All service areas in Clark County have automated garbage and recycling collection. In automated collection, a mechanical arm extends from the truck and picks up specially designed containers from each residence. This means garbage and recycling carts need thoughtful placement at the curb.
- Place carts/bins at least 5 feet from any obstructions with 3 feet of separation between carts/bins.
- Avoid placing carts/bins under low hanging tree branches or near other objects.
Residential recycling services
Curbside recycling service is available to all residents of Clark County. In some cities and urban growth areas, curbside recycling is mandatory while others are optional.
Recycling is picked up on the same day as garbage on an every-other-week basis. Residents are assigned a pick-up day when they sign up for garbage service based on their service address.
How do I recycle?
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Things to remember
- All recyclables should be empty, clean, and dry.
- Place items loose in the cart; do not bag.
- No broken glass or objects that are sharp or heavy.
- No putting an item that is not on the accepted list in the blue cart. This can result in other recyclable material being unusable and discarded. When in doubt, leave it out!
Accepted items
- Aluminum trays and foil
- Cardboard and paperboard
- Cartons
- Empty aerosol cans (non-hazardous products only)
- Metal cans
- Paper
- Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs (no larger than 5-gallon size)
- Scrap metal (bigger than 2 inches but not longer than 24 inches in any dimension, and not heavier than 35 pounds)
For information on how to properly prepare your items for curbside pickup, refer to Recycling A-Z and enter the material type.
Do not include
- Auto parts
- Batteries
- Block foam
- Food or liquid
- Food soiled paper
- Freezer boxes
- Glass
- Hazardous chemical containers
- Napkins or paper towels
- Paper cups or paper plates
- Plastic bags or plastic wrap
- Plastic lids or plastic clamshells
- Propane tanks
- Sharp items
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Put glass in a separate bin beside the big blue recycling cart.
- Glass bottles and jars only
- No broken glass, lids, light bulbs, drinking glasses, or ceramics
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Motor oil and antifreeze can be set out next to your recycling bins for curbside service. Put each in a separate and clearly marked 1-gallon container, sealed with a tightly fitting screw on top.
If you live in an apartment or condo, contact your property manager for instructions.
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Household batteries can be recycled through curbside services including alkaline and rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, button cell, 9 volt, and other similar sized batteries.
To safely recycle through curbside services:
- Tape the ends and place household batteries in a sealed, clear plastic bag and place ON TOP of your recycling cart lid.
- DO NOT put batteries inside the blue recycling cart.
DO NOT set out lithium-ion, vehicle, or lead acid batteries. These batteries can be safely disposed of as household hazardous waste at drop-off locations at the transfer stations or by using one of the conveniently located drop-off locations throughout the county.
If you live in an apartment or condo, contact your property manager for instructions.
Residential garbage services
For items that cannot be recycled, Clark County garbage customers have several service options, including container sizes, frequency of service, and management of bulky items. Contact your service provider for detailed information on what is available in your area and associated costs.
Other services
Drop boxes
For large residential and commercial projects, drop boxes (10+ yards) are available. Contact your hauling company for more information.
Self-haul
Residents in Clark County may choose to haul their garbage and bulky items directly to the transfer stations. If choosing to self-haul, keep in mind that to prevent litter and injury, the state of Washington and local ordinances require all loads being hauled to be secured and covered. Department of Ecology offers additional information, including tips to secure your load.
Contact information
Solid Waste Operations
Solid Waste Education & Outreach
564.397.7352
Email
RecycleRight service alerts & collection reminders
Have questions about your upcoming pick-up day? Wondering about weather delays? Receive customized waste and recycling reminders and alerts using the RecycleRight calendar or download the app (available on Apple or Android devices). Using RecycleRight you can look up local reuse, recycling, and disposal options for specific items in the A–Z Directory as well as request collection of bulky items, electronic waste, and more.
Green apartment living
For more information about recycling and garbage services at apartments, condos, dorms, or other multifamily residence, check out the Green Neighbors multifamily homes green living page.