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What Day Is Trash Pickup in Tacoma, WA?

Updated November 2026

Quick Answer for Tacoma

  • Trash day: Wednesdays, collected by Republic Services
  • Recycling: weekly on Fridays — no plastic bags, no styrofoam
  • Next holiday delay: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026)
  • Bulk pickup: call 311 — free, no limit

Trash pickup in Tacoma is weekly on Wednesdays. Republic Services collects trash, recycling (weekly on Fridays), and yard waste (spring through fall). Bins out by 7:00 AM.

Quick Facts

Trash Provider

Republic Services

Private hauler

Contact

311

Official website

Trash Pickup

Wednesdays (weekly)

Set out by 7:00 AM

Recycling Pickup

Fridays (weekly)

14 materials accepted

Pickup Schedule

Trash Collection

Once per week

Wednesdays

Recycling Collection

Weekly

Fridays

Yard Waste

Seasonal (spring through fall)

Mondays

Schedules vary by neighborhood. Check with Republic Services for your exact pickup day.

Recycling Rules

Tacoma accepts 14 materials for curbside recycling. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items.

Accepted

  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines & catalogs
  • Office paper & mail
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Aluminum cans

NOT Accepted

  • Plastic bags & film
  • Styrofoam (EPS)
  • Paper coffee cups
  • Shredded paper
  • Batteries (household alkaline)
  • Electronics (e-waste)
Recycling rules for Tacoma

Bulk Pickup

How to Schedule

Call 311 or hauler

Free Pickups Per Year

Unlimited (free)

Call your waste hauler for pricing.

Bulk pickup details for Tacoma

Holiday Pickup Schedule

Federal holidays delay trash pickup in Tacoma by one day. Next: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026).

New Year's DayJanuary 1, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 19, 2026
Presidents' DayFebruary 16, 2026
Memorial DayMay 25, 2026
JuneteenthJune 19, 2026
Holiday schedule for Tacoma

Composting in Tacoma

MandatoryCurbside pickup

HB 1799 (Organics Management Law) requires businesses generating 8+ cubic yards/week to compost. Residential requirements phase in by jurisdiction.

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash in Tacoma.4 drop-off locations for household hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste drop-off in Tacoma

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is trash pickup in Tacoma?
Trash pickup in Tacoma, WA is weekly on Wednesdays. Set out your bins by 7:00 AM. Republic Services handles residential waste collection. Recycling is collected weekly on Fridays.
Can I recycle pizza boxes in Tacoma?
Yes — Clean portions are recyclable. Greasy sections can go in compost where available, otherwise trash. Many programs now accept the whole box. In Tacoma, pizza boxes are accepted in curbside recycling.
How do I schedule bulk pickup in Tacoma?
To schedule bulk pickup in Tacoma, call 311 or your hauler. Call your waste hauler for pricing.
Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Tacoma?
Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) affects trash pickup in Tacoma. Pickup on this day and the rest of the week delayed by one day. Check with Republic Services for your specific route. Most federal holidays delay pickup by one day for the rest of the week.
What goes in the recycling bin in Tacoma?
Tacoma accepts 14 types of materials for curbside recycling, including cardboard, paper, glass bottles (check locally), aluminum and steel cans, and plastic #1, #2, and #5 containers. Do NOT put plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items in recycling. Rinse all containers before placing them in the bin.
Does Tacoma have composting?
Yes, Tacoma requires composting. Curbside composting is available — use your green bin for food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper.
What do I do if they missed my trash pickup in Tacoma?
If your trash was missed in Tacoma, first confirm it was your scheduled pickup day and that bins were out by 7:00 AM. Then call Republic Services at 311 (or your hauler's direct line) to report the miss. Most cities require you to report within 24 hours. Keep your bins at the curb until the makeup collection, which is typically within 1-2 business days.
Where do I take hazardous waste in Tacoma?
Tacoma has approximately 1 household hazardous waste drop-off locations. Items like paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash. Auto parts stores accept motor oil for free. Best Buy and Staples accept electronics. For everything else, use your city's HHW collection events or permanent facility.

Related Pages

Recycling Guide

What goes in the recycling bin in Tacoma

Bulk Pickup

Schedule large item pickup

Holiday Schedule

When holidays delay pickup

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics disposal

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Pickup schedules and rules are based on published municipal data. Schedules vary by neighborhood and route. Always confirm with Republic Services for your specific address. This page is for informational purposes only.