Our Renton

August 2026

Welcome Recology, Renton’s New Solid Waste Provider

EARLIER THIS YEAR, following a comprehensive and competitive selection process, several council discussions and presentations, and community feedback, Recology was selected to be our next waste services provider. This marks a major step forward in delivering more reliable, sustainable, and customer-focused waste services.

For the past nine years, we have contracted with Republic Services to provide waste collection services, and that contract is set to expire in early 2027. Throughout the current contract, Republic Services faced consistent performance challenges, including three labor strikes that led to community frustration and service disruptions with limited support from Republic.

In preparation for selecting a new waste collection partner, we conducted a 17-question community survey in April 2025, receiving 244 responses from single-family residents. Reliability, affordability, strong recycling practices, expanded no-cost collection services, sustainability, and a locally-based customer service center were the clear community priorities.

Recology, a 100% employee-owned company serving more than 2.5 million residential customers across the West Coast, was selected as Renton’s next waste services provider based on its strong track record, local presence, and commitment to both customer service and environmental sustainability.

Renton residents can expect more than 60 service improvements under the new contract.

What added services are we getting:

A return to monthly city billing, giving residents one place to ask questions and pay all city utilities
Refreshed garbage and compostables carts meeting new state color standards
No-cost curbside collection for textiles and small electronics
Expanded recycling options for multi-family residents
A new fleet of 21 renewable natural gas-powered collection vehicles, supported by all-electric support and cart delivery vehicles

What won’t change:

Many of Renton’s most valued programs and services including:

Clean Sweep
Unlimited recycling and food & yard waste collection
Every-other-week garbage and recycling, weekly compostables collection
Bulky item pickup
Holiday tree collection

As Recology gears up for service, residents may notice Recology staff out in the community and refreshed communication tools available over the next several months. As we get closer to April, you may start to see new trucks and information on updated collection days.

We will continue with Republic Services through the end of March 2027. A cleaner, more reliable waste future is on the way for Renton.

For questions, information about Recology, and updates on services, visit rentonwa.gov/Recology

SUMMER HOME SAFETY

Lock doors and windows when you’re out or asleep. Use window stops to allow airflow safely. Remember: screens don’t prevent falls or break-ins, and don’t rely on them for security.

Paving the Way for SW 43rd Street

REPAVING IS UNDERWAY ON SW 43rd Street from the western city limit to the SR 167 ramps, leaving the existing concrete sections in place. SW 43rd Street has been an important east-west roadway in South King County for many years, and it continues to play a major role in helping people and goods move through the region.

Today, it’s a busy principal arterial with five to six travel lanes and carries about 30,000 vehicles each day. It also provides a direct connection into the Tukwila Regional Growth Center, serves as a designated T-1 truck route, and links directly to SR 167, offering convenient access to key destinations such as Valley Medical Center, IKEA, Costco, and Southcenter Parkway.

These improvements will help keep this well-traveled roadway in good condition, extending its pavement life by 12 to 15 years.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Upgrading curb ramps for improved accessibility
Refreshing lane striping and pavement markings
Updating traffic signal detection
Adjusting utility covers
Drainage improvements will add new stormwater structures along the corridor and a new system at the Lind Avenue SW intersection to reduce standing water

During construction residents can expect potential lane reductions and temporary sidewalk and lane closures.

Visit our website for updates throughout the project at rentonwa.gov/SW43rdSt.

Metro's RapidRide I Line coming to Renton!

KING COUNTY METRO has started construction on 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. In 2027, the I Line will replace Bus Route 160, and provide a major increase in bus service frequency between the Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center and Auburn Station, with service every 10 minutes during peak travel times.

RapidRide is part of a larger, systemwide approach to improve transit access in south King County, and I Line service is planned to begin in 2027. Residents can expect road and sidewalk construction during weekdays. Get the latest updates on King County Metro’s blog at kingcountymetro.blog/category/projects.

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TRANSIT

KING COUNTY METRO TRANSIT is looking for people who live, work, or travel in the City of Renton to join the Renton Area Mobility Project Board.

The goal of the Renton Area Mobility Project is to restructure Metro services in and around downtown Renton and reorient service to the future Renton Transit Center that will be located near the South Renton Park and Ride.

The new transit center is jointly funded by Sound Transit and Metro and will be a connection point for Sound Transit’s Stride BRT S1 Line, connecting Burien, Renton, and Bellevue by 2028.

To join the board, apply by August 15 on King County Metro’s blog at kingcountymetro.blog/category/projects.

Improvements Underway at the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center

PROGRESS HAS BEEN MOVING steadily at the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center over the past several months. Thanks to grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the project is primarily focused on repairing the roof and upgrading the HVAC system.

These important improvements will help ensure our active senior community stays comfortable and safe. As a long-serving and well-loved facility in our community, it was important to use this time to give the building some extra care. In addition to the grant-funded work, the city matched funds to support exterior enhancements including fresh paint, new siding, window replacements, and a seismic evaluation. These updates will help keep the senior center welcoming for years to come.

The majority of roofing and HVAC work is still expected to wrap up in September, but because the project uses federal grant dollars, we are required to purchase certain materials from approved American vendors, however the parts necessary are available only from an international source.

Since federal funds are involved, the city requires a federal waiver approval before we can purchase specific equipment, and the time required for that review is what’s causing the delay in the original schedule. That requirement bumps the overall timeline to late 2026 or early 2027.

We appreciate our dedicated seniors who have gracefully transitioned to the Renton Community Center. The facility continues to be full of activity, with regular users enjoying the programs typically held at the senior center.

Thank you for your patience during this shift. We want to reassure you that all programming and events will remain at the Renton Community Center through the end of the year, so everyone can keep enjoying their favorite activities without interruption.

For the latest updates, visit rentonwa.gov/RSACImprovements

What is F.O.G.?

FATS, OILS, AND GREASE, also known as F.O.G., come from many common foods like butter, oils, meat drippings, and sauces.

These substances might look harmless, but they can cause real problems when washed down the sink. F.O.G. does not mix with water.

Instead, it sticks to the inside of pipes and becomes thick and hard as it cools. Over time, this buildup can block pipes in homes and in our sewer system. Even worse, these clogs can lead to slow drains, bad smells, sewage backups, and expensive repairs.

When F.O.G. enters pipes, it mixes with other items like food scraps or hair and can form a thick blockage. These blockages can cause wastewater to back up into streets or homes. Simple kitchen habits make a big difference in keeping our sewer system working properly. Take these small steps to protect your plumbing, reduce sewer clogs, and costly repairs:

Put fats, oils, and grease into a can or container instead of the sink.
Allow the contents to cool and harden, then place the container in the garbage.
Scrape leftover food into your compost bin rather than using a garbage disposal.
Wipe oily pans with a paper towel before washing them.

For more information, email FOGProgram@rentonwa.gov.