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Garbage

If you live or operate a business in the City of Tacoma, you are required to set up garbage collection with the City’s Solid Waste Management.


We offer residential and business customers curbside garbage and recycling, and residential customers can also use our curbside food/yard waste collection.

A self-haul option for recycling and yard waste services is included in your service. Garbage may be self hauled to the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center, fees apply.

Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center also provides hazardous waste collection, more in-depth recycling programs and donation collection.

Getting Started

To set up service to your residence or business please contact us at (253) 502-2100 or see our rates and fees. And don’t forget you can pay your bill online at MyTPU.

Download the City of Tacoma Garbage Guide


Residential

Tacoma residents are required to use Tacoma’s solid waste services, yet the amount you pay depends on the amount you throw away. Our goal is to partner with our customers to reduce the amount sent to the landfill by providing comprehensive recycling and composting options as part of your curbside garbage services.

Residential customers are also able to self-haul garbage, recycling, yard waste and household hazardous materials to the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center. For a complete list disposal fees, please see our rates.

Acceptable Curbside Garbage

  • Aluminum foil and trays (dirty)
  • Ashes and charcoal briquettes (cold)
  • Automotive oil/fluid containers (empty)
  • Cardboard (dirty, food contaminated)
  • Caps and lids (plastic and metal)
  • Cat litter (bagged)
  • Cement bags (empty)
  • Cigarette butts
  • Clothing and fabrics (non-reusable)
  • Disposable diapers (bagged)
  • Feminine hygiene products (bagged)
  • Foam rubber
  • Paper plates and cups (dirty)
  • Pet food bags
  • Pet manure (securely bagged)
  • Pizza boxes
  • Plastic food wrap, sandwich, and produce bags
  • Styrofoam products
  • Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins
  • Toys (non-reusable)
  • Woven plastic bags (sand and feed bags, etc.)

Non-Acceptable Curbside Garbage

  • Asbestos
  • Concrete/rocks/bricks
  • Hazardous materials or wastes
  • Loose hypodermic needles or syringes
  • Large items (furniture, lumber, appliances, carpet, etc.)
  • Liquids
  • Medical waste
  • Tires
  • Used motor oil

Commercial

Businesses, including multifamily residences, are required to have Tacoma’s garbage service. Recycling is not required, yet is strongly recommended. Businesses can choose to sign up for the City’s recycling service.

How to Get Started:
1. Set up service by calling Solid Waste Management to schedule a free, on-site consultation at (253) 502-2100 or view our rates and fees.
• We will help you determine the type of service you need
• Container size and storage
• Container Signage and posters
• Waste prevention/reduction tips and special waste disposal options
2. Select your coordinator to help educate employees and tenants .
3. Start collecting recyclables.

Residential Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center Self-Haul Services

If you decide to visit us please remember to follow these guidelines:
  • Secure your load - Uncovered or unsecured loads are illegal and are hazardous. Unsecured loads may incur additional fees. 
  • Show proof of residency - To be eligible for the City residential rate, you must show a current Washington state driver’s license or ID showing a city address that receives Tacoma residential solid waste service in your name. Or you can bring a picture ID along with a current City utility bill. 
  • Bag or wet down items that create large amounts of dust - Items such as drywall, insulation, dirt, sod and sawdust produce excessive amounts of dust that is harmful for customers and employees to inhale. Dusty loads that are improperly contained may be rejected or incur additional fees. 
  • Separate recyclables and household hazardous waste from the rest of the load - the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center offers designated areas to unload reusable household items and building materials, general recyclables, household hazardous waste and appliances. 
  • Observe the speed limit 
  • No smoking 
  • No children outside of vehicle 
  • No pets outside of vehicle 
  • No scavenging 
  • No hazardous material 
  • Follow employee instructions 
  • Follow signs 
  • Look out for pedestrians in the area
  • Wear closed-toe shoes

Please be aware of the City’s illegal dumping law.



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