Tacoma Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)
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
| Collection 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. |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 18 items |
| Permitted materials | No unconditional accepted-material list is verified. Confirm eligibility before putting items out. |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | 253-573-2468 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
Appliances
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
Construction debris
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
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. Read mattress bagging laws →
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.
Tacoma 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 Tacoma.
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.
Tacoma 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 Pierce County.
📍 3510 S Mullen St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Seven-day municipal waste transfer station accepting residential trash, bulky items, appliances, clean yard waste, and construction materials.
📍 3510 S Mullen St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Drop-off location for household hazardous waste including motor oil, paints, solvents, household batteries, fluorescent tubes, and electronic equipment.
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 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.
Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center
3510 S Mullen St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Seven-day municipal waste transfer station accepting residential trash, bulky items, appliances, clean yard waste, and construction materials.
Tacoma Household Hazardous Waste Facility & Recycle Center
3510 S Mullen St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Drop-off location for household hazardous waste including motor oil, paints, solvents, household batteries, fluorescent tubes, and electronic equipment.
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 StTacoma, WA 98409
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 2026-10-10: 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: 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.