Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Kent
Trash Day
Trash is collected weekly, Monday through Friday, based on your neighborhood service zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your trash pickup (following an alternating R1/R2 schedule).
Yard Waste
Yard and food waste is collected every other week on your regular collection day, alternating with your recycling weeks.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside solid waste is serviced by Republic Services under city contract, while water, sewer, and storm drainage are managed directly by the City of Kent. You can reduce your bill by choosing a smaller garbage cart size.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone, In-Person, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
The Lifeline Utility Rate Reduction Program offers rate discounts to qualifying low-income seniors (aged 62+) and permanently disabled individuals.
Grey or Black Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be securely bagged and tied to prevent littering. The cart lid must close completely, and containers must not exceed local weight limits (typically 65 lbs for a standard 32-gallon cart).
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Broken ceramics
- ✓Plastic wrappers
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables. All items must be placed loosely into the blue cart, and they should be thoroughly emptied, cleaned, and dried to prevent cross-contamination.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use standard plastic bags. If bagging organics, only use Cedar Grove-approved compostable bags or brown paper sacks. Yard waste must not contain dirt, rocks, or treated wood.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves, grass, and branches
- ✓Fruit and vegetable scraps
- ✓Meat, bones, and dairy
- ✓Pizza boxes and paper napkins
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand by appointment
Placement
Set scheduled bulk items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the day of your confirmed appointment, ensuring they do not block sidewalks, hydrants, or vehicle traffic.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Sofas and large furniture
- ✓ Refrigerators and freezers
- ✓ Washers and dryers
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Liquid paints
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Large amounts of dirt, rock, or concrete
Special pickups incur an additional fee per item, which is billed directly to your Republic Services account. Call 206-682-9730 for current rates.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your regular service day falls on or after an observed holiday during the week, collection will be shifted one day later for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and yard waste collections follow the exact same one-day holiday delay as garbage and recycling.
Republic Services operates on a normal schedule for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day. Place your bins out on your normal day for these holidays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October - NovemberAutumn winds blow heavy leaves into Kent's storm drains, causing localized street flooding. Rake leaves up and put them in your green yard waste cart—never blow them into the street.
Winter
December - FebruarySnow or ice can halt collection on Kent's steep hills. If routes are canceled, bring your bins in and put out double the amount of waste on your next regular collection day at no extra charge.
Spring
March - MayDuring spring cleaning, you may uncover old paints, pesticides, and pool chemicals. Do not put these in your household bins. Take them to the traveling Wastemobile or a local hazardous waste drop-off site.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash In On Your Cans and Bottles Right Here in Kent!
While Kent doesn't have specific buyback centers listed directly in the city, don't let that stop you from getting a little something back for your empties! In Washington State, most beverage containers like soda cans, beer bottles, and juice boxes have a deposit. You can take these to larger grocery stores or dedicated redemption centers throughout King County. A quick search for "bottle redemption centers King County" will show you nearby options. Plus, for larger quantities of scrap metal, check out places like Pacific Steel & Recycling in Auburn, which is super close by and can often give you cash for unwanted metal items like old appliances (make sure they're empty and drained!) or scrap metal pieces.
Give Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life in Kent's Neighborhood
Before you toss out gently used items, think about giving them a new home! Kent has a few great spots to donate. Goodwill Seattle | King County has several donation centers, and you can find one conveniently located in or near Kent. Also, consider the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Kent. They accept donations of furniture, building materials, and home goods that are in good condition, and your donations help fund affordable housing projects. It's a win-win for you and the community!
Keeping Kent Clean: What to Do About Dumped Junk
Seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be is a bummer for everyone in Kent. If you spot illegal dumping, the best thing to do is report it! The City of Kent has a process for this. You can usually find a way to report these issues directly on the city's website, often under public works or environmental services. They might ask for the location and a description of the dumped items. Also, keep an eye out for community clean-up events! Sometimes local groups organize these, and it's a fantastic way to pitch in and make Kent even more beautiful. Check the city's community calendar or local news for upcoming opportunities to volunteer.
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 Wastemobile (at the Outlet Collection)
1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides garbage collection services for the City of Kent?
Residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection in Kent is contracted out and managed by Republic Services. You can reach their customer service at 206-682-9730.
Can I put food waste in my yard bin in Kent?
Yes, Kent residents are encouraged to put all food scraps—including meat, bones, dairy, and food-soiled paper like pizza boxes—into their green yard waste carts to be composted.
Is my trash pickup delayed on Memorial Day or the 4th of July?
No. Republic Services in Kent only observes New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For all other holidays, including Memorial Day and Independence Day, set your bins out on your normal collection day.
Where can I take my old paint or household chemicals?
Hazardous materials are banned from the curbside trash. You can safely dispose of them at the Auburn Wastemobile, located outside the Auburn Outlet Collection mall on weekends, at no cost to King County residents.