Public Works Environmental Services
Updates from the Solid Waste & Recycling and Surface Water Divisions
Confidential Document Shredding Events Postponed
Based on the proclamation and Direction from the State and County Departments of Health, we have cancelled the March and April shredding events. However, we are filling the schedule for the remainder of the year to provide free and environmentally-friendly options to dispose of confidential documents. Please note that all events are subject to change.

Visit the Washington State Attorney General's Office for a full list of events.

Shredded paper is no longer allowed in the curbside recycling due to the small paper size. Shredded paper will no longer be allowed in the curbside yard waste container as of September 1 due to the amount of plastic, CDs and credit cards. You may bring your clean shredded paper to one of the events above for recycling, or dispose of it in the garbage.
Green Living Workshops Postponed
Similar to the shredding events, we have cancelled upcoming Green Living Workshops. However, we are rescheduling as many as possible for later this year . If you have already registered, we have transferred your RSVP to the new class date unless we hear otherwise. Please note that all events are subject to change.


The Garden Hotline is still open for calls and email to get free gardening advice. We encourage the public to use this valuable and helpful service for questions, ideas and resources.
Spring Recycling Event Canceled
The Spring Recycling Event has been canceled due to the directive from Public Health. Unfortunately this event will not be rescheduled. Our next event is scheduled for the fall, but note that this is subject to change.

We have listed some local options for disposing of materials on the Recycling Event Brochure if you cannot wait until the fall event. Please call ahead for restrictions, fees and to ensure businesses are open at this time.

Fall Recycling Event
Saturday, September 19
9 AM - 3 PM
Wild Waves parking lot
36892 Milton Rd S, Federal Way
Attention Artists Who Love Puget Sound!
Are you a local artist 18+, who lives and/or works in King County? Do you love Puget Sound?

The Surface Water Management Division (SWM) is accepting artist submissions for the Storm Drain ArtWalk.

Four finalists will be chosen to paint small scale murals around storm drains at Town Square Park. The murals will raise awareness about the impacts of polluted stormwater on our local waterways.

Each finalist will receive a $1,000 stipend for their work!

To learn more about eligibility and how to submit artwork visit the Storm Drain ArtWalk page.
Potential Garbage Service Delays
Waste Management, like all garbage service providers, continues to take precautions to protect their drivers from potential spread of COVID-19. Staff at King County transfer stations also continue to operate as well, providing a sanitary way for garbage to be disposed. Routine precautions are already in place that limit the potential spread of COVID-19 via garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection and processing. Timely removal of garbage is key for maintaining public health, so continuing collection services is integral to the region’s overall approach for addressing COVID-19. However, there is a potential for staffing impacts (for example, if drivers become ill, or if social contact restrictions are expanded) or other unforeseen events that may reduce the capacity to provide collection services. Should this situation arise, information about how to manage any delays will be posted on Waste Management's Service Alert page .
Recycling-Related Legislation
Zero Waste Washington provides a brief summary of the recycling and waste-related bills in the 2020 legislative session . The bills that have passed and are waiting for the governor's signature include a reusable bag bill, solar panel recycling, recycled content, flushable wipes, compost use, and industrial waste.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is currently working on the bills that passed in the 2019 legislative session which include food waste, compostability labeling, sustainable recycling, paint stewardship and alternatives to cremation. The City will share information of how it relates locally as soon as it is available.

Please note that this is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of the City of Federal Way.