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Tacoma, WA trash pickup schedule

Tacoma trash and recycling: who collects, how often, how to find your pickup day, and what changes on holidays in 2026.

Population 229,816 (Census 2025 estimate)Last checked Not affiliated with any city, county or hauler.

Contents10 sections

Quick answer

Who collectsThe city collects City of Tacoma Environmental Services, Solid Waste Management, collects garbage, recycling and food/yard waste for residential, multifamily and commercial customers; residents are required to use the City's service. The online schedule tool covers single-family homes and duplexes; multifamily and commercial customers call (253) 502-2100. Parts of downtown (Court A between 8th and 10th St.) use shared compactors since Sept 1, 2025.2
How oftenTrash every other week (alternating weeks with food/yard waste; recycling is collected with garbage), recycling every other week, same week as garbage, yard waste every other week, alternating with garbage and recycling15
Set outby 7 a.m. on pickup day; 4 feet from obstructions; in the street or alley; remove after collection9
Your pickup dayApp: tacoma.gov. App: Recycle Coach1
Holiday Thanksgiving Day, Thu, Nov 26, 2026: Delayed one day. Thursday: no collection; Thursday and Friday routes one day later (Friday on Saturday, as in the city’s 2025 notice). From the standing rule; no 2026 notice published as of 2026-10-30.1

Bulk items: On-call pickup: call or book online (details). Drop-off sites: 4 listed (hours and fees).

Tacoma holiday trash schedule 2026

City’s ruleNo curbside collection (garbage, recycling, food/yard waste) on New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If your pickup day falls on or after one of these holidays in that week, collection is one day later (Friday collection moves to Saturday). All other holidays: regular schedule.1
Official noticetacoma.gov1
Holidays listNew Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day1
Saturday makeupFriday collection occurs on Saturday in holiday weeks (stated in the city's 2025 Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year notices)13
Tacoma trash pickup on holidays, 2026
HolidayDatePickupWhat the city says
New Year's Day Thu, Jan 1, 2026 Delayed one day Thursday: no collection Jan 1; Thursday and Friday routes one day later (Friday on Saturday). Transfer Center, Recycle Center and HHW closed.12
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Mon, Jan 19, 2026 No change City offices closed; collection and Transfer Center normal.20
Presidents' Day Mon, Feb 16, 2026 No change City offices closed; collection and Transfer Center normal.19
Memorial Day Mon, May 25, 2026 No change City offices closed; collection and Transfer Center normal.18
Juneteenth Fri, Jun 19, 2026 Not on the city’s list Not on the city’s list for this year
Independence Day (Fourth of July) Sat, Jul 4, 2026 No change Fell on Saturday; city offices closed Fri July 3; Transfer Center, Recycle Center and HHW closed Sat July 4; curbside pickups not affected.17
Labor Day Mon, Sep 7, 2026 Not on the city’s list Not on the city’s list for this year
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day Mon, Oct 12, 2026 Not on the city’s list Not on the city’s list for this year
Veterans Day Wed, Nov 11, 2026 Not on the city’s list Not on the city’s list for this year
Thanksgiving Day Thu, Nov 26, 2026 Delayed one day Thursday: no collection; Thursday and Friday routes one day later (Friday on Saturday, as in the city’s 2025 notice). From the standing rule; no 2026 notice published as of 2026-10-30.1
Christmas Day Fri, Dec 25, 2026 Delayed one day Friday: no collection; Friday routes move to Saturday Dec 26 (Friday->Saturday per the city’s 2025 notices). From the standing rule; no 2026 notice published as of 2026-10-30.1

Check your own day for the next three holidays with the holiday delay checker, or download a pickup calendar.

Sources: Collection Schedule, City of Tacoma Observes Christmas Day December 25 and New …, City of Tacoma Observes Thanksgiving on November 27 and 28…, City of Tacoma Observes Independence Day (news, Jul 2, 2026), City of Tacoma Observes Memorial Day on May 25 (news, May …, City of Tacoma Observes Presidents Day on February 16 (new…, City of Tacoma Observes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth… Last checked Report a change

Bulk trash pickup in Tacoma

How it worksOn-call pickup: call or book online4
How to requestCall-2-Haul: the account holder calls (253) 573-2468 (or starts a request in MyTPU); may be booked up to three weeks ahead in summer/year-end; items at front curb by 7 a.m.; cancel/modify at least one business day ahead. Can also be used as a scheduled self-haul to the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center.4
LimitsTwo pickups (or self-hauls) per year for residential customers; each pickup up to 3 large items AND up to 15 boxes/bags of smaller items; exceeding counts as a double (uses the year's allowance)4
FeesResidential: included in rates. Multifamily/commercial: $115 single, $230 double4
Not accepted
  • Household garbage, recycling, food, or liquids4
  • Hazardous materials4
  • Projection televisions, computers, or monitors4
  • Construction materials (sheet rock, insulation, fencing, roofing, cement items, decking, lumber, etc.)4
  • Cars, trailers, or other vehicles4
  • Tires or vehicle parts (seats, fenders, doors, canopies, engines, transmissions, etc.)4
  • Yard waste or wooden pallets4
  • Glass doors4

