FAQs

FAQs2023-09-07T08:38:17-07:00
Is there a weight limit?2022-12-08T10:35:23-08:00

Yes. Your compost and yard waste bin should not exceed 200 lbs. You can receive an extra bin if one is necessary. You can even receive one on a temporary basis (for example, during spring or fall).

What if it snows or is too icy for pickup?2022-12-19T14:15:03-08:00
  1. During inclement weather we make all efforts to pick up as conditions safely allow.
  2. Place your garbage and recycle at the curb by 6:00am, on your regular scheduled day.
  3. If you cannot safely get your cans to the curb, please double up for the following week.
  4. If the garbage is not collected by 4:00 pm,  remove it from the curb, and set it out the following week.
  5. Recycle and Yard Waste rotate weeks and the schedule remains the same throughout the year.  During inclement weather and a missed pick up occurs, please refer to the pickup schedule calendar for your next regular or recycle or yard waste collection day.  This schedule does not change.
What if a holiday falls within my service week?2022-12-08T10:33:59-08:00

Your service day becomes one day late for the remainder of the week. For example, if a holiday falls on a Tuesday and your normal service day is Wednesday, then your new service day for the week is Thursday.

What should I do if my bin is not picked up?2022-12-08T10:33:25-08:00

It’s best to contact our office at (206) 842-4882.

Can I plant trees and shrubs near my septic tank?2022-10-24T11:45:41-07:00

No. You want to keep your septic tank and drain field away from any invasive or oversized roots. These roots could damage your system over time.

Can you help me locate my septic system?2022-10-24T11:45:41-07:00

Yes. Our drivers are equipped with electronic devices to help you locate your septic system. We also have access to online septic reports and locations.

Should I install a septic tank riser?2022-10-24T11:45:41-07:00

Yes. A septic tank riser is a pipe made of either plastic, fiberglass, or concrete. It creates a vertical portal at the ground surface for easy access to the septic tank for inspection and pumping out. The lid is then either left exposed or with a very thin layer of soil and grass over it.

A riser is beneficial because it makes your septic tank more assessable. It also helps you save on labor expenses if there is an issue with your septic system.

Do you inspect septic tanks?2022-10-24T11:45:41-07:00

Yes. Note that Kitsap County requires a certified inspection report for all septic tank pump outs.

Can I overload the drain field or pump by doing multiple loads of laundry in a short amount of time?2022-10-24T11:45:41-07:00

Yes. It’s best to spread out washing laundry, dishes and taking multiple showers over time, especially with older systems and in rainy conditions. Allowing time for the system to recover between uses will help keep it healthy and functioning.

How often should I have my septic tank pumped?2022-10-24T11:45:41-07:00

Every four years, for a household of four is the best schedule to remember. You should have your septic tank pumped more frequently for larger households and less frequently for single user households.

Do we clean septic tanks?2022-10-24T11:45:41-07:00

Yes. We pump and inspect residential and commercial tanks. In addition, we offer:

  • Customer service and inquiries about septic tank pumping
  • Grease traps
  • Certified inspections
  • Riser installation
  • Electronic septic tank locator
I have extra garbage this week. What should I do?2022-11-09T13:45:59-08:00

Place it next to you bin with your address or account number on the extra bag or bin. Additional rates apply for extras.

How do I dispose of big items, like a mattress?2022-10-25T12:47:53-07:00

Visit our 842-JUNK page. Our friendly workers will haul away big and bulky items for you. Give us a call today to arrange a pick-up time.

The transfer station also accepts mattresses and furniture.

How do I dispose of hazardous waste?2022-10-25T12:48:04-07:00

You can take hazardous waste, such as adhesives, antifreeze, nail polish, and paints and stains to the Kitsap County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.

Once every two years there is a household hazardous waste collection on Bainbridge Island, run by Kitsap County Solid Waste. Please visit the Sustainable Bainbridge Zero Waste website for more information.

Where do I dispose of batteries, light bulbs, electronics, sharp objects, motor oil, and scrap metal?2022-11-16T15:12:36-08:00

Keep these items out of your garbage bin. You can drop them off at our transfer station instead.

What if I have more recycling than my bin can hold?2022-10-25T12:48:51-07:00

You can order additional bins for an extra charge.

Can I put a large cardboard box next to my recycling bin?2022-11-09T13:56:01-08:00

No. Our trucks are automated and recycle items must fit into your bin.

How do I know if an item is recyclable?2022-10-25T12:49:37-07:00

You no longer have to read symbols or guess what goes in your bin. Check out our Recycle Right link and see how easy it is.

What happens if I put a non-recyclable item in my bin?2022-10-25T12:49:48-07:00

Putting non-recyclable items in your recycling bin contaminates the recycling stream and can result in costly damage to recycling equipment. It can also cause added expense to a recycling program. Know how to Recycle Right by clicking here.

Our drivers may reject contaminated bins, and service fees may apply. If you’re in doubt as to whether an item is recyclable, throw it in your garbage bin.

What should I never put in my recycling bin(s)?2022-11-09T13:59:20-08:00

Keep in mind, only a few items belong in your recycle bin and most things stay out. Ignore symbols and check out the Recycle Right link to see how easy it is.

