The Kitsap County Public Works Clean Kitsap Program is committed to preventing and removing litter on county lands and roadways and welcomes the help of volunteers and community partners.
Kitsap's litter programs
We coordinate litter cleanup programs, remove illegal dumpsites from county roadsides, and provide funding to local agencies that maintain public spaces. In 2023, our programs removed over 334,000 pounds of litter and cleaned 4,639 miles of roadway.
Highway litter
State agencies, not Kitsap County, are responsible for maintaining state highways and routes in Kitsap County, including State Routes 3 and 16. These agencies are Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology).
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.
The state's cleanup strategies in Kitsap County are:
County roads and lands
The Clean Kitsap Program plays a vital role in coordinating and supporting litter removal from public roads and lands. We achieve this through the following initiatives:
Contracting a litter cleanup service to remove litter from major county roads.
Operating a monthly roadside cleanup crew in partnership with the Kitsap County Superior Court - Adult Drug Court.
Coordinating volunteer cleanup activities through the Adopt a Spot program, allowing community members to make a positive impact.
Promptly removing illegal dumpsites from roadsides.
Providing cleanup funds to local agencies responsible for managing public land.
Keeping county roads clean has become increasingly difficult and costly following the decision to eliminate the use of inmate litter crews in 2021. These full-time crews were responsible for removing five tons of trash from 300 road miles each month.
Volunteer with Adopt a Spot
The Adopt a Spot litter program (formerly Adopt-a-Road) makes it easy for individuals, families, and groups to clean up litter along county roads and parks. The program provides safety gear and training, litter bags, and disposal assistance. Become an Adopt a Spot volunteer today!
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 preventing and removing waste illegally dumped on private property or a private road. If illegal dumping occurs on your property, contact the Kitsap Public Health District - Solid Waste Program.
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.
Litter prevention
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. We need to 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 cleanup company with a permit to operate in Kitsap County. These companies are licensed, insured, bonded, and will properly dispose of your waste.
If you hire someone who is operating without a permit, take these additional steps to prevent illegal dumping:
Don't pay full price until you see a receipt from a legitimate disposal or recycling facility.
Be skeptical of low prices; these indicate that your waste may be illegally dumped.
Ensure the person you hire is securing 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 signage 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 in 2024 due to state budget constraints.
To prevent illegal dumping of tires, Kitsap County holds an annual free waste tire collection event for households (subject to funding from Washington Dept. of Ecology). Event information is published on the recycling event page when it becomes available.
