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Solid Waste & Recycling

The City of Auburn's homes and businesses are serviced by two waste haulers: Waste Management and Republic Services (formerly Allied Waste Services). Depending on where you live or where your business is located, you can find information here on starting, changing, or cancelling service; billing, collection of recycling, garbage or compostables; guidelines, rates, schedules, special collection events, and information on discounts for senior citizens.

If you do not find the information you are looking for please call our Solid Waste Customer Care Specialist at 253-931-3047 or email for more information.

WM-COA-Res Residential Customers
Information for curbside service at single family residences with 1-2 units
WM-Multifamily Multifamily Customers
Information specific to customers that live in apartments or mobile home complexes
WM-biz-customers Business Customers
Information for commercial waste service

Missed Solid Waste Collection?

Collection delays can happen for various reasons, the most common being weather-related events that can interfere with service schedules. For all missed garbage, recycling and compostables collections, call your hauler directly within 24 hours. No credit is given for delayed collection, however haulers allow double the amount of items at no extra charge when collection resumes.

Collection Delays Due to Weather

The solid waste haulers in Auburn are committed to providing reliable collection for all customers. However, in the event that circumstances such as unsafe roads interfere with service schedules, we appreciate customer understanding and cooperation.

Any collection delays will be posted here for Waste Management customers and on the haulers website for Republic Services customers.

Bulky Item Collection

Bulky items like mattresses, appliances, console televisions, furniture and building materials can be picked up by special arrangement. Please call the City of Auburn Utility department at 253-931-3038, Option #2. Rates vary by item.

Proposed Solid Waste Rates for 2014

The City of Auburn is proposing new solid waste rates for 2014. Rates would be effective 1/1/14.

City of Auburn Contacts

  • Joan Nelson, Solid Waste & Recycling Supervisor / Hauler Contract Management, 253-931-5103
  • Kathleen Edman, Solid Waste Customer Care Specialist / Outreach & Education, 253-931-3047

