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Tacoma Bulk Trash Pickup Rules

Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 18 items per collection. City of Tacoma residential customers receive two Call-2-Haul pickups or self-hauls per calendar year included in their standard utility rates. Each service accommodates up to 3 large items (such as mattresses, sofas, major appliances, or lawn mowers) and up to 15 boxes or bags of smaller household items. Appointments must be reserved in advance by calling 253-573-2468 or booking online through MyTPU. Place items at the front curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled pickup date.

Tacoma bulk pickup rules

Bulk waste limits and booking rules for Tacoma
Collection ruleCity of Tacoma residential customers receive two Call-2-Haul pickups or self-hauls per calendar year included in their standard utility rates. Each service accommodates up to 3 large items (such as mattresses, sofas, major appliances, or lawn mowers) and up to 15 boxes or bags of smaller household items. Appointments must be reserved in advance by calling 253-573-2468 or booking online through MyTPU. Place items at the front curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled pickup date.
Limit per pickup18 items
Permitted materialsNo unconditional accepted-material list is verified. Confirm eligibility before putting items out.
Advance noticeRequired before collection.
Dispatch phone253-573-2468

Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials

How to throw away a mattress in Tacoma

Follow the listed bulk rule: City of Tacoma residential customers receive two Call-2-Haul pickups or self-hauls per calendar year included in their standard utility rates. Each service accommodates up to 3 large items (such as mattresses, sofas, major appliances, or lawn mowers) and up to 15 boxes or bags of smaller household items. Appointments must be reserved in advance by calling 253-573-2468 or booking online through MyTPU. Place items at the front curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled pickup date.

Special disposal mandates

Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup.

Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: Not required under the listed rules. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners can be collected through Call-2-Haul or self-hauled to the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center without pre-removal of Freon.

Local disposal alternatives in Pierce County

For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.

The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.

DPW & sanitation contact

City of Tacoma Solid Waste Management · municipal dpw

Phone: 253-502-2100

3510 S Mullen St
Tacoma, WA 98409
Visit Official Tacoma Sanitation Portal Official municipality portal at tacoma.gov

These collection rules cover Zone City of Tacoma Solid Waste Collection Routes.

Trash & recycling questions

What days is trash collected in Tacoma, WA?

Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Set container out by 7 a.m. on your pickup day. For curbside pickup, place container in the street or alley with wheels toward the curb.. These rules apply to Zone City of Tacoma Solid Waste Collection Routes.

Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Tacoma?

As of 2026-09-23: 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: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone City of Tacoma Solid Waste Collection Routes.

How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Tacoma?

City of Tacoma residential customers receive two Call-2-Haul pickups or self-hauls per calendar year included in their standard utility rates. Each service accommodates up to 3 large items (such as mattresses, sofas, major appliances, or lawn mowers) and up to 15 boxes or bags of smaller household items. Appointments must be reserved in advance by calling 253-573-2468 or booking online through MyTPU. Place items at the front curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled pickup date. The listed limit is 18 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at 253-573-2468 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone City of Tacoma Solid Waste Collection Routes.

What items are accepted for recycling in Tacoma?

The listed accepted materials are Cardboard and paperboard boxes (flattened), Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and mixed paper, Aluminum and tin beverage and food cans, Rigid plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs (empty, clean, dry). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Glass bottles and jars (curbside collection discontinued; take glass to neighborhood drop-off stations), Plastic bags, plastic film, and bubble wrap (never bag recyclables), Batteries (car, button, and household alkaline/lithium; drop off at Recycle Center), Styrofoam cups, containers, and packing peanuts, Clothing, textiles, and shoes, Food waste and organic materials, Garden hoses, cords, wires, and holiday lights, Medical waste and needles. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone City of Tacoma Solid Waste Collection Routes.