Public Garbage Cans
Tidy-Up Tacoma installs and maintains public garbage cans in business districts and commercial areas throughout Tacoma.
Public garbage cans make it easier to properly dispose of trash and help keep litter off our streets, sidewalks and out of local waterways. Keeping cans clean and maintained also helps create cleaner, safer and more welcoming public spaces.
Request a Can or Report a Problem
Use Tacoma FIRST 311 to:
Submit a request:
- Online: tacoma.gov/311
- Phone: dial 311 within Tacoma city limits or (253) 591-5000
- Mobile app: Tacoma FIRST 311 for Apple and Android
You can track your request and receive updates through Tacoma FIRST 311.
Find a Public Garbage Can
Click the map below to see public garbage can locations throughout Tacoma.
How We Choose New Garbage Can Locations
New cans are placed where they are most needed in Tacoma’s business districts and commercial areas using a consistent, data-driven approach. Each potential location is evaluated using consistent criteria before a can is installed.
When evaluating potential locations, Tidy-Up Tacoma considers:
- Community input and feedback
- Tacoma FIRST 311 service request data
- Litter and cleanliness concerns observed by field crews
- Amount of foot traffic and activity in the area
- Equity and historically underserved business districts and commercial areas
Currently, Tidy-Up Tacoma does not install public garbage cans in residential areas.
Expanding Public Garbage Can Service
Tidy-Up Tacoma is expanding public garbage can service to improve coverage in Neighborhood Business Districts and dense commercial areas where additional cans are needed.
2026 Expansion
The City is adding 120 new public garbage cans, increasing the network from approximately 240 to 360 cans.
The expansion also adds:
- Two full-time Solid Waste workers dedicated to installing, cleaning, maintaining and repairing public garbage cans
- Routine inspections and proactive maintenance
- Anti-graffiti coating for new and existing cans
- An all-electric service vehicle to support public garbage can installation and maintenance
The goal is to reduce litter and illegal dumping, keep public spaces cleaner, and support local businesses.
Additional expansion is planned for 2027, pending future budget approval.
View the 2026 Can Expansion FAQ (PDF)Frequently Asked Questions
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At this time, Tidy-Up Tacoma installs public garbage cans in Neighborhood Business Districts and dense commercial areas. Residential areas are not currently included, but the team continues to collect requests and feedback to help identify future needs.
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No. A request helps Tidy-Up Tacoma identify areas where additional service may be needed. Each proposed location is evaluated using the City’s placement criteria before it is placed on our list for future installation. Although a 311 request doesn’t guarantee a can, your suggestion remains part of our ongoing list of potential locations and may be added as resources allow.
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Tidy-Up Tacoma is responsible for the City’s public garbage can service. Dedicated Solid Waste Tidy-Up staff inspect, clean, repair and replace cans and remove graffiti as needed.
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Submit a Public Garbage Can Issues request through Tacoma FIRST 311. Providing the location and details about the problem helps staff respond to the correct can.