Seattle Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 6 items per collection. Special Item Pickup is available on demand for Seattle Public Utilities residential customers. Items are collected on your regular collection day once confirmed through your utility account. Set items at the collection point on a flat, level surface by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day.
Seattle bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Special Item Pickup is available on demand for Seattle Public Utilities residential customers. Items are collected on your regular collection day once confirmed through your utility account. Set items at the collection point on a flat, level surface by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day. |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 6 items |
| Permitted materials | Furniture, Appliances |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | 206-684-3000 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
AcceptedCouches, dressers, tables, chairs, box springs, and mattresses accepted for $31 per item fee; must be covered on rainy days and under 300 lbs.
Appliances
AcceptedStoves, washers, dryers, and dishwashers accepted for $31; refrigerators and freezers with CFCs cost $39.25 and latched doors must be removed or secured.
Construction debris
Not acceptedConstruction and demolition debris, dirt, and concrete are not collected curbside; self-haul to a City transfer station.
How to throw away a mattress in Seattle
Follow the listed bulk rule: Special Item Pickup is available on demand for Seattle Public Utilities residential customers. Items are collected on your regular collection day once confirmed through your utility account. Set items at the collection point on a flat, level surface by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day.
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.
Seattle Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules
Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in Seattle.
Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership
Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.
Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign
If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.
Seattle Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations
When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving King County.
📍 1350 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Full-service transfer station accepting household garbage, yard waste, clean wood, bulky furniture, and appliances. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
📍 130 S Kenyon St, Seattle, WA 98108
Full-service transfer station for garbage, yard organics, bulky items, appliances, and electronics recycling. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
📍 12550 Stone Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
Free drop-off facility for household hazardous items such as paint, motor oil, batteries, solvents, cleaners, and lawn chemicals.
📍 8105 5th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Free drop-off facility for residential hazardous waste operated in partnership with King County Hazardous Waste Management.
All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.
Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.
To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.
If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.
Local disposal alternatives in King County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Seattle Public Utilities North Transfer Station
1350 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Full-service transfer station accepting household garbage, yard waste, clean wood, bulky furniture, and appliances. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Seattle Public Utilities South Transfer Station
130 S Kenyon St, Seattle, WA 98108
Full-service transfer station for garbage, yard organics, bulky items, appliances, and electronics recycling. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
North Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Facility
12550 Stone Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
Free drop-off facility for household hazardous items such as paint, motor oil, batteries, solvents, cleaners, and lawn chemicals.
South Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Facility
8105 5th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Free drop-off facility for residential hazardous waste operated in partnership with King County Hazardous Waste Management.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
Seattle Public Utilities · municipal dpw
Phone: 206-684-3000
700 5th Ave, Suite 4900Seattle, WA 98104
These collection rules cover Zone Seattle Curbside Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Seattle, WA?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Set carts out by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day with lids opening toward the street or alley, and remove carts as soon as possible after collection.. These rules apply to Zone Seattle Curbside Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Seattle?
As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day. These rules apply to Zone Seattle Curbside Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Seattle?
Special Item Pickup is available on demand for Seattle Public Utilities residential customers. Items are collected on your regular collection day once confirmed through your utility account. Set items at the collection point on a flat, level surface by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day. The listed limit is 6 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at 206-684-3000 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Seattle Curbside Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).
What items are accepted for recycling in Seattle?
The listed accepted materials are Paper (office paper, newspaper, magazines, envelopes, catalogs, paper bags), Cardboard (paperboard boxes and corrugated shipping boxes flattened), Plastic containers (bottles, jugs, jars, dairy tubs, and cups clean and empty), Glass containers (bottles and jars empty and rinsed, all colors), Metal containers (aluminum cans, steel and tin cans, clean foil and small metal scrap). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags and plastic film wrap (keep out of recycling cart, even if bundled), Food waste and liquids (put food scraps in green food and yard waste cart), Styrofoam blocks and packing peanuts (take clean blocks to drop-off or schedule pickup), Batteries and electronic items (prohibited from garbage and curbside recycling), Hazardous waste, paints, motor oil, and chemicals. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Seattle Curbside Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).