Trash Collection/Recycling

MANDATORY SERVICE INFORMATION

One of the core services a city provides is the handling of solid waste. Solid waste management was developed in cities originally as a way to control human diseases. Management of solid waste in a municipal environment is still very much a public health and sanitation concern. As an example, without proper management, infestations of rodents are a common outcome, therefore, most cities require residents to subscribe for garbage services.

The City of Port Townsend has a 10-year contract with Waste Connections for garbage, recycling, and yard waste services that went into effect on April 1, 2020. If you do not have service, please contact Waste Connections and sign up for service. The City and Waste Connections will periodically audit residents' accounts to ensure service is provided to all active residential and commercial properties.You can sign up for service, view your neighborhood trash and recycling pick-up schedule, as well obtain more information related to trash collection on the Waste Connections website.

The purpose behind mandatory solid waste collection is:

Reduced cost of services for all residents.
Discourages illegal dumping.
Promotes a sanitary, healthy environment.
Reduction of rodent and pest infestation.
Utility-based approach ensures steady revenue, promoting reliable service and infrastructure maintenance.
Protects our beautiful public lands, waterways and wildlife from waste and contaminants.

Port Townsend Municipal Code (PTMC), City Ordinance 2221 codified at PTMC 6.04.040(B) has defined the requirement to be for any address that is “tenantable”.

SPECIAL COLLECTION & CLEAN-UP DATES 2026

2025 Christmas Tree Pickup: January 5 - 9, 2026

Spring Clean-Up - Garbage / Appliances: April 6 - 10, 2026

Spring Clean-Up Yard Waste: April 13 - 17, 2026

Looking ahead...

2026 Christmas Tree Pickup: January 4 - 8, 2027

Garbage Service FAQ's

How do I start or stop service? Call Waste Connections at (360) 385-6612 or visit the Waste Connections website.
My rental home is vacant, how do I opt out? There is no opt-out or vacation hold for a vacant home. As with your other City utilities; garbage service is a requirement for all homes, regardless of vacancy, for sale status, etc.
I am going on vacation, how do I put my service on hold? There are no vacation holds for City utilities. Mandatory minimum service is still required.
Can I haul my own garbage to the dump? You are welcome to haul items to the dump, however, the City’s mandatory service is still a requirement.
Can I leave large items at the curb? Contact Waste Connections for details on large/bulky items.

Where do I get my collection schedule? visit: Waste Connections / Pick-Up Schedule

Do you offer any discounts on garbage service? Yes! A discounted rate is available to income-qualifying households. Please download and complete the City's Income-Based Discount application. To expedite application processing, please review the application materials carefully and provide all necessary supporting documentation showing all income from all sources (complete tax return is preferred; must include: retirement, social security, etc), include proof of age, identity and disability status (if applicable).

I need help getting my roll carts and recycle bins to the curb - do you offer assistance? Yes! Carry Out service is available to residents who qualify on the basis of disability status or age-related infirmity. Please download and complete the City's Carry-Out Service application. To expedite application processing, please review the application materials carefully and provide all necessary documentation showing: location of service, approximate distance from home to curbside pickup location and proof of qualifying disability or age-related limitations (with doctor's note).

RATES & SERVICES

Currently, the City contracts with Waste Connections for the collection, hauling and billing of this mandatory service.

For Questions About Available Services, Rates & Collection Dates:

Waste Connections (360) 385-6612

https://www.wasteconnections.com/sequim

Or, Download the Waste Connections App! You can get pick up reminders, report a missed pick up, and more!

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wasteconnect/id1442351850

For Questions About Recycling or Self-Hauling of Additional Waste or Bulky Items:
Jefferson County Solid Waste (360) 385-9160

https://jeffersoncountysolidwaste.com/recycling/

ANNUAL RATE INCREASE, EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2026

Annually, on January 1st, a contractual rate adjustment goes into effect. This adjustment, allowed by contract, is based on regional CPI (Consumer Price Index). This adjustment helps Waste Connections continue to deliver on their promise of excellent service, maintain their fleet, cover expenses (including increased tipping fees to the Jefferson County Landfill and increased State B&O Taxes) while continuing to pay their employees a fair wage. Please refer to our Garbage Rate Sheet and Garbage Service FAQ for details on services and pricing.

SCHEDULED STATE-WIDE TAX INCREASES, EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 2025 - JANUARY 2027

On May 20, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed several bills into law, including HB 2081. This bill introduced surcharges and increases to Business & Occupation (B&O) tax rates. This new tax rate is part of a comprehensive tax reform package that includes increases to existing B&O tax rates, new surcharges for large businesses, and expansions of the retail sales tax base. HB 2081 aims to address the state's budgetary needs and balance the budget by reducing projected deficits and ensuring a sustainable financial future for Washington state.

A brief description of the key changes follows:

October 1, 2025: Businesses with gross incomes exceeding $5 million from services and other activities will see a B&O rate increase from 1.75% to 2.10%. Additionally, the B&O rate for specified financial institutions increases from 1.2% to 1.5%.

January 1, 2026: A new 0.5% surcharge will apply to taxpayers with Washington taxable income over $250 million. This surcharge is temporary and will expire on December 31, 2029. The advanced computing surcharge will be increased from 1.22% to 7.5%.

January 1, 2027: The rate for retail sales will increase from 0.471% to 0.5%. The B&O rate for standard manufacturing, extracting, and wholesaling will rise from 0.484% to 0.5%.

JEFFERSON COUNTY TIPPING FEE INCREASED, EFFECTIVE: AUGUST 1, 2025

In response to rising costs for the maintenance and replacement of aging equipment and infrastructure, Jefferson County Commissioners adopted a new fee schedule on May 12, 2025. Jefferson County’s Port Townsend transfer station rate was increased on August 1, 2025, from $171/ton to $187/ton. The tonnage fee increase is assessed to Waste Connections creating an increase to rates for City garbage utility customers. For further information about the increase levied by Jefferson County, please visit their website: Jefferson County Solid Waste.