Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Kirkland
Washington state municipal collections operate on weekly zone-based routes. Specific days are determined by your Organics Recycling Collection Area (ORCA).
State Mandate
Comply with the WA Organics Management Law. E-waste and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.
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
!Contamination Tips
Ignore the Recycle Symbol on Small Plastics
In Kirkland, items smaller than 3 inches across (such as K-cups, loose bottle caps, rubber bands, and twist-ties) belong in the green garbage cart. Even if they display a recycling symbol, they fall through sorting machinery and cause jams.
Keep Plastic Out of the Gray Compost Cart
Waste Management drivers use 'Oops' tags to monitor contamination in the gray compost carts. Even a small amount of plastic or glass degrades the final compost product. Only food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings belong here.
The Rainy Day Cardboard Rule
While you can set out extra cardboard for free next to your blue bin, never leave it out overnight during heavy rain. Soggy cardboard ruins the paper fibers and will be treated as trash.
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.
About Kirkland Waste Management
Kirkland's Comprehensive Three-Cart System
The City of Kirkland partners with Waste Management (WM) to provide a straightforward three-cart system for single-family residences. Residents are provided with a green garbage cart, a blue recycling cart, and a gray compost cart. Your solid waste collection rates are determined solely by the size of your green garbage cart, making it financially beneficial to recycle and compost as much as possible.
Handling Extra Waste and Overflow
If you find yourself with more waste than your carts can handle, Kirkland has specific rules for curbside extras. Extra recycling is collected for free; just place it in a cardboard box or paper bag next to your blue bin. However, keep an eye on the weather, as soggy cardboard left in the rain cannot be recycled. Extra garbage and yard waste that prevent cart lids from closing completely will incur additional unit fees.
Keep Sidewalks and Bike Lanes Clear
To maintain a safe and accessible environment, Kirkland Municipal Code (KMC 16.08.070) requires residents to promptly manage their curbside carts. Carts may be placed out no earlier than 24 hours before your scheduled service day and must be removed from the curb within 24 hours after collection. Always place your bins on planter strips where available, ensuring they never block traffic, pedestrian sidewalks, or bike lanes.
Complimentary Annual Bulky Item Collection
Disposing of large items like mattresses or old appliances doesn't have to be a hassle. Single-family residential garbage customers in Kirkland receive one free bulky household item collection at the curb every year. This service covers items like sofas, exercise equipment, and barbecue grills, but it must be scheduled in advance by calling Waste Management directly.
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.