Spokane apartment owners, asset managers, and on-site property managers: you’re operating inside a regional solid waste system where the City of Spokane treats recycling as a core utility service, while Spokane County and the smaller cities rely more on subscription-based multifamily recycling and nuisance enforcement. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program is built to align with Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 13.02 (Solid Waste) and Spokane County’s Recycling Service Levels Ordinance (SCC 8.58), so you can support residents, satisfy inspectors, and reduce risk from overflowing enclosures or non-compliant setups.
Inside the City of Spokane, premises with multi-unit dwellings must accept baseline solid waste service and are pulled into the city’s universal recycling program, including a mandatory recycling cart charge and the ability for the City to require larger shared recycling containers when service needs justify it under SMC 13.02.0358 and 13.02.0404. In the unincorporated urban areas of Spokane County, single-family homes receive universal curbside recycling, while multifamily recycling is available on a subscription basis through certificated haulers under Spokane County Code 8.58. The smaller cities and towns in Spokane County generally follow this framework through local contracts, interlocal agreements, and their own nuisance codes.
- Protect NOI & Asset Value: Avoid civil infractions, nuisance findings, and contamination surcharges by aligning container mix, set-outs, and documentation with City of Spokane and Spokane County expectations.
- Resident-First Convenience: Doorstep collection keeps residents out of dark, muddy enclosures, supports renewals and online reputation, and makes it easier for residents to use the recycling program you’re already paying for.
- Code-Smart Design: Enclosure layouts, routes, and labeling that reflect SMC 13.02 service rules plus Spokane County’s Recycling Service Levels Ordinance, so inspectors see a thoughtful, well-managed site.
- Hands-Off Compliance: We coordinate with haulers, support resident education, and maintain a paper trail so your team can focus on leasing, renewals, and day-to-day operations instead of chasing carts and citations.
At a Glance: City of Spokane vs. Spokane County & Other Cities
City of Spokane (Inside City Limits)
- Mandate Type: Mandatory solid waste and universal residential recycling service with multi-unit dwellings pulled into the system.
- Applicability Threshold: Applies to all premises with multi-unit dwellings; there is no “8+ units” style threshold. Multi-unit premises must accept at least one 30-gallon cart (or equivalent) per dwelling unit per week for garbage service under SMC 13.02.0358, with universal recycling layered on top.
- Recycling Service: Under SMC 13.02.0404, the City must offer minimum levels of residential curbside recycling. A minimum recycling service of one recycling cart is mandatory and billed whether residents use it or not, and for multi-unit dwellings the director may require a larger shared recycling container based on service needs.
- Owner / Property Manager Duties: Maintain active solid waste and recycling service; ensure shared recycling containers are sized and placed to match demand; keep collection areas clean and accessible; and cooperate with the City on billing and any service adjustments needed to meet code expectations.
- Regional Framework: The City is a core partner in the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Disposal System, operated under an interlocal agreement with Spokane County, so changes to county service levels and state law flow directly into Spokane’s enforcement posture.
- Key City Links: Spokane Municipal Code – Chapter 13.02 (Solid Waste) · City of Spokane – Official Site · Spokane Solid Waste & Recycling
Spokane County & Other Cities
- Mandate Type: Universal single-family recycling; multifamily recycling available by subscription. Spokane County’s Recycling Service Levels Ordinance (SCC 8.58) requires weekly curbside recycling for eligible single-family residences in the urban unincorporated area, while multifamily recycling is offered on a subscription basis through certificated haulers.
- Applicability Threshold: “Multi-family residence” is defined at 5+ dwelling units in SCC 8.58. Multi-family sites are recognized by the system and may receive dedicated recycling containers, but they are not forced into the program the same way single-family homes are.
- Program Duties: County and city codes still require adequate trash service, proper set-outs, and nuisance control. Property owners and property managers must ensure enclosures do not overflow, attract pests, or create litter or illegal dumping conditions.
- Risk Profile: Even without a stand-alone apartment recycling mandate, communities can be cited under solid waste, nuisance, and property maintenance codes, and hauler contracts may add contamination and service-level surcharges for poorly managed sites.
- How National Doorstep Helps: We design valet trash & recycling programs that meet or exceed county service-level expectations, integrate with hauler subscription offerings, and anticipate future changes to Washington’s recycling and organics rules so your communities are “inspection ready” across Spokane County.
