See Service Calendars

Single-family Garbage Collection Services
The City of Des Moines contracts with Allied Waste for the curbside collection of single-family residential garbage. Service rates are determined by size of your garbage can.

Start, Stop or Change Service

• To start service call 206-682-9735.
• To transfer, stop, or change service call 206-682-9735.

Find Your Collection Day

• Garbage is collected once a week.
• Call us at 206-682-9735 for your service day information. ( See Service Calendars)

Prepare Your Garbage

1. Use your own garbage can or rent one from Allied Waste.
2. Review the list of What Goes in the Garbage Can.
3. Place your garbage can out by 7 AM on your scheduled collection day. Put cans within 5' of the curb with lid opening toward the street.
4. Place excess garbage in a bag or container clearly marked "Garbage" near the garbage can. Excess garbage that does not fit into the garbage can with the lid closed will result in an extra charge.
5. Remove cans from the curb within 24 hours after collection.

Medical needles or "sharps" if placed in the garbage, must be contained in a rigid puncture-proof container one gallon or less in size. Empty 2-liter pop bottles or 1-gallon milk jugs are acceptable when capped, taped and labeled "Do Not Recycle."

• Check with your pharmacy or doctor for other disposal options.
• Check with www.sharpsinc.com for additional disposal options.
• Check out Seattle-King County Public Health site for more information.

Haul Garbage to the Transfer Station (the Dump)

• Items that won't fit into your garbage can may be hauled to a transfer station operated by the King County Solid Waste Division:
• Bow Lake Transfer Station, 18800 Orillia Rd. S., Tukwila
• Call 206-296-6542 for operating hours and directions

Reduce Your Bill

• Recycle More! Conserve resources and save money by reducing the size of your garbage can. A smaller garbage can costs less.
• Avoid overflowing containers for yard debris and garbage, as there can be an additional charge.