Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station
Vehicle restrictions: The maximum combined length limit for vehicles plus trailers (bumper-to-bumper) is 40 feet.
The following are accepted only during Recycle area hours:
- Commingled recyclable materials Download PDF
- Appliances
- Mercury-containing light bulbs and tubes
- Textiles
- Yard waste
Important: Sort it Out!
At this facility, corrugated cardboard, yard waste, scrap metal, and clean wood are NOT accepted as garbage. Customers must place those materials in marked recycling bins or areas inside the facility. For information about which recyclable materials are accepted, see Recycling services or call 206-477-4466.
If you are unsure about what is recyclable, download our recycling guide in English Download PDF or Español Download PDF , call the Solid Waste Information Line at 206-477-4466, or submit your question online. Please keep recycling areas free of litter and garbage. Excess materials cannot be stored outside of bins. You can also download a printable guide to all King County recycling & transfer facilities:
- English Download PDF 500 K
- Español Download PDF 500 K
- 简体中文 Download PDF 675 K
- 繁體中文 Download PDF 675 K
- 한국어 Download PDF 500 K
- Tiếng Việt Download PDF 500 K
Fees
See the disposal fees page for more details and for information on the Cleanup LIFT Discount for eligible customers.
Garbage
Minimum fee
$30.25 per entry (includes basic fee, surcharge and tax)
Per ton
$180.80 per ton (includes basic fee, surcharge and tax)
Note: Sedans and two-door hatchbacks pay only the minimum fee. All other vehicles will be weighed in and out, and charged for the actual weight disposed based on the per ton fee, with a minimum fee of $30.25.
Unsecured loads
$25 – strictly enforced
Since 1994, in accordance with state law RCW 70.93.097 external link and King County Code 10.12.040, the Solid Waste Division has assessed a fee to drivers of vehicles with unsecured loads arriving at its transfer facilities. An unsecured load is a load that has not been fastened in or attached to the vehicle with tarps, rope, straps, netting or chains, so as to prevent any part of the load or the covering from becoming loose, detached, or leaving the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. Gravity, speed, and weight are not load securing devices.
The fine for transporting an unsecured load on a public highway is $216. If an item falls out of or off your vehicle and causes bodily injury, you will be charged with a gross misdemeanor, which carries a penalty up to $5,000 and may include jail time. For safer roads and less litter, secure your load.
Payment methods accepted
- Visa® MasterCard® Discover® (debit/credit)
- Cash
- Apple Pay
- Due to a regional coin shortage, we prefer payments be made by card or with exact change.
Disposal restrictions at King County solid waste facilities
King County's solid waste facilities are designed to accept a wide range of materials; however, there are legal, operational and safety reasons why some materials are restricted. Visit the disposal restrictions page for details.
For more information, please visit the following resources: What Do I Do With…?, Take it Back Network, Waste acceptance and clearance, Household hazardous waste collection options, Business hazardous waste external link , or call customer service at 206-477-4466.
Length limit for vehicles and trailers
(Subject to operating conditions)
Total length from bumper to bumper may not exceed:
25 feet at Algona, Houghton, Renton and Vashon
30 feet at Cedar Falls
40 feet at Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria and Shoreline
Transfer station safety guidelines
For your safety, please follow these guidelines when visiting the transfer station:
- Turn off your cell phone
- Keep children and pets in vehicle
- No smoking
- Watch for moving vehicles
- Use extreme caution
- Follow directions from station staff
Water conservation measures in effect at all facilities
All non-essential water use is prohibited. Customers may not use water to hose out their vehicles or to rinse garbage cans – use brooms instead.
