Garbage & Recycling
Frequently Asked Questions about Garbage and Recycle Services in Lynnwood
Does the city provide garbage service and is that service mandatory?
No, the city does not operate a garbage collection department and it is not mandatory to subscribe to a service. Residents and businesses have the option to transport their own solid waste to transfer facilities operated by Snohomish County. However, the following private certified waste haulers provide convenient scheduled service. For single and multi-family properties that subscribe to garbage service, recycling is included with the service.
Two private waste collectors operate within Lynnwood city limits. Waste Management NW provides service in the area east of Highway 99. Allied Waste of Lynnwood (Formerly Lynnwood Disposal) provides service to the area west of Highway 99.
Where do I call to get garbage service?
Residents living East of Hwy 99: contact Waste Management NW toll-free at 1-800-592-9995.
Residents living West of Hwy 99: contact Allied Waste at (425) 778-0188 for both residential service and commercial service.
Does my garbage get picked up every week and can I use my own container?
Yes, single-family residents receive weekly garbage collection, with the option of using company-supplied containers or the resident’s own containers for most service levels.
Service levels range from the smallest, a 20-gallon mini-can, to one or more of standard 32-gallon containers or company-supplied 64-gallon and 96-gallon wheeled carts.
There is a once-a-month garbage service available using one 32-gallon size container.
Containers for recycling are provided by the companies.
There is a monthly charge for garbage service. Residents are billed every three months.
What about recycling service?
Recycling service is automatically included with garbage service for single-family residents and multi-family properties. These materials are accepted for curbside recycling service:
- Mixed Paper
- Newspaper
- Tin (steel) Cans
- All Plastic Bottles & Jugs
- Cardboard
- Glass Bottles & Jars
- Aluminum Cans
- Milk Cartons & Juice Boxes
Both Waste Management NW and Allied Waste collect recycling every other week on the same day as your garbage collection. The companies supply a calendar schedule and a large wheeled plastic cart to collect the recycling. All accepted materials mentioned above can be placed into the cart together. Customers need to call thier respective company to start this service.
What about yard debris and other services these companies provide?
Yard debris and food scrap collection at curbside is available for an additional monthly fee and is very popular. Again, both companies supply a collection container to those that call and request the service.
Yard debris includes the following:
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Weeds
- Brush Prunings
- Branches up to 2 inches in diameter and less than 3 feet long
Note: Yard debris does not include dirt, rocks, sod, pet wastes or pet litter, barbecue ashes or coals, metal, bricks, lumber or treated wood products such as beauty bark.
Available now! - any Allied Waste or Waste Management NW customer that currently has or begins new yard debris collection service will have the option to add food scraps into their cart, along with regular yard debris materials. The following compostable materials are now acceptable to add to this collection cart:
Food scraps including:
- Meat, Fish, and Poultry
- Fruit and vegetables
- Bread products
- Beans, pasta and rice
- Coffee grounds and teabags
- Dairy products
- Eggshells, nutshells
Food-soiled paper including:
- Paper towels and napkins
- Uncoated paper plates and cups
- Paper food wrap
- Paper take-out cartons
- Greasy pizza boxes
- Waxed cardboard
- Coffee filters
- Shredded paper
- Paper bags containing food scraps.
Important – no plastics or metals allowed into the yard debris cart.
Both waste collectors have container service available for activities such as remodeling and large cleanup projects. Several sizes of large containers are available.
Both companies can also accommodate requests to collect unwanted bulky items such as furniture and other types of household items. A fee is charged but can be less expensive than hauling it yourself. Restrictions apply so please call for information.
When you have questions on properly disposing of any unwanted household item call the city’s Waste prevention and Recycling Coordinator at (425) 670-5244 for the options.
What about household hazardous waste? Where do I take unwanted paint*, pesticides, etc.?
Unwanted products that are considered Household Hazardous Wastes cannot and should not be put into the garbage. Snohomish County operates the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Station in Everett. It is open every Wednesday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and the service is free to Snohomish County residents. For more information (and suggestions for proper handling of unwanted latex paint) visit the Snohomish County Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Station page.
*The drop-off station no longer accepts any latex paint. Oil paint, stains, and solvents will still be accepted for free.
Who do I call if I have a complaint about my garbage service?
Please call your particular garbage company at the numbers given above. If they do not respond or you receive unsatisfactory reply, call the city’s Waste Prevention and Recycling Coordinator Steve Fisher at (425) 670-5244. He is a liaison to both waste collectors and is available to help you.
If you feel you want to lodge a complaint to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Committee which is the state body that regulates certified waste collectors and sets the garbage rates, etc., please call 1-800-562-6150 and follow the instructions.
Is there a place I can take my own waste?
Yes. Snohomish County operates three (3) transfer stations. The one closest to Lynnwood is the Southwest Transfer Station in Mountlake Terrace. Call (425) 388-3429 for a recorded message on all the stations, including their locations, operating hours and other information or visit the Snohomish County Solid Waste Facilites web page for more information.
Garbage brought to any of these stations is charged at a base rate of $105 a ton. There are minimum fees for pickup trucks and passenger vehicles. (call the number mentioned).
Recycling services for the following materials are available at the transfer station for free, to residents only (if they are brought in separately from garbage):
- Used motor oil
- Used antifreeze
- Used oil filters
- Scrap metal (includes household appliances, except refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and heat pumps)
- Vehicle batteries
- Fluorescent lights, tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs
- Household propane tanks (empty)
- Rechargeable batteries ( from cellphones, laptops, power tools, etc.)
Unwanted TV's and computer equipment can no longer be put into the garbage. However, they CAN be recycled and special handling and instructions apply. See our special web page for disposing of TV's and Computer Equipment at www.takeitbacknetwork.org.
|