Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Oak Harbor
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, based on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected curbside on the same day as your weekly trash service.
Yard Waste
Subscription yard waste is collected weekly from March 1 through November 30, and during the first week of each month from December through February.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Solid waste and recycling charges are bundled with your city water and sewer services on one monthly bill. Extra garbage is only collected if placed in official City of Oak Harbor pre-paid bags.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (Direct Debit), Phone, In Person, Mail, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
A 17% low-income discount is available on water, sewer, and 20-gallon trash cart rates for eligible residents who meet income guidelines (annual renewal required).
Grey or Green (Varies) Bin (Trash)
Lids must be firmly closed. Overfilled carts will not be serviced. Place carts within 3 feet of the curb by 7:00 a.m. with a 2-foot clearance from other bins. Use prepaid City bags for extra trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Styrofoam and foam packaging
- ✓Packing peanuts
- ✓Food-soiled paper and pizza boxes
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Place all items loosely in the cart. Small amounts of cardboard (up to 4x4 feet) can be bundled next to the cart. Motor oil and car batteries may be placed NEXT to the cart for collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and newspaper
- ✓Clean aluminum and tin cans
- ✓#1 PETE plastic food and beverage containers
- ✓#2 natural plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Food or organic waste
- ✕Food-soiled items (pizza boxes, foil, paper plates)
- ✕Styrofoam and packing peanuts
- ✕Yard waste and greenery
- ✕Plastic bags
Yard Waste Bin
Available by subscription only. Collected weekly from March to November, and only the first week of the month from December to February. Extra yard waste must be placed in pre-paid City yard waste bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Lawn clippings and greenery
- ✓Garden waste and weeds
- ✓Leaves and small brush
- ✓Bare Christmas trees (in January/February)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On demand (requires scheduling and payment)
Placement
Place your scheduled bulk items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Ensure they are clear of low-hanging tree branches, power lines, and standard waste carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household junk
- ✓ Oversized bagged trash
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Storm debris from private property trees
- ✕ Liquid paints
- ✕ Construction debris
Pricing for special bulky pickups varies by item size and volume. You must call the Utilities Office at 360-279-4766 to get a quote and schedule your collection.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your collection day falls on a City-observed holiday, service is typically pushed back to the following day (e.g., Thursday collections move to Friday). However, some Friday holidays may result in an earlier Thursday pickup, so always consult the city's annual calendar.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the exact same holiday shift as garbage and recycling.
Always place your carts at the curb by 7:00 a.m., even on holiday makeup days, as routing times may fluctuate.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring the winter months, subscription yard waste collection is reduced. Your green cart will only be serviced during the first week of December, January, and February.
Spring
March to MayBeginning March 1st, the subscription yard waste program resumes its weekly schedule to accommodate spring landscaping, pruning, and heavy grass clippings.
Winter
January to FebruaryThe City of Oak Harbor picks up bare, un-flocked Christmas trees (free of all lights and ornaments) alongside the yard waste bin during the first week of January and February.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cashing In on Your Cans and Bottles Right Here in Oak Harbor!
Did you know Washington state has a program where you can get cash back for certain bottles and cans? While Oak Harbor might not have a dedicated buyback center within the city limits, it's worth checking out places in nearby towns. Keep an eye out for redemption centers on Whidbey Island or even a quick trip over to the mainland. You can usually get 10 cents back for each qualifying item. It's a great way to make a little extra while helping the environment. For larger scrap metal items, look for local scrap yards that might be open to taking them off your hands. Sometimes they even pay by weight!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Our Community
Before tossing items that are still perfectly good, think about donating them! In Oak Harbor, the Salvation Army is a fantastic place to drop off clothing, furniture, and household goods. If you've got items that could be useful for home building or renovation projects, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Everett (a bit of a drive, but worth it!) is always looking for donations. These places help support local programs and give your pre-loved items a new purpose, keeping them out of the landfill.
Keeping Oak Harbor Beautiful: Tackling Trash Together
Concerned about illegal dumping in our beautiful Oak Harbor area? The best way to handle this is to report it immediately. You can typically call the City of Oak Harbor Public Works or code enforcement if you see any improperly discarded waste. They have procedures for cleanup and can investigate. For those who want to get hands-on, keep an eye out for community clean-up events organized by local groups or the city itself. Participating in these is a wonderful way to connect with neighbors and make a visible difference in keeping our parks and streets tidy.
Drop-off Facilities
Island County Solid Waste (Coupeville Transfer Station)
20062 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239
Materials Accepted
Mailliard's Landing (Brush & Yard Waste Disposal)
3068 Oak Harbor Road, Oak Harbor, WA
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides garbage collection in Oak Harbor, WA?
The City of Oak Harbor Solid Waste Division handles all residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection directly for homes within the city limits.
How do I dispose of extra garbage that doesn't fit in my cart?
Oak Harbor will not service overflowing carts. You must purchase official pre-paid City of Oak Harbor garbage bags for $5.00 each at Safeway, Haggen, Saar's, or the Utilities Office, and place them next to your cart.
Can I recycle motor oil or car batteries at the curb?
Yes. The City of Oak Harbor allows residents to place used motor oil in sealed containers, car batteries, and small amounts of scrap metal neatly on the ground next to the blue recycling cart.
Does Oak Harbor pick up yard waste in the winter?
During the winter season (December 1st to February 28th), the subscription yard waste program is reduced to a single collection during the first week of the month.