Tacoma Trash Pickup & Garbage Schedule 2026

Tacoma’s single-family and duplex curbside service uses an alternating-week system. Garbage and recycling are collected every other week, and food/yard waste is collected on the opposite weeks. Residential rates are based on the size of your green garbage cart, while recycling and food/yard waste service are built into residential service. Residential customers can also use Call-2-Haul and self-haul options through the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center.

How to Find Your Tacoma Trash Pickup Day (Fast Lookup)

Tacoma provides an official online schedule tool for single-family homes and duplexes. It shows your collection weeks and holiday-adjusted service by address.

1. Open the collection schedule. Go to My Schedule.
2. Enter your address. Use your exact Tacoma service address.
3. Check the alternating pattern. One week will show garbage and recycling; the next week will show food/yard waste.
4. Use the address-specific holiday schedule. Tacoma’s tool is the safest way to confirm weeks affected by New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
5. Call Solid Waste if needed. Multifamily properties, larger properties, and special situations should call (253) 502-2100.

Tacoma Trash Pickup Schedule: What Runs When

Tacoma’s residential system is built around alternating weeks. That is the biggest difference from many other cities and the detail most people miss when they first move in.

Residential customers may request up to two brown food/yard waste bins at no extra cost and as many blue recycling bins as needed. Recycling is included in the monthly garbage bill, and food/yard waste service is also included for residential customers.

Tacoma Green, Blue, Brown, and Call-2-Haul System

Tacoma separates standard curbside waste into garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste. Large household items are handled through the city’s Call-2-Haul program instead of regular cart service.

Tacoma’s food and yard waste program accepts organic food scraps and yard waste, but not plastic bags, compostable service ware, glass, metal, plastic, or Styrofoam. Recyclables should stay inside the bin, and overfilled containers can lead to extra fees or missed service.

Tacoma Set-Out Rules

Tacoma uses automated collection trucks for standard residential curbside service, so timing, weight, and clearance all matter.

• Set containers out by 7:00 a.m. on your pickup day.
• Keep containers 4 feet away from obstructions like other containers, vehicles, poles, fences, and buildings.
• Place curbside containers in the street or alley where your service normally occurs.
• Do not overload the container. The lid should sit flat and the container must weigh 250 pounds or less.
• Remove the container after it is emptied.

Tacoma Call-2-Haul Bulky Item Pickup

Tacoma’s Call-2-Haul program is the right option for large household items, furniture, appliances, and similar oversized items that do not belong in curbside garbage. For residential solid waste customers, the cost is already built into residential rates.

Residential customers can use:

• Up to two curbside pickups or self-hauls per calendar year
• Up to three large items per pickup
• Up to 15 boxes or bags of smaller items per pickup

1. Schedule in advance. Call (253) 573-2468 or use MyTPU if eligible.
2. Check accepted items first. Household garbage, recyclables, yard waste, and hazardous waste are not accepted through Call-2-Haul.
3. Place items neatly by 7:00 a.m. on the pickup day.
4. Keep items clear of obstructions. Leave space from buildings, vehicles, and overhead wires.
5. Stay within the item limit. Going over the limit can count as a double pickup.

Tacoma 2026 Holiday Trash Schedule

Tacoma lists only four annual holidays that affect residential curbside collection: New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If your pickup day falls on or after one of those holidays, collection is one day later during that holiday week. All other collection days stay on their regular schedule.

The official schedule tool is still the safest source because it shows the holiday collection schedule specific to your address.

What to Do If Tacoma Missed Your Pickup

If your curbside container was not collected, Tacoma asks customers to contact Solid Waste Management. The city also says that if you forgot to put your container out on time, crews may attempt same-day pickup, but extra fees may apply.

1. Check your alternating-week schedule first. Make sure you placed the correct bin out for that week.
2. Review holiday timing. Tacoma delays service during the four listed holiday weeks.
3. Confirm set-out and spacing. Containers should be out by 7:00 a.m. with 4 feet of clearance.
4. Call Solid Waste Management. Report missed curbside service at (253) 502-2100.
5. Ask about same-day options if you forgot. Tacoma says crews may attempt same-day pickup, though extra fees can apply.

Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center and Drop-Off Options

Tacoma residents can also self-haul garbage, recycling, yard waste, and hazardous materials to the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center and related facilities. This is useful for overflow material, special items, or large cleanouts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tacoma Trash Pickup

Official Tacoma Trash Collection Resources

Reminder: Tacoma’s alternating-week system makes the official address lookup the source of truth for your exact service days and holiday changes.