- Key County Links: Spokane County Code 8.58 – Recycling Service Levels (PDF) · Spokane County – Cities & Towns · Spokane County Solid Waste & Recycling
Spokane County Cities & Apartment Recycling Mandates
Within Spokane County, only the City of Spokane clearly embeds multifamily properties into a mandatory solid waste + universal recycling framework via its utility code. The remaining cities and towns in the county generally rely on subscription-based multifamily recycling, solid-waste franchise agreements, and nuisance/property maintenance enforcement instead of a stand-alone “apartment recycling mandate.”
| City / Town / Area | Apartment Recycling Mandate? | Notes for Owners & Property Managers |
|---|---|---|
| Spokane | Yes – Multifamily pulled into universal recycling service |
Premises with multi-unit dwellings must accept minimum solid waste service and single-account billing under SMC 13.02.0358. Residential-style service includes a mandatory recycling cart that is billed whether or not residents use it, and the City may require larger shared recycling containers for multi-unit sites based on service needs under SMC 13.02.0404. Non-compliance risks civil infractions, cleanup orders, and possible lien exposure if charges are not paid. Key local links: SMC 13.02.0358 – Minimum Service: Multi-Unit Dwellings · SMC 13.02.0404 – Recycling · Spokane Solid Waste & Recycling |
| Unincorporated Spokane County (Urban Areas) | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate (subscription-based) |
Under SCC 8.58, single-family “eligible residences” receive required curbside recycling; multi-family residences (5+ units) are explicitly recognized but receive recycling service on a subscription basis through certificated haulers. Properties must still prevent nuisance conditions, meet minimum trash service expectations, and follow hauler rules regarding contamination and overflows. Key local links: SCC 8.58 – Recycling Service Levels (PDF) · Spokane County Solid Waste |
| Spokane Valley | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Multifamily communities typically contract with private haulers for trash and optional recycling, often under regional franchise or WUTC-regulated tariffs. Local code enforcement focuses on nuisance, illegal dumping, and property maintenance rather than a stand-alone apartment recycling trigger. Well-designed valet trash & recycling programs help avoid complaints and demonstrate good-faith compliance. Key local links: City of Spokane Valley – Official Site |
| Airway Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Apartments are treated as commercial solid-waste customers working with contracted haulers. City code and enforcement tools focus on garbage storage, nuisance, and chronic violations, with civil penalties that can escalate per day of non-compliance. Adding structured multifamily recycling through a valet program helps prevent overflows and repeat complaints. Key local links: City of Airway Heights – Official Site |
| Cheney | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Cheney operates its own utilities and recycling center, but multifamily recycling is not mandated by a threshold-based ordinance. Multifamily properties rely on solid-waste contracts and city nuisance rules. Clean, well-managed enclosures and clear resident recycling guidance are important for inspection outcomes. Key local links: City of Cheney – Official Site |
| Deer Park | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Multifamily sites generally follow commercial solid-waste arrangements with optional recycling service. Local expectations center on keeping containers right-sized, preventing wind-blown litter, and avoiding nuisance accumulations. A valet trash & recycling program can help smaller on-site teams manage resident behavior. Key local links: City of Deer Park – Official Site |
| Liberty Lake | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate (subscription & contract-based) |
Liberty Lake’s solid waste is managed by contract with Waste Management of Washington, including multifamily recycling services and surcharges spelled out in the collection agreement. Recycling for apartments is typically offered on a subscription basis, with contamination fees and per-yard surcharges if loads are misused. Properties should align on-site rules and education with the hauler’s contract to avoid unexpected costs. Key local links: City of Liberty Lake – Official Site |
| Medical Lake | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Medical Lake leverages regional solid waste systems and local nuisance codes to manage trash and recycling. Multifamily owners typically coordinate recycling service directly with contracted haulers. Documented container checks and resident outreach help show diligence if complaints arise. Key local links: City of Medical Lake – Official Site |
| Millwood | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Millwood is a small code city that relies on regional disposal systems and hauler contracts. While residents are encouraged to recycle, there is no separate apartment recycling threshold in the municipal code. Properties should still ensure enclosures are neat, containers closed, and drive aisles accessible to trucks. Key local links: City of Millwood – Official Site |
| Fairfield | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
As a small town, Fairfield manages solid waste primarily through franchise agreements and nuisance ordinances. Any multifamily properties rely on commercial-style service with optional recycling. A turnkey valet program provides predictable set-outs and helps the town avoid scattered overflow issues. Key local links: Town of Fairfield – Official Site |
| Latah | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Latah is a very small town with limited multifamily housing stock. Solid waste and any available recycling are handled via regional haulers and basic nuisance rules. For any apartment-style housing, voluntary recycling and valet trash can differentiate the property and reduce complaints. Key local links: Town of Latah – Map & Info (Spokane County) |
| Rockford | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Rockford relies on small-town franchise service and nuisance enforcement rather than a formal apartment recycling ordinance. Any multifamily-style properties are treated similar to commercial accounts and can add recycling through the town’s contracted hauler. Key local links: Town of Rockford – Official Site |
| Spangle | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Spangle’s code enforcement focus is on basic health and safety, with solid waste managed by regional haulers. Multifamily properties, where present, can subscribe to recycling but are not required by a numeric unit threshold. Clean, well-signed enclosures go a long way with small-town inspectors. Key local links: Town of Spangle – Official Site |
| Waverly | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Waverly is a very small town that participates in county-level solid waste systems. Any apartment-style buildings would work through the town’s contracted hauler for trash and optional recycling. Proactive management and clear rules for residents help prevent nuisance conditions. Key local links: Town of Waverly – Contact Info (Spokane County) |
Spokane-Area Fines & Penalties Snapshot
- Civil Infractions & Code Enforcement (City of Spokane): Violations of Chapter 13.02 SMC (for example, failure to maintain required service, illegal dumping, or unmanaged accumulations) are enforced through the City’s civil infraction and code enforcement system. Each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate offense, with additional charges possible for cleanup and cost recovery.
