Recycling in Tacoma
The City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department offers curbside recycling collection for residential, multifamily, and commercial customers, as well as a variety of drop-off recycling options. Explore the guidelines and resources available to ensure you’re “recycling right” and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Tacoma.
Glass Recycling Update:
Effective January 2, 2025, the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department has resumed glass recycling at drop-off locations. Following a thorough environmental and economic analysis, the City has partnered with Glass to Glass in Portland, Oregon, to ensure Tacoma’s glass is recycled into new products. Visit tacomarecycles.org/glass for a list of glass recycling drop-off stations.
What Goes Where?
Residential customers can learn how to responsibly manage their waste using our Recycle Coach “What Goes Where” tool! Use the search bar below to quickly and easily access disposal instructions and resources for thousands of items here in Tacoma.
Resources for Recycling
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The City of Tacoma offers single-family residents a mixed recycling service to support a clean and healthy environment.
New Service: To start your residential recycling service, contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or email solidwaste@tacoma.gov.
Rates: Mixed recycling is included in your monthly garbage bill. Learn more about rates here.
Collection Schedule: Stay up-to-date with your collection schedule by downloading the Recycle Coach app or visiting our Collection Schedule page.
- Set your bin out by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
- Place your bin’s wheels toward the curb.
- Keep at least four feet of clearance from other bins, vehicles, poles, fences, or buildings.
- Bring your bin back in after collection.
Avoid:
- Overfilling your bin.
- Placing items outside of your bin.
If your bin is not collected, please call a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100.
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The City of Tacoma offers curbside recycling for multifamily properties, including mixed recycling, cardboard, and glass, to support a clean and healthy environment.
Recycling Resources:
If Your Building Does Not Offer Curbside Recycling: Start the conversation with your property manager or HOA board about the importance of recycling. They can set up a program by contacting a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or emailing solidwaste@tacoma.gov.
Need Help with Your Existing Recycling Program? We’re here to support you! Property managers or HOA boards can reach out to Solid Waste for assistance, which includes:
- Recycling education materials for staff and residents
- Recycling presentations by City staff
- Free recycling tote bags
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The City of Tacoma offers businesses curbside recycling for mixed recyclables, cardboard, and glass as part of our commitment to a clean and healthy environment. To set up a recycling program or request technical support, contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or email solidwaste@tacoma.gov.
Rates: Learn about rates for commercial recycling, garbage, and yard and food waste at tacoma.gov/SWMRates.
Collection Schedule: Collection schedules vary based on your location and recycling service. Contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or solidwaste@tacoma.gov to find your collection schedule.
Resources:
Setout Guidelines:
- Set out your bin by 6 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
- Place your bin’s wheels toward the curb.
- Keep at least four feet of clearance from other bins, vehicles, poles, fences, or buildings.
- Remove your bin after collection.
Avoid:
- Overfilling your bin.
- Placing items outside of your bin.
If your bin is not collected, call a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100.
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Recycling glass is an important part of Tacoma’s commitment to waste reduction and reuse. While curbside glass collection is no longer available, you can still play a key role in reducing waste and conserving resources by utilizing our convenient glass drop-off stations. These stations are strategically located throughout the city, making it easy for residents to recycle glass jars and bottles responsibly.
Glass Recycling Drop-Off Locations
Council District Site Name Address Hours Materials Collected 1 Central Co-op 4502 N. Pearl Street Tacoma, WA 98407 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday - Sunday Glass and household batteries 2 Center at Norpoint 4818 Nassau Avenue NE
Tacoma, WA 984227:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday - Sunday Glass and household batteries 5 Stewart Heights Park 5715 Reginald Gutierrez Lane Tacoma, WA 98404 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Monday - Sunday Glass, household batteries, scrap metal, cardboard
*Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible location3 Tacoma Recycle Center 3510 S. Mullen Street
Tacoma, WA 984098 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday - Sunday Glass, household batteries, scrap metal, plastics, cardboard, paper, and much more!
Click here to download our Recycle Center Customer Guide for what's accepted!
*Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible location3 Hilltop Safeway 1112 M. Street
Tacoma, WA 984057:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday - Sunday Glass and household batteries 5 South Tacoma 5728 Tacoma Mall Blvd Tacoma, WA 98409 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday - Sunday Glass and household batteries
*Located in the park & ride on the east side of Tacoma Mall BlvdWhy does Tacoma not collect glass curbside for recycling anymore?
Tacoma stopped collecting glass curbside in early 2020 due to new international recycling regulations that prioritize cleaner, high-quality materials. By transitioning to glass drop-off locations, the City reduces contamination, manages rising recycling costs, and ensures Tacoma’s recycling program remains effective and sustainable. A $2.32 monthly “Recycle Reset” surcharge is also added to all single-family residential customer bills, which helps fund the recycling program and improve customer education. Customers enrolled in Environmental Services’ utility affordability assistance programs are exempt from the surcharge.
Where Does Our Recycling Go?
Recycling collected by the City of Tacoma is sorted at JMK Fibers, a facility in the Tacoma Tideflats operated by Waste Management, Inc. JMK Fibers uses a combination of state-of-the-art equipment and manual sorting to separate recyclables and remove any garbage. Once sorted, the recyclables are baled, sold, and processed into new products.