Keeping Bellevue clean, healthy, and environmentally friendly includes reliable solid waste services. The city partners with Republic Services to provide garbage, recycling, and compost collection for residents and businesses across Bellevue. In addition to collection services, Bellevue Utilities offers education, tools, and support to help the community recycle right and reduce waste.
What goes in what bin?
Not sure what belongs in your recycling or compost bin? Republic Services provides easy-to-use guides and tools to help you sort correctly and keep contamination low. Clean, empty, and dry materials are key to successful recycling.
Explore resources:
Dispose of hazardous waste safely
Items like paint, motor oil, batteries, and household chemicals require special handling. Bellevue offers guidance and resources to ensure these materials are disposed of safely and responsibly.
Reduce waste and save money
Reducing waste is not just good for the environment; it can also lower your solid waste bill. Bellevue offers:
- Free workshops on sustainable living.
- Support for businesses and multifamily properties. Contact recycle@bellevuewa.gov for customized help to reduce waste.
Bellevue is planning now for the next solid waste contract, which will begin in 2028. This process ensures the city continues to deliver reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible services.
The next contract will focus on four key service objectives:
- Alignment with best practices locally and nationally.
- Responsive to community needs concerning reliable service, affordable rates, and a modern, user-friendly customer experience.
- Compliance with state laws and local policy, including new requirements to reduce organic waste, improve recycling systems, and ensure responsible processing of materials.
- Leverage technology and data opportunities that include cleaner vehicle options, improved real-time service tracking, enhanced customer tools, and the potential use of artificial intelligence to improve operations and education.
Timeline to Next Solid Waste Contract
Bellevue Utilities is following a multi-year process to select the next service provider:
- Spring–Summer 2026: Develop service package and launch Request for Proposals (RFP)
- Late 2026: Evaluate proposals and provide updates to the Environmental Services Commission
- Early 2027: City Council review and direction on selected vendor
- Mid-2027: Contract award
- 2027–2028: Transition and service preparation
- July 2028: New solid waste contract begins
This timeline ensures a thoughtful, transparent process and a smooth transition to future services.
Stay Involved
Your voice matters. Community feedback helps shape how services are delivered today and in the future. You can provide feedback or ask questions by emailing SolidWaste@bellevuewa.gov.