The Kitsap County Public Works Clean Kitsap Program is committed to preventing and removing litter and welcomes the help of volunteers and community partners.
Kitsap's litter programs
We coordinate litter cleanup programs, pick up illegal dumpsites from county roadsides, and provide funding to local agencies that maintain public spaces. In 2022, our programs removed over 325,000 pounds of litter and cleaned 1,380 miles of roadway.
Highway litter
State agencies are responsible for maintaining state highways and routes in Kitsap County, including Highway 3 and 16. Crews from Washington Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT), Dept. of Ecology, Dept. of Corrections, and Adopt a Highway volunteers work year-round to remove litter and illegal dumping from state roads. Read this WSDOT blog from May 2023 to learn more about their work to keep Washington beautiful and litter free.
County roads and lands
The Clean Kitsap Program coordinates and supports litter cleanup services on county-maintained roads and lands, including:
Contracts a litter cleanup service to remove litter along major county roads.
Operates a monthly roadside cleanup crew in partnership with the Kitsap County Superior Court - Adult Drug Court.
Coordinates volunteer cleanup activities through the Adopt a Spot program.
Removes illegal dumpsites from roadsides.
Provides cleanup funding to county departments that manage public lands.
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 Kitsap County Adopt a Spot litter program makes it easy for individuals, households, and groups to clean up litter along county and city roads, trails, and beaches. The program provides safety gear and training, litter bags, and disposal assistance. Become an Adopt a Spot volunteer today!
Report illegal dumping
Report illegal trash dumpsites on county lands or roads to SeeClickFix or 360-337-5777. Use the "Illegal Dumping" category. If the trash is located where people are living unsheltered, use the "Homeless Encampment" category. If the dumpsite is hazardous, call 911.
Private property owners are responsible for preventing and cleaning up trash dumped onto their property. If illegal dumping occurs on your property, contact the Kitsap Public Health District - Solid Waste Program.
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.
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Kitsap County: SeeClickFix or 360-337-5777
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City of Bainbridge Island: SeeClickFix
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City of Bremerton: Parking Enforcement
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City of Port Orchard: 360-308-5400
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City of Poulsbo: 360-779-3113 or Police-Admin@cityofpoulsbo.com
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State Highway: Washington State Patrol 360-473-0300
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Port Gamble S'Klallam Police: 360-297-6333
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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. To request an inspection in unincorporated Kitsap County, contact 360-337-5777.
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.
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 permitted to operate in Kitsap County. These companies are licensed, insured, bonded, and will properly dispose of your trash.
If you hire someone without a permit, take these additional steps to prevent illegal dumping:
Don't pay full price until you see a receipt from a garbage facility.
Ridiculously low prices indicate that your waste may be illegally dumped.
Ensure they are securing their load to prevent crashes and litter.
If you think 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.
Install a community pet waste station
Have a 'poo' problem in your neighborhood? We 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.
