Food Scrap Collection Service for Businesses

As of January 1, 2026, Washington State Law HB1799 requires restaurants to compost food scraps to reduce landfilled material.  

To support Kirkland businesses, the City of Kirkland offers eligible businesses weekly or twice weekly collection of up to two, 64-gallon carts at no additional cost. Additional carts are available for a fee.

How the Program Works

compost carts with large compost poster at commercial property
  • The City of Kirkland offers weekly or twice-weekly food scrap collection of up to two 64-gallon food scrap carts at no additional cost as part of your garbage service. 
  • WM services carts and lines them with a compostable liner each time they are emptied to keep them clean.
  • City staff will help you determine the number of carts needed, cart placement, and pickup frequency.  
  •  City staff can provide interior collection containers (while supplies last) to place near food prep areas and bussing stations. 
  • Complimentary laminated signs showing what is acceptable are also provided (while supplies last)
  • Businesses collect food scraps inside and empty into outside food scrap carts. 
  • Carts are emptied by WM and transported to a local compost facility to be turned into a valuable soil amendment in just eight weeks! This compost is used on local landscapes and gardens.                 

What's Accepted

All food is accepted, including: 

  • Cooked and uncooked foods 
  • Bones, meat, dairy, and shells 
  • Non-shiny, food-soiled paper products such as napkins and pizza boxes 
  • Approved compostable packaging is accepted in addition to food scraps. Our team will assist your business to identify approved compostable products. Many products labeled “compostable” are not accepted.

The service is intended for food scraps. Businesses with yard trimmings can subscribe to yard waste service for a monthly charge through Waste Management. 

How to Start Composting at Your Business

Starting Food Scrap Service is easy!

Submit the form below and a member of our team will contact you with next steps. Email recycle@kirklandwa.gov or call 425-587-3812 with any questions or issues. 

Contact Us

Contact the Recycling Hotline

recycle@kirklandwa.gov
425-587-3812

What You Can Compost

Composting guide showing food scraps, food-soiled paper, and compostable bags accepted in the compost cart. (PDF, 2MB)

All food scraps are accepted, including bones, meat, and shells. See brochure with more information.

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