Sources: Call-2-Haul Last checked Report a change

Recycling in Tacoma

Pickupevery other week, same week as garbage1
Typesingle-stream (mixed recycling in blue container, loose, empty, clean and dry)8
Glassdrop-off only (curbside glass ended early 2020; drop-off stations incl. Tacoma Recycle Center, Stewart Heights Park, Central Co-op, Center at Norpoint, Hilltop Safeway; South Tacoma site closed Sept 3, 2026)8
Plasticsplastic bottles, jugs and tubs, lids off15
Set outby 7 a.m., wheels toward curb, 4 ft clearance8

Accepted

  • Plastic bottles, jugs and tubs (no lids)15
  • Paper: mixed paper, flattened paperboard and boxes, cardboard and boxes15
  • Aluminum cans and metal cans (no loose lids)15

Not accepted

  • Glass bottles and jars (drop-off)15
  • Plastic bags and zipper bags (drop-off)15
  • All cartons15
  • Plastic clamshell containers15
  • Paper cups, plastic cups, coffee pods, plastic utensils and straws, paper plates, napkins and paper towels15
  • Styrofoam and Styrofoam containers15
  • Aluminum foil and foil/plastic packaging15
  • Shredded paper15
  • Pizza boxes; frozen food containers15
  • Orange prescription bottles15
  • All batteries, electronics, household hazardous waste15
  • Bagged items, plastic wrap, food scraps15

Programs

  • Smart camera contamination pilot (Prairie Robotics, EPA-funded): educational postcards, no fees; through about June 20278

Sources: Collection Schedule, Recycling in Tacoma, Single-Family Residential Recycle Right guide (updated 3/2… Last checked Report a change

Yard waste, food scraps and seasonal pickups

Yard waste pickupyes; brown food/yard waste bin, included in garbage bill5
Seasonno seasonal suspension stated; bins collected every other week, alternating with garbage and recycling5
How oftenevery other week, alternating with garbage and recycling5
RulesUp to two 90-gallon brown bins free, third $3/month; by 7 a.m., wheels to curb, 4 ft clearance; 250 lb max; no plastic or 'compostable' bags or serviceware, no pizza boxes, paper cups, shredded paper, pet waste/cat litter, grease and oils, dirt, rocks, sod, lumber, bark, mulch, stumps/logs; branches 6 inches or less in diameter; a paper bag or a little newspaper may line the kitchen container516
Food scrapsyes, all food scraps incl. meat, bones, dairy, eggs, bread, coffee grounds go in the brown bin16
Branchessticks and branches 6 inches or less in diameter16
Christmas treesNot published by the city (official page)
Leaf collectionNot published by the city (official page)
Cleanup events
  • Citywide volunteer litter cleanup with Litter Free 253 and Oscar’s Enemies, Saturday Sept 19 (2026; page dated 09/10/26), 10 a.m.-noon (past)11

Sources: Food and Yard Waste, Tidy-Up Tacoma, Food/Yard Waste Recycling guide (PDF) Last checked Report a change

Drop-off sites: landfill, recycling and hazardous waste

Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center (self-haul garbage, free yard waste)

TypeTransfer station
Run byThe city
Address3510 S. Mullen Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 · Map7
HoursDaily 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; closed Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day7
Feesfee for garbage (residential rates with proof of Tacoma residency); yard waste free7
Who can use itResidential rates require WA ID with Tacoma address, or photo ID plus current City utility bill7

Tacoma Recycle Center

TypeRecycling center
Run byThe city
Address3510 S. Mullen Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 · Map10
HoursDaily 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; closed Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day10
Feesno additional cost for residential customers10

Household Hazardous Waste Facility

TypeHousehold hazardous waste
Run byThe city
Address3510 S. Mullen Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 · Map6
HoursFriday-Monday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (closed Tuesday-Thursday); also closed Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day6
FeesFree for Tacoma residential customers; up to 15 gallons or 220 lb per visit; drive-up only6
Who can use itTacoma residential customers6
Phone(253) 591-5418

Glass drop-off stations (Central Co-op 4502 N. Pearl St; Center at Norpoint 4818 Nassau Ave NE; Stewart Heights Park 5715 Reginald Gutierrez Ln; Hilltop Safeway 1112 M St; Tacoma Recycle Center)

TypeRecycling center
Run byThe city
Addressvarious8
Hours7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily (Recycle Center 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)8
Feesfree8

Item guides: Mattress · Couch and furniture · Appliances · Paint · Batteries · Electronics · Tires · Motor oil · Christmas tree.

