Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Federal Way
Trash Day
Trash collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood zone. Check the city's residential garbage map or log into your Waste Management account to confirm your specific pickup day.
Recycling
Collected every other week on the same day as your regular trash collection.
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on your regular trash collection day for subscribed yard and food waste customers.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Waste Management bills residential customers every three months, with recycling included in your base rate. Residents also receive one free annual curbside pickup of up to 3 bulky items and 15 bags or boxes of extra trash.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person Pay Stations
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible low-income households (under 50% AMI) can apply for the City of Federal Way Utility Tax Rebate Program for garbage utility taxes. Free cart carry-out assistance is also available for residents with disabilities.
Grey/Black Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged before being placed in the bin. Carts must not exceed 60 pounds for a 32-gallon size. Overweight containers will not be emptied.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Cold ashes
- ✓Broken ceramics
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Place recyclables loosely in the blue cart without bags. Ensure all containers are empty, clean, and dry. Do not worry about plastic numbers; recycle based on shape (bottle, jug, or tub only).
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and paper
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Never use plastic bags. Food scraps can be placed in paper bags or compostable bags. Keep lids fully closed. Extra yard debris can go in heavy-duty paper lawn bags or bundles tied with sisal twine.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Branches and twigs
- ✓Food scraps
- ✓Food-soiled paper (e.g., pizza boxes, napkins)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once per year free of charge
Placement
Collection must be scheduled in advance and will take place on your regular service day. Items should be placed curbside by 7:00 a.m.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Sofas and furniture
- ✓ Large household appliances
- ✓ Up to 15 additional bags of garbage
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid paints
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Dirt, rocks, and concrete
The first annual pickup is free. For additional pickups or items exceeding the limit, contact WM at 253-833-3333 for rates.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your 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
Yard and food waste collection follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as trash and recycling.
WM only observes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Normal service occurs on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - FebruaryIf snow or ice delays your garbage pickup, you can put out double the amount on your next regular collection day for free. Keep a few sturdy plastic bags handy for extra trash.
Fall
October - NovemberFor excess fall leaves that won't fit in your green cart, use 32-gallon cans labeled 'Yard Waste', heavy paper yard bags, or tie branches into 4'x2' bundles using natural sisal twine.
Spring
April - MaySpring cleaning often uncovers old paint and garden chemicals. Never put hazardous waste in your curbside carts; take it to the Auburn Hazardous Wastemobile or a local drop-off site.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Those Cans and Bottles into Cash in Federal Way!
Did you know you can get paid for some of your recyclables right here in our area? While Federal Way itself might not have a dedicated buyback center, the state of Washington has a great program called the "Re-Usable Container" (RUC) system. This means many of your canned beverages and bottled drinks have a small deposit that you can redeem. Look for the "0.05" or "0.10" on the container. You can often take these back to larger grocery stores or beverage retailers in the Federal Way vicinity that participate in the program. Check with stores like Fred Meyer or Safeway to see if they accept them. For scrap metal, places like Pacific Metal Company in Tacoma are usually a good bet for turning old metal items into a little extra spending money.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a New Home in Federal Way!
Before you toss items that are still in good shape, think about donating them! Federal Way has some wonderful organizations ready to give your unwanted goods a second life. The Franciscan House Thrift Store is a popular spot where your clothing, furniture, and household items can find new owners and help support a good cause. Another great option is checking out the South King County Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Federal Way. They take donations of furniture, appliances, building materials, and home decor, with proceeds helping build homes for families in need. It's a fantastic way to declutter and help out your neighbors.
Keeping Federal Way Beautiful: Tackling Trash Talk and Spills
Nobody likes seeing trash littering our beautiful Federal Way. If you spot illegal dumping, it’s super important to report it to the city. You can usually do this by calling the Federal Way City Hall or checking their public works website for a specific reporting form or number. They take this seriously! Keep an eye out for community clean-up events, too. Often, local groups organize these to spruce up parks and public spaces. Participating is a great way to meet people and make a real difference in keeping our city clean and welcoming for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station
18800 Orillia Rd S, Tukwila, WA 98188
Materials Accepted
Algona Transfer Station
35315 W Valley Hwy S, Algona, WA 98001
Materials Accepted
Auburn Hazardous Wastemobile (at Outlet Collection)
1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Federal Way offer free large item pickup?
Yes! All WM single-family residential garbage customers in Federal Way receive a free 'Annual Bonus Curbside Pickup' once a year. This includes up to three large items and 15 extra bags of trash. You must call 253-833-3333 to schedule it.
Can I put food waste in my yard bin in Federal Way?
Yes. Federal Way's green cart program accepts food scraps, leftover kitchen grease, and food-soiled paper (like pizza boxes) mixed with your yard trimmings. Just remember not to use plastic bags.
What is the holiday trash schedule for Federal Way?
WM in Federal Way only delays service for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. If your normal pickup falls on or after the holiday, your collection is pushed back one day. Service runs normally on all other holidays.
What happens if it snows and my trash isn't collected?
If winter weather in King County causes WM to cancel your collection route, you can put out double the amount of garbage, recycling, and yard waste on your next regularly scheduled service day at no extra charge.