Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for SeaTac
Trash Day
Garbage is collected weekly, Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Collected every other week on the same day as your regular garbage collection.
Yard Waste
Collected every other week on your scheduled garbage collection day.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Waste collection services in SeaTac are contracted through Recology King County. Residential garbage subscriptions automatically include curbside recycling and food/yard waste collection at no additional charge.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail
Pro Tip / Discount
A 50% discount on basic solid waste rates is available for qualifying low-income senior citizens (age 62 or older) and residents receiving permanent disability benefits.
Gray or Black Bin (Trash)
Place the cart at the curb with the lid fully closed by 7:00 a.m. Extra garbage requires an additional fee if it does not fit in the cart or if the lid is propped open more than 6 inches.
Accepted Items
- ✓Saran wrap and thin plastic food packaging
- ✓Foam trays and non-recyclable containers
- ✓Empty paint cans
- ✓Pet litter (double-bagged)
- ✓Broken glass and ceramics (wrapped)
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be loose, clean, empty, and dry. Extra recycling that cannot fit in the cart can be placed next to it in a single 2'x2'x2' cardboard box.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastic containers, bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Clean, empty glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Block foam (Styrofoam)
- ✕Dirty or greasy paper plates
- ✕Tanglers like hoses or cords
Yard Waste Bin
Collected every other week on the same day as your garbage. If lining your kitchen pail, use only BPI-certified compostable bags. Do not include rocks, dirt, conventional plastics, or glass.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, bones, vegetables)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (without shiny plastic coatings)
- ✓Approved compostable packaging and bags
- ✓Yard waste and grass clippings
- ✓Untreated wood and branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One free curbside collection per calendar year; subsequent pickups on-call for a fee.
Placement
Items must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup date, keeping them clear of regular automated carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and large chairs
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Washing machines and dryers
- ✓ Extra bagged garbage (up to 1 cubic yard)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals and liquid paint
- ✕ Loose construction or demolition debris
- ✕ Items larger than 3ft x 3ft x 3ft
- ✕ Items weighing more than 65 lbs
Additional items exceeding the annual free limit require an additional disposal fee. Call 206-767-1166 or use the Recology form to arrange the collection.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your collection day falls on or after one of these observed holidays, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as garbage service.
Recology King County operates on a normal schedule for all other holidays. You must have your bins at the curb as usual on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring winter weather events with snow and ice, Recology King County may delay or pause service for safety. Leave your carts at the curb and monitor the Recology service alerts page; missed collections will be prioritized once roads are safe.
Spring
MarchThe City of SeaTac hosts a special Spring Recycling Collection event at Sunset Park, which is great for dropping off packing peanuts, propane tanks, antifreeze, oil filters, and scrap metal that cannot go in standard carts.
Year-Round
January to DecemberThe Curbside Special Item Recycling program is available all year. Ensure items like batteries and motor oil are properly sealed in clear plastic bags or jugs according to Recology guidelines so rain doesn't wash chemicals into storm drains.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans and Bottles into Cash Near SeaTac!
Did you know you can get money back for those soda cans and water bottles you're recycling? In Washington, we have a redemption program for most beverage containers. Just look for the 'OR' (Redemption Value) symbol on them. You can take them to various places, like the Bottle Drop centers or other grocery stores that participate. It's a great way to earn a little extra cash while helping the environment. Check out the Washington State Department of Ecology website for a full list of redemption locations near SeaTac, as many are within a short drive!
Give Your Good Stuff a Second Life Around SeaTac
Got gently used clothes, furniture, or household items you're no longer using? Instead of tossing them, consider donating! Goodwill Seattle is a fantastic option, with several locations accessible from SeaTac. They accept a wide range of items and support job training programs. For furniture and home goods, Habitat for Humanity ReStores in nearby South Seattle or Tukwila are always looking for donations that can help build homes for families in our community. It's a win-win – you declutter, and someone else gets a great deal while supporting a good cause.
Keeping Our SeaTac Neighborhoods Clean: Tackling Dumped Stuff
Nobody likes seeing trash illegally dumped in our beautiful SeaTac area. If you spot illegal dumping, it's important to report it so it can be cleaned up. The City of SeaTac has a system for residents to report these issues. Usually, you can call their Public Works department or check the city's official website for a specific reporting form or hotline. They also sometimes organize community clean-up days. Keep an eye on local announcements from the city or community groups for opportunities to pitch in and make SeaTac even better!
Drop-off Facilities
Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station
18800 Orillia Rd S, Tukwila, WA 98188
Materials Accepted
The Recology Store Highline
15858 First Avenue S, #A100, Burien, WA 98148
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who picks up my trash in SeaTac, WA?
In SeaTac, residential garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste collection is managed exclusively by the franchised private hauler, Recology King County [1.1.2]. You must contact them directly at 206-767-1166 for account setup, scheduling bulky collections, and cart changes.
How do I dispose of a bulky item like a mattress in SeaTac?
Recology provides single-family households in SeaTac with one free 'Curbside Clean-Up' every calendar year. This covers up to three non-appliance bulky items like a couch or mattress, or one cubic yard of trash. You must call 206-767-1166 to schedule the pickup in advance.
Does my trash get delayed on the 4th of July or Labor Day?
No. Recology King County operates on a completely normal schedule for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. The only holidays that cause a one-day delay are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
How does the Curbside Special Item Recycling work?
SeaTac residents can recycle specific hard-to-handle items right at the curb. You can set out sealed button batteries, bagged textiles, up to 3 gallons of sealed motor oil, or bagged clean Styrofoam blocks on top of or next to your blue recycling cart on your normal collection day after scheduling a pickup with Recology.