Kirkland's New Waste Management Contract Begins Next Month

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland neighbors will see updated waste collection rates and a few new services starting July 1, as the city enters a new contract with Waste Management. According to the city, most things will stay the same, including weekly residential collection and what items are accepted in curbside recycling.

Monthly rates will see increases across the board, which officials say is the result of several factors, including rising recycling costs. According to the city, extra staff and machinery are needed to remove garbage placed in recycling, and approximately 15 percent of items placed in Kirkland's recycling stream need to be disposed of in a landfill. Another factor is higher labor costs, along with more expensive disposal rates from King County, amid limited space at the Cedar Hills Landfill.

Here are the new residential rates for Kirkland:

Along with the higher rates, neighbors will also have some new waste services available, including free collection for one bulky item each year and a new option to replace food and yard carts with a food-only cart. Residents will also be able to dispose of extra yard waste during November for free, and customer service hours will expand.

Waste Management is also deploying an upgraded fleet of low-emission trucks equipped to detect improper items placed in recycling and compost bins.

Kirkland residents can learn more about the upcoming changes online or sign up to participate in an informational session and virtual recycling center tour later this month.