Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Des Moines
Trash Day
Trash is collected weekly, Monday through Friday, depending on your designated neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected every other week on your regular trash collection day.
Yard Waste
Food scraps and yard debris are collected every other week on the same day as your trash and recycling pickup.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential customers are eligible for one free curbside clean-up per calendar year, which includes up to one cubic yard of extra trash and two non-appliance bulky items.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
A 50% discount on garbage service is available for eligible low-income seniors and disabled residents who qualify for the King County property tax exemption, plus a $1/month discount for enrolling in paperless billing and autopay.
Gray Bin (Trash)
Place the cart at the curb with the lid fully closed. Extra garbage requires an additional fee if it does not fit in the cart or if the lid is propped open more than 6 inches.
Accepted Items
- ✓Saran wrap and thin plastic food packaging
- ✓Foam trays and non-recyclable containers
- ✓Empty paint cans
- ✓Pet litter (double-bagged)
- ✓Broken glass and ceramics (wrapped)
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be loose, clean, empty, and dry. Extra recycling that cannot fit in the cart can be placed next to it in a single 2'x2'x2' cardboard box.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastic containers, bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Clean, empty glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Block foam (Styrofoam)
- ✕Dirty or greasy paper plates
- ✕Tanglers like hoses or cords
Yard Waste Bin
If lining your kitchen pail, use only BPI-certified compostable bags. Do not include rocks, dirt, standard plastics, or glass in the green cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, bones, vegetables)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (without shiny plastic coatings)
- ✓Approved compostable packaging and bags
- ✓Yard waste and grass clippings
- ✓Untreated wood and branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One free curbside clean-up per calendar year; subsequent pickups on-call for a fee.
Placement
Items must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup date, keeping them clear of regular automated carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and large chairs
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Washing machines and dryers
- ✓ Extra bagged garbage (up to 1 cubic yard)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals and liquid paint
- ✕ Loose construction or demolition debris
- ✕ Lithium-ion batteries
Appliances with Freon (like refrigerators) and items exceeding the annual free limit require an additional disposal fee. Call 206-762-4900 to arrange the collection.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your collection day falls on or after one of these observed holidays, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as garbage service.
Recology King County operates on a normal schedule for all other holidays. You must have your bins at the curb as usual on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring winter weather events with snow and ice, Recology King County may delay or pause service for safety [4.1.10]. Leave your carts at the curb and monitor the Recology service alerts page; missed collections will be prioritized once roads are safe.
Spring/Fall
March to NovemberDuring heavy landscaping seasons, untreated wood and brush should be cut to fit securely inside the green organics bin. Do not overstuff the cart, as excessively overweight carts can snap the mechanical lifting arms of the collection trucks.
Year-Round
January to DecemberThe Curbside Special Item Recycling program is available all year. Ensure items like batteries and motor oil are properly sealed in clear plastic bags or jugs according to Recology guidelines so rain doesn't wash chemicals into storm drains.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans and Bottles into Cash Around Des Moines!
You know how some recyclables can actually earn you a few bucks? In Washington state, we have a nifty program called the "Deposit" or "Redemption" program. While Des Moines itself might not have a dedicated buyback center right on the doorstep, places like Renton and Federal Way are often close by and have various redemption centers. Think about those soda cans, water bottles, and other containers. Instead of just tossing them, a quick trip to a redemption center can put a little extra change in your pocket. It's a win-win: good for the planet and good for your wallet!
Giving Your Old Treasures a New Home Near Des Moines
Got furniture, clothes, or household items that are still in pretty good shape but you just don't need anymore? Before they end up in the landfill, consider donating them! In the Des Moines area, there are fantastic organizations that would love your gently used items. Look into places like the Goodwill on Pacific Highway South in Federal Way, or check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Kent. They accept all sorts of things and the money they make goes back into supporting our community. It's a great way to declutter and help others at the same time.
Keeping Our Des Moines Neighborhoods Clean and Tidy Together
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be. If you ever spot illegal dumping in or around Des Moines, it's super important to report it. The King County Solid Waste Division has ways to handle this. They often have specific phone numbers or online forms for reporting dumped materials. Keeping an eye out and letting the right people know helps prevent our local parks and streets from becoming eyesores. Plus, there are occasionally community clean-up events organized by local groups or the city itself – keeping an ear out for those can be a great way to pitch in and make Des Moines even better!
Drop-off Facilities
Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station
18800 Orillia Rd S, Tukwila, WA 98188
Materials Accepted
South Household Hazardous Waste Facility
32240 1st Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who picks up my trash in Des Moines, WA?
In Des Moines, Washington, residential garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste collection is managed exclusively by the franchised private hauler, Recology King County. You must contact them directly at 206-762-4900 for account setup and cart changes.
How do I dispose of a bulky item like a mattress?
Recology provides single-family households in Des Moines with one free 'Curbside Clean-Up' every calendar year. This covers two non-appliance bulky items like a couch or mattress, plus one cubic yard of trash. You must call 206-762-4900 to schedule the pickup.
Does my trash get delayed on the 4th of July or Labor Day?
No. Recology King County operates on a completely normal schedule for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. The only holidays that cause a one-day delay are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
How does the Curbside Special Item Recycling work?
Des Moines residents can recycle specific hard-to-handle items right at the curb. You can set out sealed button batteries, bagged textiles, up to 3 gallons of sealed motor oil, or bagged clean Styrofoam blocks on top of or next to your blue recycling cart on your normal collection day.