Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Yakima
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.
City-issued Cart Bin (Trash)
Place your cart at the curb or alley line by 6:00 a.m. All garbage MUST be tied in bags, and the lid must close completely. Keep a 4-foot clearance around the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Diapers and pet waste (bagged)
- ✓Styrofoam and packing peanuts
- ✓Food wrappers and heavily soiled paper
Cart provided by Yakima Waste Systems Bin (Recycling)
Requires a separate subscription through Yakima Waste Systems. Place items loosely in the recycling cart; do not bag your recyclables. Containers must be clean and dry.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper, mail, and newspaper
- ✓Empty plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Yard debris
Yard Waste Bin
Optional subscription service. Do not use plastic bags, and never include food scraps, animal waste, ashes, sod, or large tree trunks.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves and weeds
- ✓Small branches and twigs
- ✓Plant and shrub trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand basis; request and fee required.
Placement
Items must be placed at the curb or alley line by 6:00 a.m. on the day of your scheduled pickup. Items left at the curb without prior arrangements will be ignored.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and couches
- ✓ Household appliances
- ✓ Electronics
- ✓ Tires
- ✓ Large yard waste bundles
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste or liquid chemicals
- ✕ Loose construction debris
- ✕ Explosives
- ✕ Commercial industrial waste
The pickup fee starts at $25. Additional charges apply for certain items depending on weight and disposal requirements. Call 509-575-6005 to schedule.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a holiday falls on a weekday, collections for the remainder of that week are typically pushed back by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the same holiday delay schedule as garbage during its operational season (March through November).
Not all holidays disrupt service. For example, regular collection occurs on Juneteenth, but Labor Day causes a one-day delay.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Bag the Trash, Leave Recycling Loose
While the City of Yakima mandates that every piece of garbage be securely tied in a plastic bag, Yakima Waste Systems requires the exact opposite for recycling. Never bag your recyclables, as plastic bags jam the automated sorting machinery at the recycling facility.
Keep Food Out of the Yard Cart
Unlike some regional programs that accept food waste in the yard bin, Yakima's yard waste program strictly prohibits food scraps. Only vegetative debris like grass, leaves, and small branches are allowed in the 96-gallon yard cart.
Avoid Overhead Obstructions
When placing your bins at the curb or alley, ensure there are no low-hanging branches, power wires, or building eaves directly above them. The automated mechanical arm needs clear overhead space to lift and dump the carts safely.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryThe city's optional yard waste program goes on hiatus during the winter. You will not be billed for this service during these three months, and you must store your yard cart securely on your property until service resumes in March [1.3.1].
Spring
MarchYard waste collection officially restarts on March 1st. Make sure you have not placed any garbage or winter ashes into the cart over the hiatus, as contaminated carts will not be emptied.
Year-Round
January to DecemberIn the event of severe weather or snowstorms, the Refuse Division will attempt to service routes on their regular schedule. Check the city website for daily delay announcements if roads become impassable.
About Yakima Waste Management
Navigating Yakima's Dual-Hauler System
In the City of Yakima, residential solid waste is managed by two different entities. The City of Yakima Refuse Division directly handles all weekly garbage collections and optional yard waste services. However, the city does not provide municipal curbside recycling. Residents who want curbside recycling must subscribe separately through a private franchise, Yakima Waste Systems.
Strict Bagging and Cart Rules for Garbage
To protect sanitation workers and keep neighborhoods free of windblown litter, the City of Yakima enforces strict garbage disposal rules. Every piece of trash must be securely tied in bags before being placed in your city-issued cart. Loose garbage is prohibited. Furthermore, all bags must fit entirely inside the cart, and the lid must close completely. Automated trucks require a minimum 4-foot clearance from mailboxes, fences, and vehicles.
Optional Seasonal Yard Waste Service
Residents can manage their seasonal yard debris by subscribing to the city's optional 96-gallon yard waste cart program. This service operates weekly from March 1st through the end of November. Because yard waste drops drastically in the winter, the service is suspended from December through February, during which time residents store their bins and are not charged the monthly fee.
On-Demand Curbside Haul Away Service
Instead of offering community-wide free bulk trash days, Yakima provides a convenient 'Curb side haul away service' for large, oversized items. For a base fee starting at $25, residents can schedule the pickup of furniture, electronics, appliances, and even tires. This program is part of the city's Clean City initiative to prevent illegal dumping and maintain neighborhood safety.
Drop-off Facilities
Yakima County Terrace Heights Landfill
7151 Roza Hill Drive, Yakima, WA 98901
Materials Accepted
Yakima County Cheyne Landfill
4970 Cheyne Road, Zillah, WA 98953
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Yakima provide curbside recycling?
No, the City of Yakima Refuse Division only provides garbage and optional yard waste collection. If you want curbside recycling, you must subscribe independently through the private franchise Yakima Waste Systems by calling 509-248-4213.
Why does my garbage have to be tied in bags?
The City of Yakima strictly requires all garbage to be tied in plastic bags before being placed inside the cart. This policy helps keep the automated carts clean, prevents litter from blowing through neighborhoods during dumping, and keeps sanitation workers safe.
How do I get rid of an old couch or mattress in Yakima?
Yakima residents can use the city's 'Curb side haul away service.' For a starting fee of $25, the city will come to your curb to pick up large items like furniture, tires, and appliances. You must call 509-575-6005 to arrange and pay for this pickup in advance.
Does yard waste collection run all year?
No, the City's optional 96-gallon yard waste collection service operates from March 1st through the end of November. The service goes on hiatus from December through February, meaning you are not charged during the winter and must store the bin on your property.