Sources: Garbage, Hazardous Waste, Solid Waste Hours and Driving Directions, Recycling in Tacoma, Environmental Services Rates Last checked Report a change

Missed pickup and contacts

Missed pickup formCall Solid Waste Management at (253) 502-2100; the Environmental Services page also links a 'Missed Collection' Tacoma FIRST 311 (SeeClickFix) form: seeclickfix.com9
Phone(253) 502-2100 (Solid Waste Management; phone & lobby hours Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)1
311Tacoma FIRST 311: dial 311 within city limits or (253) 591-5000 from outside; online at tacoma.gov/311; mobile app11
Official websitetacoma.gov3
Email[email protected]2

Sources: Collection Schedule, Garbage, Solid Waste, Solid Waste Setout Guidelines, Tidy-Up Tacoma Last checked Report a change

Nearby cities

All Washington cities: Washington trash pickup schedules.

Tacoma trash pickup FAQ

What day is trash picked up in Tacoma?

Trash is collected every other week (alternating weeks with food/yard waste; recycling is collected with garbage). Tacoma does not use one citywide day: your day depends on your address. Look it up with the city’s app (tacoma.gov) or the Recycle Coach app.

Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving Day 2026 in Tacoma?

Thanksgiving Day falls on Thu, Nov 26, 2026. Delayed one day: Thursday: no collection; Thursday and Friday routes one day later (Friday on Saturday, as in the city’s 2025 notice). From the standing rule; no 2026 notice published as of 2026-10-30.

Is trash picked up on Christmas Day 2026 in Tacoma?

Christmas Day falls on Fri, Dec 25, 2026. Delayed one day: Friday: no collection; Friday routes move to Saturday Dec 26 (Friday->Saturday per the city’s 2025 notices). From the standing rule; no 2026 notice published as of 2026-10-30.

Is trash picked up on New Year's Day 2026 in Tacoma?

New Year's Day falls on Thu, Jan 1, 2026. Delayed one day: Thursday: no collection Jan 1; Thursday and Friday routes one day later (Friday on Saturday). Transfer Center, Recycle Center and HHW closed.

How do I get rid of bulky items in Tacoma?

On-call pickup: call or book online. Call-2-Haul: the account holder calls (253) 573-2468 (or starts a request in MyTPU); may be booked up to three weeks ahead in summer/year-end; items at front curb by 7 a.m.; cancel/modify at least one business day ahead. Can also be used as a scheduled self-haul to the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center. Fees: Residential: included in rates. Multifamily/commercial: $115 single, $230 double.

Does Tacoma recycle glass?

Glass: drop-off only (curbside glass ended early 2020; drop-off stations incl. Tacoma Recycle Center, Stewart Heights Park, Central Co-op, Center at Norpoint, Hilltop Safeway; South Tacoma site closed Sept 3, 2026).

How do I report a missed trash pickup in Tacoma?

Use the city’s online form (Call Solid Waste Management at (253) 502-2100; the Environmental Services page also links a 'Missed Collection' Tacoma FIRST 311 (SeeClickFix) form: https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/Mx4UcnjshtJ83uMYFA2D58p5/report/category/39662/location) or call (253) 502-2100 (Solid Waste Management; phone & lobby hours Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Sources

  1. 1
    Collection ScheduleCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  2. 2
    GarbageCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  3. 3
    Solid WasteCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  4. 4
    Call-2-HaulCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  5. 5
    Food and Yard WasteCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  6. 6
    Hazardous WasteCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  7. 7
    Solid Waste Hours and Driving DirectionsCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  8. 8
    Recycling in TacomaCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  9. 9
    Solid Waste Setout GuidelinesCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  10. 10
    Environmental Services RatesCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  11. 11
    Tidy-Up TacomaCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
    Environmental ServicesCity · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  15. 15
    Single-Family Residential Recycle Right guide (updated 3/2026, PDF)City · cms.tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  16. 16
    Food/Yard Waste Recycling guide (PDF)City · cms.tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  17. 17
    City of Tacoma Observes Independence Day (news, Jul 2, 2026)City · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  18. 18
    City of Tacoma Observes Memorial Day on May 25 (news, May 22, 2026)City · tacoma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  19. 19
  20. 20
  21. 21
    Residential Supervisor Routes Outline (City of Tacoma ES GIS layer; no day field)City · services3.arcgis.com · checked October 30, 2026

Something changed? Report a change

Second-pass verification against every source: October 30, 2026. Not affiliated with any city, county or hauler.