Litter in Kitsap

Keeping Kitsap County clean

Clean Kitsap, a program within the Kitsap County Public Works Department, coordinates litter and debris cleanup on public lands and roads. We also work to prevent litter. Clean Kitsap welcomes partnerships with community members and organizations.

Litter cleanup programs

In 2024, Clean Kitsap employees and community volunteers removed over 162 tons of litter and debris from over 3,000 miles of county roadway.

Volunteer with Adopt a Spot

You can help to reduce litter and keep your community clean by volunteering with our Adopt a Spot litter program. Volunteers receive free safety and litter cleanup supplies. Become an Adopt a Spot volunteer today!

Litter cleanup

Clean Kitsap uses multiple litter cleanup strategies on county roads and lands. We:

Contract litter cleanup service on major county roads
Operate a monthly court-ordered litter crew in partnership with the Kitsap County Superior Court's Adult Drug Court
Support volunteer cleanup activities through the Adopt a Spot program
Promptly remove illegal dumpsites from roadsides
Pays for cleanup and disposal for other departments and agencies

Kitsap County does not use inmate labor for litter cleanup.

Report illegal dumping

Report illegal dumpsites on county lands or roads to SeeClickFix or 360-337-5777 using the "Illegal Dumping" category. If the waste is located where people are living unsheltered, use the "Homeless Encampment" category. Call 911 if the dumpsite is hazardous.

Private property owners are responsible for removing waste from private properties and roads. If illegal dumping occurs on your property, contact the Kitsap Public Health District - Solid Waste Program for assistance.

Illegal dumping is the dumping of waste illegally instead of using an authorized method such as curbside collection, an authorized dumpster, or a permitted waste facility. It is considered illegal dumping when any junk, garbage, or debris is left on public property, including public roads and rights of way. Illegal dumpsites are typically large concentrations of waste that were transported from elsewhere.

Report abandoned vehicles

Report vehicles abandoned on public roads or property to the agency responsible for that area. Call 911 if the vehicle is a traffic hazard or blocking access.

Kitsap County: SeeClickFix or 360-337-5777
City of Bainbridge Island: SeeClickFix
City of Bremerton: Parking Enforcement
City of Port Orchard: 360-308-5400
City of Poulsbo: 360-779-3113 or Police-Admin@cityofpoulsbo.com
State Highway: Washington State Patrol 360-473-0300
Port Gamble S'Klallam Police: 360-297-6333
Suquamish Police: 360-598-4334

Removal of vehicles abandoned on private property is the responsibility of the landowner. If the vehicle qualifies as junk, you can request a Hulk Vehicle Inspection from your local law enforcement agency. Contact 360-337-5777 to request an inspection in unincorporated Kitsap County.

Report marine debris

Report creosote-treated wood, docks, floats and other derelict floating marine debris to the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources Marine Debris Removal Program, and report derelict vessels to the Derelict Vessel Removal Program.

State highway litter

The Washington Departments of Transportation and Ecology, not Kitsap County, are responsible for maintaining state highways and routes in Kitsap County, including State Routes 3 and 16. The state's cleanup strategies in Kitsap County are:

Ecology operates a three-person adult litter crew from March through November

WSDOT operates the Adopt a Highway volunteer program and business sponsorship program

WSDOT crews remove large and dangerous road debris

To make a litter complaint about state highways, submit an Ecology environmental report form or contact the Ecology NW Region Office at 206-594-0000.

Litter prevention programs

Research shows that 75% of Washingtonians don't litter, but the actions of those who do result in expensive cleanups, dangerous road conditions, loss of community pride and tourism, and big environmental impacts. The programs and tips below can help us stop litter at the source.

Secure Your Load for Safer Roads

Litter isn’t just ugly, it’s dangerous. Unsecured vehicle loads cause more than 300 traffic crashes annually in Washington and up to 40% of roadside litter. Let’s change that. Learn how to Secure Your Load for Safer Roads.

Customers arriving at county solid waste facilities with an unsecured or uncovered load are charged a $10 unsecured load fee. Fees are deposited into the county litter cleanup fund.

Hire a responsible junk hauler

If you hire someone to haul trash off your property, you're responsible for where the trash ends up. Prevent illegal dumping by hiring a permitted cleanup company.

If you hire someone who is operating without a permit, take these additional steps to prevent illegal dumping:

Don't pay until you see a receipt from a legitimate disposal or recycling facility
Ask where they intend to recycle or dispose of materials
Be skeptical of low prices, which may mean that your waste will be illegally dumped
Make sure the person you hire had secured their load to prevent crashes and litter

If you suspect someone is improperly disposing of waste, report them to the Kitsap Public Health District - Solid Waste Program.

Prevent dumping on your property

Install fences, gates, berms, and cameras to prevent illegal entry onto your property. Install "No Dumping" signs at access points. Contact the Kitsap Public Health District - Solid Waste Program to request signs or report illegal dumping on private property.

Manage yard debris

It's considered illegal dumping to toss leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris off your private property onto another private or public property. This includes in ravines, on roadsides, or near waterways such as ditches, creeks, or lakes. Manage yard debris legally using an authorized method such as curbside collection, home composting, or a permitted waste facility. Learn about composting in Kitsap County.

Install a community pet waste station

Have a problem with pet waste in your neighborhood? The Kitsap County Stormwater Division can help. By putting up a Mutt Mitt station and providing bags, you help make it easier for owners to pick up after their dog.

Free disposal for unwanted boats

If you own a boat less than 45-feet in length that’s in poor condition or no longer functions, you might be eligible for free boat disposal from the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources Vessel Turn-in Program.

Annual tire collection event

This event is on hiatus due to state budget constraints. If funding becomes available at a later date, we'll publish details on our recycling event page.