boxes
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Weeds and plant trimmings
- ✓Small branches (under 4' long and 4" wide)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One free curbside pickup per calendar year.
Placement
Place approved items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled day. Ensure no individual boxed item exceeds 3'x3'x3' and 65 lbs, unless it is an approved large appliance.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Refrigerators and freezers (doors removed)
- ✓ Sofas and large furniture
- ✓ Hot water tanks
- ✓ Dishwashers
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and liquid chemicals
- ✕ Commercial construction debris
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Lithium-ion batteries
Additional bulky item pickups beyond the annual free allowance require a service fee. Call Recology at 206-767-3322 to request a quote and schedule a collection.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled collection day falls on or after an observed holiday, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Food and yard waste, as well as recycling collections, follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as your standard garbage pickup.
Recology King County operates on all other holidays. Service will occur on your normal scheduled day during Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to JanuaryRecology offers a seasonal Christmas tree collection for Burien residents [1.1.1]. Natural, unflocked, and undecorated trees can be placed curbside on your normal food and yard waste collection day for composting.
Year-Round
January to DecemberBurien's new solid waste contract includes increased service requirements during severe winter weather. If snow or ice delays your pickup, leave your carts out and check the Recology website or app for neighborhood-specific recovery schedules.
Autumn
October to NovemberDuring peak leaf-drop season, extra yard waste that doesn't fit in your green cart can be placed in BPI-certified compostable bags, paper yard bags, or bundled (2'x2'x2' max) next to the bin. Excessive bundles may incur a small additional fee.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Metal? Turn Your Scrap into Cash Around Burien!
While Burien itself might not have a dedicated buyback center right in town, King County has got your back! You can often find places that pay for aluminum cans, copper, and other metals. Many scrap yards in the Seattle area, like Pacific Recycling or Schnitzer Steel, are usually happy to take these items off your hands. Just give them a call before you head over to check their current prices and what they accept. It's a great way to make a few bucks while keeping junk out of the landfill.
Giving Old Treasures a New Home in the Burien Area
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, think about giving them a second life! For furniture, clothing, and household goods, consider donating to places like the Burien Goodwill or the Des Moines Habitat for Humanity ReStore. These organizations help fund local programs and give people access to affordable items. You're not just decluttering; you're helping out your neighbors too!
Keeping Burien Beautiful: Tackling Dumped Trash
Nobody likes seeing trash piled up where it shouldn't be. If you ever spot illegal dumping in Burien, the best thing to do is report it to the City of Burien Public Works department. They have a system to investigate and clean up these messes. Keep an eye out for local community clean-up events too – sometimes the city or neighborhood groups organize these, which are fantastic opportunities to pitch in and make our streets and parks look even better.
Drop-off Facilities
Recology Store Highline
15858 First Avenue S, #A100, Burien, WA 98148
Materials Accepted
Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station
18800 Orillia Rd S, Tukwila, WA 98188
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of an old couch or mattress in Burien?
Burien residential customers are entitled to one free bulky item collection per calendar year for up to three large items like couches, appliances, or mattresses [2.3.1]. You must contact Recology King County at 206-767-3322 to schedule your free pickup before placing items at the curb.
Where can I recycle batteries and lightbulbs in Burien?
Burien offers a free curbside Special Item Recycling program. You can schedule a pickup for household batteries, CFL bulbs, and small electronics by submitting a request form to Recology. You can also drop these items off directly at the local Recology Store Highline.
Can I throw food scraps in my yard waste bin?
Yes! Weekly food and yard waste collection is embedded in your Burien garbage service. You are encouraged to place all food scraps, including meat, dairy, bones, and food-soiled paper (like greasy pizza delivery boxes), directly into your green organics cart.
Does my trash pickup change on summer holidays?
No. Recology King County only shifts collection schedules for three holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Your service will operate on its normal schedule during Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.