Solid Waste and Recycling News

Solid Waste & Recycling Holiday Collection Schedule
November 25, 2013
There will be no garbage, recycling or yard/food waste collection on Thanksgiving Day. Collections scheduled for that Thursday will occur on Friday, and collections normally scheduled for Friday will occur on Saturday. Service will also be delayed by one day on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Recycle your used cooking oils and fats this holiday season in Auburn for FREE!
November 18, 2013
Planning on deep frying a turkey this holiday season? Auburn residents can participate in a waste-to-energy program that recycles their used fryer and cooking oil into low carbon biodiesel …and its FREE! Last year the City of Auburn partnered with General Biodiesel to provide residents with a safe, environmentally-friendly way to dispose of used cooking oil and grease. So far, Auburn residents have recycled over 480-gallons of used cooking oil!
October Recycling Tip: Don’t let Your Food Go to Waste
October 1, 2013
The average family in King County throws away nine pounds of food every week, adding up to nearly 400 pounds every year. As a result, more than one-third of the County’s garbage is made up of food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard debris—the largest percentage of the waste stream. When you recycle food scraps rather than throwing them in the garbage, they are turned into nutrient-rich compost for local gardens and parks. There are two ways to recycle food: with your garbage hauler in your compostables cart or by composting in your backyard.
Auburn Councilmember Bill Peloza attends NLC environmental conference
September 24, 2013
City of Auburn Councilmember Bill Peloza traveled to South Florida for the autumn meeting of the National League of Cities (NLC) Energy, Environment & Natural Resources (EENR) committee. He saw first hand the threat of sea level rise and how salt water intrusion threatens the region’s Florida Everglades drinking water supply. This condition also has implications for community planning for water, transportation infrastructure, housing, and economic development.
September Recycling Tip: Swapping, sharing, secondhand
September 3, 2013
We all love to save money, have cool stuff, and reduce waste. Now doing all three of those together has never been easier! Here are a few tips for swapping, sharing and buying secondhand:
Registration for Auburn’s annual Veterans Day Parade is currently underway
August 20, 2013
The City of Auburn has begun accepting applications for the annual Veterans Day Parade. Official applications may be picked up at the a Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Office located at 910 Ninth Street SE or downloaded from the City of Auburn’s website at www.auburnwa.gov/events.
Auburn's International Festival set for Sunday, August 11
August 9, 2013
The City of Auburn invites all to come downtown for the 2013 International Festival. This fun, community-wide celebration embraces and celebrates the diverse cultures that make up the City of Auburn. The event will be held on Sunday, August 11 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Downtown Auburn, located on 1st St. SW between A St. SW & South Division St. and is a tie between the Auburn International Farmers Market and Auburn Days.
August Recycling Tip: Plastics and glass recycling / Reusing & Reducing
August 1, 2013
Recycling feels good! It also helps our City and our planet, so all your recycling efforts are greatly appreciated. Recycling is even more fun when it’s easy, so here are a few reminders and tips:
King County honors Auburn schools for 'green' efforts
July 29, 2013
The King County Green Schools Program recently recognized four Auburn schools for successful conservation practices. The program has three levels which involve students and staff in learning about and practicing conservation of natural resources.
July Recycling Tip: Beyond the Curb
July 15, 2013
Recycling rocks, but what about the stuff that you can’t put in your curbside recycling bin? In many cases, recycling solutions are available for those items too! Here are a few examples:
Community Meeting regarding King County Transfer Station to be held July 11 in Auburn
June 24, 2013
The King County Solid Waste Division is hosting a community meeting on Thursday, July 11 to provide information about the need for a new recycling and transfer station in south King County and the type of environmental impacts being studied.
June Recyling Tip: Recycling and Climate Change
June 6, 2013
Recycling isn’t a remedy for the world’s problems, but recycling can be an investment in the future, and a statement. And if it is just as easy to put something in a recycling bin as put it in a trash can, why not?
May Recycling Tip: Plastic Recycling
May 3, 2013
If you find plastics recycling confusing, you’re not alone. Because countless types of plastics exist, and not all plastics are collected in the curbside recycling cart, it’s not always clear what goes where. But the good news is that recycling companies are working hard to make plastics recycling easier for the public, by giving clearer guidelines and accepting more items.
Apply Now for King County's Best Workplaces Recycling Awards
April 30, 2013
King County has launched its seventh annual Best Workplaces program, recognizing local businesses with exceptional programs who are leading the way in reducing, reusing and recycling all types of waste. The 2013 application is now available here.
Register Now for Auburn's Clean Sweep
April 26, 2013
Auburn’s Clean Sweep is just a few weeks away and you’re invited to volunteer for this fun, annual event scheduled for Saturday, May 4.
Confusion Remains When It Comes to Recycling, City of Auburn Study Finds
April 26, 2013
Last fall, the City of Auburn did a survey of nearly 300 residential recycling carts, and found more than 70 percent contained items that were not actually recyclable. The City wanted to see what people were actually putting in their carts, so they could help inform residents better about recycling.
City of Auburn Utility Discount & Rebate Program
April 9, 2013
The City of Auburn offers reduced utility rates or rebates to citizens meeting certain age and income requirements. This discount is also provided within the same financial limitations for customers who are totally and permanently disabled.
What to do with home repair and remodeling waste
April 4, 2013
It’s the word that strikes fear into a homeowner’s heart: “Remodeling!” Yes, this is the beginning of remodeling season, but no, your project doesn’t have to be a nightmarish experience. Figuring out what to do with the waste can be one of the most annoying aspects of remodeling, so here are a few tips...
Free Natural Yard Care Workshops Scheduled in Auburn
April 2, 2013
Natural Yard Care workshops teach you how easy and rewarding natural yard care can be. They’re fun, informative and FREE. Workshops are available to all residents who live within the city limits of Auburn, so bring a neighbor and come learn about healthy, natural yard care.
Join the Auburn Community Yard Sale
March 19, 2013
Turn your unwanted household goods into cash and provide someone else with a new treasure! Be a part of the fun and have a single-family yard sale at your Auburn home or a multifamily sale with your neighbors June 7-9.
March Recycling Tip: “Bag Your Bags” Program
