Food and Yard Waste

New Service Setup
To start curbside residential food and yard waste service, contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or email solidwaste@tacoma.gov

Food and Yard Waste Rates
Food and yard waste service is included in your monthly garbage bill at no extra cost. Customers can request up to two 90-gallon brown bins free of charge. Need more? A third bin is available for just $3 per month. Learn more at tacoma.gov/rates.

Collection Schedule
Food and yard waste bins are collected every other week, alternating with garbage and recycling collection. Check your curbside collection schedule at tacoma.gov/collectionschedule.

Setout Guidelines

• Place your bin at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day.
• Ensure the wheels face the curb.
• Keep your bin 4 feet away from obstructions like other bins, vehicles, poles, fences, or buildings.
• Remove your bin from the curb after it has been emptied.

DO NOT:

• Overfill your bin or exceed the 250-pound weight limit.
• Leave items on the ground or on top of the bin.

Missed Collection
If your food and yard waste bin isn’t collected, call a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100.

If your multifamily residence doesn’t have food and yard waste service, consider discussing the benefits with your property manager or Homeowners Association (HOA) board. Highlight how this service can be valuable for you and your neighbors. Your property manager or HOA board can set up a food and yard waste collection program by contacting a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or emailing solidwaste@tacoma.gov

My Multifamily Residence Needs Help With Food and Yard Waste Service
We’re here to support you! Property managers or HOA boards can reach out to our Commercial Food and Yard Waste Specialist at (253) 502-2100 for assistance, including:

• Evaluating your current service setup.
• Providing free food and yard waste guides for staff and residents.
• Delivering informational presentations to staff and residents.

Food and Yard Waste Services for Multifamily Properties

The City of Tacoma offers multifamily properties two types of services:

• Commercial Food Waste: Weekly collection.
• Commercial Yard Waste: Every-other-week collection.

Rates vary by service. For more details, visit tacoma.gov/rates.

Set Up New Service
New customers can start a food and yard waste collection program by contacting a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or emailing solidwaste@tacoma.gov

Collection Schedule
Collection schedules for multifamily properties vary by location and service. Contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 to confirm your collection day.

Setout Guidelines

• Place your bin at the curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
• Position the bin with the wheels facing the curb.
• Keep the bin at least 4 feet away from obstructions such as other bins, vehicles, poles, fences, or buildings.
• Remove the bin from the curb after collection.

DO NOT:

• Overfill the bin or exceed the 250-pound weight limit.
• Leave items on the ground or on top of the bin.

Missed Collection
If your bin is not collected, call a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100.

Food and Yard Waste Services for Commercial Properties

The City of Tacoma provides commercial properties with:

• Commercial Food Waste: Weekly collection.
• Commercial Yard Waste: Every-other-week collection.

These services are offered at rates lower than comparable garbage service. Many Tacoma businesses, such as grocers, restaurants, and coffee shops, already benefit from this program.

Set Up New Service
New customers can start a food and yard waste collection program by contacting a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or emailing solidwaste@tacoma.gov. For rates and additional details, visit tacoma.gov/rates.

Collection Schedule
Commercial collection schedules vary based on location and service type. Contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 to confirm your collection day.

Setout Guidelines

• Place your bin at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.
• Ensure the wheels face the curb.
• Keep the bin at least 4 feet away from obstructions like other bins, vehicles, poles, fences, or buildings.
• Remove the bin from the curb after collection.

DO NOT:

• Overfill the bin or exceed the 250-pound weight limit.
• Leave items on the ground or on top of the bin.

Missed Collection
If your bin isn’t collected, call a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100.

You can fill your container with organic materials from your yard, garden, and kitchen. View the complete guide on what’s accepted.

Plastic bags, service ware labeled “compostable,” used pizza boxes, paper coffee cups, and other non-organic materials are not allowed. These items belong in the garbage. View the full guide on what’s accepted.

Yes, you can use a paper bag or a small amount of newspaper to line your kitchen container or wrap food waste. However, large amounts of newspaper or paper bags are not accepted.

Items labeled as “compostable” require specialized industrial composting processes. The facility Tacoma uses for food and yard waste cannot break these items down, so they are considered contamination.

Most disposable paper coffee cups have a thin plastic lining to prevent leaks. This plastic cannot be composted or recycled. While a few cities in the U.S. can handle these cups, Tacoma does not have the capability. Paper coffee cups should go in the garbage.

No. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can be hazardous if composted. Always bag pet waste and dispose of it in the garbage.

You can receive bi-weekly collection of up to two 90-gallon brown containers at no extra charge. A third container is available for $3 per month. Call City of Tacoma Solid Waste Management at (253) 502-2100 for more information.