- County & Small-City Nuisance Penalties: Spokane County and the smaller cities often enforce overflows, scattered trash, and unsanitary enclosures under nuisance or public health codes, with civil penalties that can escalate per day for repeat violations. Property owners and property managers can be held responsible when containers are chronically overflowing or access roads are blocked.
- Hauler Tariffs & Surcharges: In unincorporated Spokane County and contract cities like Liberty Lake, hauler tariffs approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) include contamination surcharges, extra-pickup fees, and per-yard recycling charges. Poorly managed recycling areas can generate unexpected monthly costs even if formal code fines are avoided.
- Each Day = Separate Risk Window: Because most codes treat each day a violation persists as a separate offense, a single lingering overflow, blocked enclosure, or removed recycling container can quickly add up to multiple days of exposure in both civil penalties and operational surcharges.
- Risk Management Tip: Build a compliance file: keep copies of hauler contracts and WUTC tariffs, service logs, photo documentation of enclosures, and resident recycling education pieces. This gives you a defensible story if a complaint escalates to formal enforcement.
Spokane Multifamily Recycling Compliance Checklist
| Task | Action / Requirement | Helpful Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Confirm Jurisdiction & Utility Provider | Use parcel data and utility bills to confirm whether your community is inside the City of Spokane, inside another incorporated city, or in unincorporated Spokane County. In Spokane, you work directly with the City’s utility under SMC 13.02. In other cities and the county, you’ll coordinate with regional haulers operating under Spokane County’s solid waste system and WUTC tariffs. | Spokane County – Municipality Maps · SMC Chapter 13.02 |
| ☑ Verify Multi-Unit Status & Minimum Service | If you operate multi-unit dwellings inside Spokane, confirm you are meeting the minimum service requirements in SMC 13.02.0358 and are enrolled in the City’s universal recycling program (including the mandatory recycling cart charge). In the county and other cities, confirm that you at least meet your hauler’s minimum service package for multifamily accounts. | SMC 13.02.0358 – Multi-Unit Service · SCC 8.58 – Recycling Service Levels |
| ☑ Align Hauler Contracts with On-Site Reality | Review your solid-waste and recycling contracts to confirm container sizes, collection frequencies, and any multifamily recycling subscription details. Make sure what’s on paper matches where residents actually place trash and recyclables, and that valet routes reinforce the contracted container set-up. | Spokane County Solid Waste & Recycling |
| ☑ Design Resident-Friendly & Code-Smart Enclosures | Ensure enclosures are accessible to residents and trucks, with clear separation between trash and recycling, lids that close, and posted rules. Inside Spokane, design to reflect the City’s expectation that recycling be truly usable by residents, not just technically present. In the county and smaller cities, design around nuisance prevention and hauler guidelines. | City of Spokane – Solid Waste |
| ☑ Resident Education & Enforcement | Provide recurring resident education at move-in and throughout the year: what belongs in recycling, how valet collection works, and what happens when bags are left in the wrong place. Tie any lease addenda or house rules to local code language so residents understand this is about community compliance, not just convenience. | County Recycling Resources |
| ☑ Document Service, Issues & Corrections | Keep a log of service dates, contamination incidents, photos of enclosures, hauler communication, and resident notices. If a complaint or inspection occurs, this documentation shows that you and your team are actively managing the program and gives you leverage in resolving disputes. | Spokane County – Official Site · City of Spokane – Official Site |
Want a Spokane-ready valet trash & recycling program? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Spokane-area property. We’ll review your current hauler contracts, right-size containers and service, design a resident-friendly valet trash & recycling program, and prepare the inspector-ready documentation you need to show alignment with Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 13.02, Spokane County Code 8.58, and your local city’s nuisance and solid-waste rules.
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