You should keep the following items out of your recycle bin:

  • Plastic bags, trays and clamshells
  • Lids: plastic and loose metal
  • Plastic utensils, straws and take out containers
  • Cartons: think milk, juice, and broth
  • Shredded paper
  • Paper cups
  • Prescription bottles
  • Uncertainties (when in doubt, throw it out)
  • Aluminum foil and foil plastic (squeeze food & drink)
  • Styrofoam
  • Food or food-soiled items
  • Frozen food containers
  • Coffee pods
  • Greasy pizza boxes
  • Diapers
  • Aerosol cans
What are the most common items that I can put into my curbside recycling bin?2022-10-25T12:50:14-07:00

You can include the following items in your recycling:

  • Plastic bottles, jugs, and dairy tubs
  • Soda and water bottles
  • Detergent
  • Paper and cardboard
  • Mail
  • Paper bags
  • Cereal boxes
  • Flattened cardboard
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Metal soda and food cans
What are the “three simple steps” for compost collection?2024-05-17T01:55:15-07:00
  1. Keep a kitchen bin in a handy place for easy food collection and empty it in your green food and yard waste bin.
  2. Gather yard waste (for example, leaves, branches, and grass clippings) in your green food and yard waste bin.
  3. Place your bin at your curb by 6:00 am on your service day.
What can I put it in my food and yard waste bin?2024-05-17T01:54:03-07:00

The following are common items that you can place in your food and yard waste bin:

  • Food scraps
  • Yard waste (for example, leaves, branches, and grass clippings)
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Coffee filters
  • Pizza boxes
What I should leave out of my food and yard waste bin?2024-05-17T01:53:10-07:00

Please avoid placing any of the following items in your food and yard waste bin:

  • Plastic
  • Shiny paper
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Pet waste
  • Produce stickers
  • Noxious weeds
  • Plastics, containers, and utensils
What if I have more yard waste than can fit in my bin?2022-10-25T12:52:14-07:00

You can order extra bins. If your yard waste is oversized, you can take it to the transfer station to be composted as well.

Can I get an extra yard waste can during spring and fall months?2022-10-25T12:53:40-07:00

Yes. You can order extra bins if needed.

Can I put shredded paper in my yard waste?2022-10-25T12:53:34-07:00

Yes. You can also place it in a paper bag so that it does not blow out when we dump your bin.

Can I put sod in my yard waste bin?2022-10-25T12:53:29-07:00

No. Sod does not require composting and it only adds to the overall weight of your bin. Excessively heavy bins are too much for our drivers and trucks to manage.

How much does the service cost?2022-10-25T12:54:38-07:00

There is a flat rate for pickup plus a charge for materials. We can tell you the exact amount of our service when you call to schedule a pickup.

Can I dispose of bulky items myself?2022-11-10T12:43:35-08:00

If our transfer station accepts the item(s) you wish to discard, and you have the means to take it there, you can drop it off at the transfer station yourself.

Will the service work with large and bulky items, like a mattress or hot tub?2022-10-25T12:54:47-07:00

Most often, yes. Our workers will typically haul away big and bulky items. Examples include furniture, hot water tanks, mattresses, and hot tubs.

Once you call to schedule a pickup, we can tell you for certain whether we can haul away your specific item(s).

Will you pick up items located inside my house, like a couch or mattress?2022-10-25T12:54:52-07:00

No, everything must be outside and accessible.

Can workers collect multiple items in one pickup?2022-10-25T12:54:58-07:00

Most often, yes. Our workers can usually haul away multiple items during one scheduled pick-up. For example, if you’re cleaning your garage and want to get rid of several objects (for example, bikes and lawnmowers), we can usually take them all. This is provided that all objects qualify for pick-up.

What are the items that we don’t pick up?2022-10-25T12:55:04-07:00

We don’t pick up hazardous waste, asbestos, industrial waste, medical waste, and soil and rocks.

How do I rent a demolition box?2022-10-25T12:55:54-07:00

Feel free to call us and our friendly staff will help you identify what size box you will need for your project. We have assorted sizes and options that will make your job stress free.

How far in advance do I need to reserve a demolition box?2022-10-25T12:56:00-07:00

We are local and delivery is typically fast. However, during the building season and warmer months, our boxes are in demand so make sure to reserve one ahead of time. A reservation is the best guarantee to have your box by your planned project date.

Do you recycle construction debris?2022-10-25T12:56:08-07:00

Yes. If the demolition material is clean and not contaminated, just let us know that your preference is to recycle it and we’ll keep it out of the landfill.

How much garbage or demolition debris can I fit into a 30-yard demolition box?2022-10-25T12:56:16-07:00

Our 30-yard box holds heavy and bulky materials, usually weighing between 2-8 tons.

What fits in our smallest demolition box?2022-10-25T12:56:23-07:00

Our 10-yard demolition box is the perfect size for a garage clean out, bathroom remodel, property clean up, deck tear down, seasonal brush clean-up, or similar project.

How much does it cost to drop off items at our facility?2022-10-25T12:57:44-07:00

It depends on what you are dumping. Please feel free to contact us with rate questions on your specific items.

Is the transfer station open on holidays?2023-09-20T12:54:08-07:00

We’re