Aug. 5, 2024 — Redmond, Wash. The Redmond City Council approved a multi-year contract with Recology King County to provide garbage, recycling, and compost services starting Jan. 1, 2026, including options for wildlife-resistant trash carts designed to deter bears.
The contract, authorized via consent agenda, ends a 10-year agreement with Waste Management, which did not offer bear-resistant carts. Recology was selected from three bidders after a competitive process evaluating rates, customer service, and sustainability. It scored highest at 91.8 points, offering the lowest costs and best services, according to city documents.
Recology provides two varieties of wildlife-resistant carts:
Recology offers 2 varieties of wildlife-resistant carts for Redmond customers. Both cart types are designed to resist bears and other wildlife, but neither is “bear-proof.” We still recommend that you put your cart out on the morning of service by 7:00 AM, not the night before, and store it inside so that animals cannot access it. Removing temptation is still the most effective way to keep bears and other wildlife away from your home, family, and neighbors. (Recology Redmond FAQ)
The first type features a latch that opens only if fully inverted, suitable for most users. The heavier steel-reinforced version is for areas with aggressive bears. Residents can request them by calling 425-837-1234.
The standard 32-gallon garbage cart rate is $27.22 monthly, a 20% increase, with recycling and compost included. Services begin amid ongoing bear sightings in Redmond, including reports near Bear Creek and city hall.
Previous provider Waste Management lacked these carts, while King County areas with Recology already offer them for a surcharge. The switch aims to enhance sustainability, with features like free annual bulky pickups and a local Recology store opening in December 2025.
Council authorized the contract for garbage, recycling, and compostables service contract with Recology King County on August 5, 2024, via the consent agenda. (City FAQ)
Recology services cover zip code 98052, with automatic account transfers and route adjustments notified by mail.
