About Us

MISSION STATEMENT.  To provide an excellent multi-faceted collection, disposal and recycling service to the citizens of Spokane, at the least possible cost consistent with modern Solid Waste Management practices.

• To remain organizationally efficient while recognizing the complexities of growth and change.
• To address environmental issues head on and protect our precious natural resources as identified by the general public, regulatory agencies and our elected officials.

DEPARTMENT HISTORY.  The Department of Solid Waste Management started serving the City of Spokane in 1940 with curbside service.  Over the years we have developed into an impressive operation involving systems such as source separation, automated collection and computerized routing.

GARBAGE.  The combined fleet of residential garbage trucks is comprised of 6 semi automated and 18 automated routes. The Solid Waste Management Department collects over 13,000 residents daily. In a one week period, our trucks cover a 58.7 square mile area which works out to 223 miles of arterials and 588 miles of residential streets. Our work hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (commercial routes work from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) Monday through Friday with the exception of holiday-delayed service weeks. Throughout its existence in Spokane, automated collection has proven efficient, allowing for a single person automated truck to service as many homes in a day as a two person manually loaded truck did.

RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING.  In October of 1990, the City of Spokane Solid Waste Management Department in compliance with Washington State Law, and the Spokane Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, started a curbside recycling program. Solid Waste Management provides 18 gallon blue bins to each residence for designated recyclable materials.  This program services about 6,000 residents daily. While it is optional, we would love to see all Spokane residents participate.  

COMMERCIAL RECYCLING.  In the spring of 1992, a commercial recycling collection program was implemented that provides service for multi-family dwelling units and business. While there is a small fee for this service, the cost savings on the level of garbage service needed offsets the fee for many.

SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING.  Single Stream Recycling began October 1st, 2012. More recyclables are accepted than ever before and citizens are able to use one large blue cart to hold all of their recycling. This allows the carts to be picked up with an automated recycling truck and transported to a regional recycling center.  

FOOD & YARD WASTE.  In the spring of 1997, the Solid Waste Management Department started a curbside yard waste collection program to provide the residents of Spokane a convenient way to recycle their yard waste.  In 2010, this program was expanded to include the collection of food scraps and food-soiled paper.  The yard waste collection program has gone from 5,000 customers in 1997 to over 20,000 customers today and is still growing.