Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Kirkland
Trash Day
Collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Collected weekly on the same day as garbage.
Yard Waste
Compost (food and yard waste) is collected weekly on your regular garbage day.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste services are billed through the City of Kirkland on your bi-monthly utility statement alongside water and sewer.
Billing Cycle
Bi-monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (Direct Debit/ACH), Phone, Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Low-income senior discounts are available for eligible single-family residents.
Green Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged and fit inside the green cart with the lid completely closed. Cans up to 32 gallons have a 35-pound weight limit.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Diapers and disposable wipes
- ✓Pet waste (double-bagged)
- ✓Styrofoam and packing peanuts (double-bagged)
- ✓Cold ashes (double-bagged)
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Place items loose in the cart (never bagged). Items must be empty, clean, and dry, and at least 3 inches in diameter.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard
- ✓Paper (mail, magazines, newspaper)
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Metal cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Items smaller than 3 inches
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Prescription bottles
Yard Waste Bin
Do not put plastic or compostable plastic bags in the gray cart. Extra yard waste must be placed in kraft paper bags, 32-gallon cans labeled 'Yard', or bundled up to 4'x2' with twine.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps
- ✓Food-soiled paper (pizza boxes, paper towels)
- ✓Leaves and branches
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Houseplants (no pots)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One free pickup per year for single-family residential customers.
Placement
Items must be placed at the curb on the scheduled pickup day. WM trucks may use robotic arms, so ensure items are free from obstructions.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Sofas and furniture
- ✓ Large household appliances
- ✓ Barbecue grills
- ✓ Exercise equipment
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid paints
- ✕ Loose construction debris
- ✕ Tires
After using your one free annual pickup, additional bulky item collections are subject to a fee. Call WM at 425-587-0040 to schedule.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your regular service day falls on or after an observed holiday, collection will be pushed forward by one day for the rest of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
No specific yard waste exceptions; follows the standard holiday delay schedule.
These are the only three holidays that disrupt waste collection in Kirkland. Service occurs normally on all other holidays, including Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall/Winter
November to JanuaryCollection schedules shift during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If your pickup day falls on or after these holidays, service is delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Spring/Summer
March to AugustDuring peak landscaping season, manage yard waste overages by tying branches into 4'x2' bundles using natural sisal twine. Never use plastic twine or wire, as these contaminate the municipal compost.
Year-Round
January to DecemberTo deter local wildlife, ensure all food scraps in your gray compost cart are layered beneath yard clippings or contained in a paper bag. Free countertop food scrap pails are available for pickup at City Hall.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Old Cans and Bottles into Cold, Hard Cash Around Kirkland!
Did you know you can get paid for your recyclables in Washington? While Kirkland itself might not have a dedicated buyback center right in town, the state's "You Buy It, You Buy It Back" (BY-BY) program makes it easy. Just look for the recycling symbol on most beverage containers. You can usually redeem these at grocery stores and other retailers across King County that offer bottle and can returns. It’s a great way to earn a little extra while keeping those materials out of the landfill. For larger scrap metal items, a quick search for "scrap metal yards Seattle area" will bring up options like Scrap King or Pacific Northwest Scrap Metals, which are typically a short drive away and might offer cash for your unwanted metal goods.
Give Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life in Kirkland
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, consider donating them! Goodwill is a fantastic option with several locations near Kirkland, including one in Bellevue. They accept clothing, household goods, electronics, and furniture. Another wonderful place to check out is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Bellevue. They often have great deals on gently used home improvement items, furniture, and appliances, and your donations help fund affordable housing projects. For smaller, unique items or if you're looking for a more niche charity, a quick search for "charities accepting donations Kirkland" will reveal local organizations that might be a perfect fit for your pre-loved treasures.
Keeping Kirkland Beautiful: What to Do About Dumping & Extra Help
While Kirkland works hard to keep our streets clean, sometimes folks need a hand with bigger clean-up efforts. Keep an eye on the City of Kirkland's website or local community boards for announcements about neighborhood clean-up events. They're a fantastic way to get involved and make a real difference. If you ever spot illegal dumping, it's super important to report it. You can usually do this directly through the City of Kirkland's public works department or by calling their non-emergency line. Reporting helps them track the problem and find solutions. For specific items like old paint, batteries, or electronics that can't go in your regular bins, King County hosts periodic Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events, so watch for those dates!
Drop-off Facilities
Houghton Transfer Station
11724 NE 60th St, Kirkland, WA 98033
Materials Accepted
Kirkland City Hall Recycling Center
123 Fifth Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033 (Downstairs Lobby)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulky item pickup in Kirkland?
Single-family residents in Kirkland are entitled to one free bulky item curbside collection per year. To schedule the pickup for an old mattress, sofa, or appliance, you must call Waste Management customer service directly at 425-587-0040.
What should I do if my garbage or recycling cart is completely full?
If you have extra recycling, you can place it in a paper bag or a small cardboard box next to your blue cart for free. However, extra garbage or yard waste that doesn't fit inside your green or gray carts with the lid completely closed will incur an extra unit fee.
Can I leave my trash bins out on the sidewalk all week?
No. According to Kirkland Municipal Code, carts can be placed at the curb no earlier than 24 hours before your collection day and must be brought back in within 24 hours after they are emptied to keep sidewalks and bike lanes clear.
Are plastic bags allowed in the Kirkland recycling or compost carts?
No. Plastic bags, including compostable or biodegradable bags, are strictly prohibited in both the blue recycling cart and the gray compost cart. Recyclables should be loose, and food scraps should be placed directly in the compost cart or wrapped in a paper bag.