March 1, 2013
King County’s “Bag your Bags. Bring ‘em Back” campaign brings together recycling, reuse and reduction right in your kitchen and grocery store.
Waste Management’s New Public CNG Fueling Station will Service CNG-Equipped Cars, Trucks and Commercial Fleet Vehicles
February 21, 2013
The City of Auburn welcomes a new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station to the city. Now owners of CNG-equipped vehicles and commercial fleet drivers can fuel up at a new natural gas fueling station at Small & Sons Fueling Station in Auburn. The state’s newest CNG public fueling station is owned and operated by Waste Management and Small & Sons. Representatives from Waste Management, Small & Sons and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will celebrate the grand opening with the City of Auburn’s Mayor and members of the City Council.
Peloza elected Vice-Chair of Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee (MSWMAC)
February 11, 2013
City of Auburn Councilmember Bill Peloza was elected as Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee (MSWMAC) for 2013. Peloza’s election was announced on February 8, 2013 following the 2013 election of leadership. Chris Eggen, Deputy Mayor of the City of Shoreline was elected Chair.
Auburn Recycling Tip: What to do with the big, toxic items
February 1, 2013
There’s a country band called “Big & Rich,” but today we’re going to talk about the “Big and Scary” – How do you dispose of the big, bulky items or toxic stuff you can’t set out on the curb?
Auburn Movie Night: ‘Addicted to Plastic’ January 17
January 7, 2013
The City of Auburn’s Solid Waste & Recycling Division will be screening a free movie, “Addicted to Plastic”, Thursday evening, Jan. 17, 2013. The event aims to educate the community about plastics; the effects of plastics on the environment and human health; and the plastics industry.
Free workshops on hidden hazards in the arts
January 7, 2013
Artists and art educators can learn safe storage, disposal and safer chemical at four, free “Hidden Hazards in the Arts” workshops – coming soon to Seattle, and sponsored by the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County.
Cut Down the Amount of Junk Mail You Receive
January 3, 2013
Paper junk mail is still a pervasive problem for many of us, not to mention those darn phone books that suddenly appear on our front porch. But don’t despair. King County recently introduced a free online opt-out service that will help residents reduce their junk mail and unwanted phone books.
Recycling, donating or disposing of your ‘stuff’ can help with moving stress
December 24, 2012
Moving into a new home, closing a loved one’s home or making room for family members at your place can create an overwhelming amount of “stuff” that’s no longer wanted.
Free Styrofoam Recycling in Auburn Dec. 26-Jan. 4
December 17, 2012
The City of Auburn is hosting its first Holiday Styrofoam™ Block Recycling Collection Event Dec. 26, 2012 to Jan. 4, 2013 at the City’s gravel parking lot, South Division & 1st Street SW (south of Sunbreak Café). Collection carts will be located in the northeast corner of the parking lot, with resident access available during daylight hours.
City of Auburn Christmas Tree and Wreath Recycling
December 13, 2012
Residents who live within the city limits of Auburn and have Waste Management or Allied Waste Services for garbage service can recycle their Christmas trees and organic wreaths for no additional cost. If you live outside of the Auburn city limits (unincorporated King County), contact your garbage and recycling hauler for Christmas tree recycling information.
Don’t be down in the dumps - Make recycling work for you
December 1, 2012
Are any recyclables falling through the cracks at your house? Could be, because more than half of the garbage going into King County’s landfill is actually recyclable! To make sure you keep as much out of the garbage as possible, follow these tips for making recycling more convenient:
Solid Waste Hauler to Change for the Holt/Cobble Creek Area on January 1, 2013
November 27, 2012
The City of Auburn’s contracted solid waste hauler, Waste Management will assume collection and disposal of solid waste on January 1, 2013, in Holt/Cobble Creek area that was annexed in 2005 via Ordinance #5516.
Solid Waste & Recycling Holiday Collection Changes
November 20, 2012
There will be no garbage, recycling or yard/food waste collection on Thanksgiving Day. Collections scheduled for that Thursday will occur on Friday, and collections normally scheduled for Friday will occur on Saturday.
New disposal station open for used household cooking oil and fryer grease
November 20, 2012
If you're planning to deep fry your Thanksgiving turkey this season, the City of Auburn has a safe way to dispose of the leftover used cooking oil. The City has partnered with General Biodiesel to provide residents with a safe, environmentally-friendly way to dispose of used fryer grease. The free waste-to-energy program recycles it into low carbon biodiesel.
Auburn City Council considers proposed solid waste rates for 2013
November 16, 2012
Increases in solid waste rates have been proposed to the Auburn City Council as part of the city's 2013-14 budget. If approved, rate changes will take effect January 1, 2013.
Auburn Customers to Receive Service Credit for Disruption of Garbage Collection
November 6, 2012
Auburn Waste Management customers will see a service credit on their December bill thanks to a $225,300 settlement recently reached by the City of Auburn and Waste Management. The settlement compensates for Waste Management’s failure to make scheduled solid waste collections from July 25 - Aug. 1, 2012 due to an employee strike.
November Recycling Tips from the City of Auburn: Don't Let Your Food Go to Waste
November 1, 2012
The average family in King County throws away 9 pounds of food every week, adding up to 470 pounds every year. As a result, more than one-third of the County’s garbage is made up of food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard debris—the largest percentage of the waste stream.
Participate in Free Compost Workshops in Auburn Beginning Oct. 20
October 12, 2012
The first of three free composting workshops will be held on Oct. 20 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at The English Home & Garden located at 102 29th St. SE. Participants will learn how to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers; reduce erosion and soil compaction; control diseases and pest infestation; increase plant production; and conserve natural resources.
October Recycling Tips from the City of Auburn: Where Does Your Recycling Go?
October 1, 2012
Recycling involves a lot more than just the collection of materials. Those materials need to be picked up, processed and turned into a new product, and that product needs to be marketed and sold. Only then can recycling be considered a success.
Auburn Police Department Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs Sept. 29
September 14, 2012
On Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Auburn Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
September Recycling Tips from the City of Auburn
September 7, 2012
The concept behind recycling is simple: Give new life to a product or packaging, instead of sending it to the landfill. But in practice, recycling gets complicated.