Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Tacoma
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.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside solid waste, recycling, stormwater, and wastewater charges are bundled into a single monthly bill managed by Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU).
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
A 35% discount rate program is available for low-income seniors (age 62+) and individuals with disabilities. Bill Credit Assistance is also available for income-qualified households.
Green Bin (Trash)
All regular garbage must be bagged and tied before going into the green container. Bins must be set out by 7:00 a.m. with the lid resting flat.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam packing peanuts and blocks
- ✓Pet waste and kitty litter
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Broken ceramics and glass
- ✓Greasy or heavily soiled packaging
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be completely empty, clean, and dry. Do not place items in plastic bags; put them loosely in the blue bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Yard and food waste must be placed loosely in the brown bin without plastic bags. The lid must close flat. Do not include large rocks, dirt, or treated lumber.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves, grass clippings, and weeds
- ✓Branches and plant trimmings
- ✓Fruit and vegetable scraps
- ✓Uncoated food-soiled paper
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Twice per year free of charge
Placement
Items must be placed at the pre-approved curbside location by 7:00 a.m. Ensure there are no overhead powerlines or vehicles blocking access to the pile.
Accepted
- ✓ Up to 3 large items (appliances, mattresses, furniture)
- ✓ Up to 15 boxes or bags of small household junk
- ✓ Bicycles and power yard equipment (no fluids)
- ✓ Carpet rolls
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household garbage or recycling
- ✕ Hazardous waste or liquid paints
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Vehicle parts and tires
The first two pickups are free. Commercial or multi-family tenants can also schedule a pickup for a nominal fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your garbage pickup day falls on or after an observed holiday during the week, collection will be shifted one day later for the remainder of that holiday week.
Yard Waste Exception
Food and yard waste collections follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as garbage and recycling.
Tacoma Solid Waste Management does not delay service for Memorial Day or Labor Day. For these non-observed holidays, place your bins out on your normal collection day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - FebruaryWinter storms and icy roads can delay collections. If your street is impassable, pull your bins back in. You can place extra garbage out on your next scheduled service day without a fee.
Fall
October - NovemberKeep Tacoma's storm drains clear of falling leaves to prevent neighborhood flooding. Place all yard debris into your brown food and yard waste bin rather than sweeping it into the street.
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning often turns up old chemicals and paints. Do not throw these in your curbside trash; instead, bring them to the Tacoma Household Hazardous Waste Facility on South Mullen Street.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans into Cash in the 253!
Feeling like your aluminum cans and plastic bottles are just taking up space? In Washington, you can actually get a little money back for them! While Tacoma doesn't have its own dedicated buyback center right downtown, you'll find places like the BottleDrop Redemption Centers in nearby areas. Check out their locations, like the one in Puyallup, to cash in those redeemable containers. It's a good way to get a few bucks back and help the environment at the same time.
Give Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life in Tacoma
Got furniture or clothes that are still in good shape but you don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, think about donating them right here in Tacoma! Goodwill has several locations around the city, and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on South Tacoma Way is a fantastic spot for building materials, furniture, and home goods. You're not just decluttering; you're helping local families and supporting great causes in our community.
Keeping Tacoma Tidy: Beyond the Regular Bin Day
We all want Tacoma to look its best, and sometimes that means dealing with more than just curbside trash. If you come across illegal dumping, it's a real eyesore. In Pierce County, you can report it by calling the county's Public Works and Utilities department. They have ways to help address these situations. Also, keep an eye out for community cleanup events organized by local groups and the city itself – these are great opportunities to lend a hand and make a visible difference in our neighborhoods.
Drop-off Facilities
Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center
3510 S Mullen St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Materials Accepted
Tacoma Household Hazardous Waste Facility
3510 S Mullen St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of an old mattress or refrigerator in Tacoma?
Tacoma residential customers can use the free Call-2-Haul program. You are allowed up to two free bulky item pickups per year. Call (253) 573-2468 to schedule an appointment for curbside pickup or a free self-haul pass.
Can I put food waste in my yard bin in Tacoma?
Yes. The brown food and yard waste bin accepts kitchen scraps, including fruits, vegetables, and uncoated food-soiled paper. Remember not to use plastic bags for your organics.
Does Tacoma pick up trash on Memorial Day or Labor Day?
Yes. Tacoma Solid Waste Management only observes New Year's Day, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. On all other holidays, including Memorial Day and Labor Day, your trash is picked up on its normal schedule.
Where can I drop off hazardous waste like old paint in Tacoma?
You can safely dispose of hazardous chemicals, paints, and batteries at the Tacoma Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 3510 S Mullen St. The facility is open Friday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.