What goes in my organics container?

Tips & Guidelines
Did you know food scraps, un-coated food-soiled paper and yard waste can be composted into a nutrient-rich soil amendment? Finished compost creates a valuable product used in parks and gardens. Approximately 30% of all material that ends up in the landfill could have been composted instead. When you keep food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard waste separate from your garbage, you extend the life of our landfills and conserve resources.

Organics collection is included with your residential garbage subscription at no additional cost! Organics are collected weekly on the same day as your garbage collection. To sign up for service, submit a Modify Service Form or call Recology CleanScapes at 425.453.0220.

Materials Collected

Put these types of materials in your organics cart:
Food scraps

  • Fruits, vegetables
  • Bread, pasta, grains
  • Eggshells, nutshells
  • Fish, meat, dairy
  • Shells, bones
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags

Food-soiled paper

  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Uncoated paper plates and cups
  • Uncoated paper take-out cartons
  • Pizza delivery boxes
  • Paper bags containing food scraps
  

Yard debris

      • Grass clippings
      • Leaves, twigs
      • Weeds
      • Houseplants
      • Branches (under 4′ long, 4″ wide)

 
DO NOT place these items in your organics cart:
  • Glass
  • Animal or human waste
  • Pet litter
  • Diapers
  • Plastic
  • StyrofoamTM
  • Foil
  • Hazardous waste
  • Soil
  • Rocks
  • Stumps/limbs (over 4′ long, 4″ wide)
  • Lumber or fencing
  • Painted or treated wood
  • Metal

Download the Organics Poster:

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Watch the Kitchen Composting 101 video below for tips.

More videos from King County: Love Your Leftovers | Shop Smart | Store It Right