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Food/Yard Waste

Food and yard waste make up a third of Tacoma’s garbage. Reducing the amount of food/yard waste you throw away may mean you can downsize your garbage container and that can save you money.

Whether you are a Tacoma resident or business, you can help reduce the amount of trash going to the landfill by using the City’s food and yard waste service.  The collected material is then composted at a local composting facility. 

Sign up for food and yard waste services by calling (253) 502-2100. If you already have food/yard waste services in your plan, getting started is easy! Just place any unwanted or unused food in your brown bins along with your normal yard waste.

 

Tips for Reducing Odors and Pests - especially during hot weather.

 

Please note that compostable bags are not accepted.

 

 

 

Download the Food/Yard Waste Guide


Residential

Residential yard/food is picked up on the opposite weeks of garbage and recycling. There is no extra charge to receive bi-weekly collection of up to two 90-gallon brown yard/food waste containers. A third yard/food container is available for $3/month.

Residential customers may also take yard waste directly to the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center.

Commercial

Commercial customers are now able to take advantage of the food and yard waste program. This program helps businesses and multi-family dwellings of three or more units become more sustainable by reducing the waste we send to the landfill and processing organic materials into compost and TAGRO, nutrient-rich soil amendments. For more information, visit our Commercial Food Waste page.

We offer various services levels. Call us at (253) 502-2100 for a solid waste service representative to help you decide on the best option.

For a full list of fees, visit our rates page.

Acceptable Food/Yard Waste

Yard Waste

  • Leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Prunings
  • Weeds/roots (dirt shaken off)
  • Branches (broken down to fit in the container)
  • Bark, including clean and beauty bark

Food Waste

  • Vegetable and fruit scraps, peelings
  • Grains, pasta, cereal, bread
  • Leftovers
  • Coffee grounds, tea bags
  • Meat, fish and dairy products
  • Spoiled food