Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Covington
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, according to your neighborhood collection schedule.
Recycling
Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your regular trash pickup.
Yard Waste
Yard debris and organics are collected every other week on your scheduled pickup day.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside collection is contracted through Republic Services; residents are also entitled to one free bulky item pickup of up to two eligible items per year.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
Qualifying seniors and low-income residents may be eligible for rate discounts and utility tax relief.
Grey or Black Bin (Trash)
Bag all garbage securely before placing it in the cart. Double bag messy items like pet waste. The cart must be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. with the lid completely closed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam and foam packaging
- ✓Pet waste and kitty litter (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.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, unwaxed cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper, mail, and newspaper
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film wrap
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food residue and liquids
- ✕Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags. Layer wet food scraps with dry yard waste. Absolutely no pet waste, dirt, rocks, or large tree trunks are allowed in the organics cart.
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
One free pickup (2 items) per year
Placement
Once scheduled, place your bulky items at the curb on your normal service day. You may put both free items out on the same day or split them up.
Accepted
- ✓ Small furniture items
- ✓ Mattresses (must be wrapped/sealed if required)
- ✓ Large bagged garbage (under 50 lbs)
- ✓ Small appliances (under 60 lbs and 2x2x2 ft)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Rocks, dirt, and concrete
- ✕ Tree stumps and large trunks
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, batteries, solvents)
- ✕ Items over 50 lbs or over 4 feet long
The first 2 bulky items per year are picked up for free. Additional items or oversized loads will require an additional fee or need to be self-hauled to a King County Transfer Station.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Republic Services 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.
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 icy conditions, Republic Services may delay collection for safety. If your street is impassable, leave your carts at the curb; missed collections will be recovered as soon as weather permits.
Fall
October to NovemberAutumn brings heavy leaf drops across King County. Ensure branches are cut down to fit loosely inside the yard waste cart so they don't wedge and prevent the container from emptying fully into the automated truck.
Spring
March to MaySpring cleaning is a great time to take advantage of your 1 free bulk pickup (up to 2 items) per year. Remember that no single item or bag can weigh more than 50 lbs or exceed 4 feet in length.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash in on Your Cans and Bottles Right Here in Covington?
While Covington doesn't have a specific buyback center right in town, don't let that stop you from cashing in on your recyclables! King County has a strong focus on recycling, and you'll find several redemption centers a short drive away. Many grocery stores in the greater Seattle area, including those accessible from Covington, have machines that accept cans and bottles for a small refund. Check out the locations listed by the Washington State Department of Ecology for redemption centers near the Puget Sound region. It's a great way to make a little extra cash while helping the environment!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Covington
Before you toss out those items that are still in good shape, think about donating them to a local charity! For folks in Covington, a great option is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Kent. They accept furniture, appliances, home goods, and building materials, and your donation helps fund affordable housing projects. You can also look for local thrift stores in nearby communities that support various causes. It's a fantastic way to declutter your home and help out a neighbor in need, all at the same time.
Keeping Covington Beautiful: Tackling Dumped Stuff
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be, especially in our beautiful Covington surroundings. If you happen to spot illegal dumping, the best thing to do is report it. For incidents in King County, you can contact the King County Sheriff's Office or the Solid Waste Division. They have specific procedures to deal with these situations and help keep our neighborhoods clean. Keep an eye out for community cleanup events too; often, local groups organize these to spruce up parks and public areas. Your vigilance helps make Covington a nicer place for everyone!
Drop-off Facilities
Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station
18800 Orillia Rd S, Tukwila, WA 98005
Materials Accepted
Auburn Public Health Center (Household Hazardous Waste Drop Box)
901 Auburn Way North, Suite A, Auburn, WA
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides garbage collection in Covington, WA?
Republic Services is the contracted residential solid waste and recycling hauler for the City of Covington. They handle all curbside trash, recycling, and organics collections.
How do holidays affect my trash pickup in Covington?
Republic Services delays service by one day only for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. If your pickup day falls on or after one of these holidays, service slides to the next day. All other holidays operate on a normal schedule.
Does Covington offer free bulk trash pickup?
Yes. Covington residents receive one free bulk pickup of up to two items per year. Items cannot exceed 50 pounds or 4 feet in length. You must call Republic Services at 253-872-4632 to schedule the pickup.
Where can I take extra garbage or construction debris?
For loads that are too large for curbside collection, Covington residents can self-haul materials to the King County Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station located at 18800 Orillia Rd S in Tukwila.