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April 17, 2025
Your most common recycling questions—answered. WM’s Grace Fletcher joins us with MRF stories, recycling tips, and one thing we’re all getting wrong with our trash.
Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on April 15, 2025, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council approved extending the due date of the Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan
- Council adopted the 2025-2027 Planning Work Program
- The Mayor Proclaimed April as Earth Month and as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they received an update on the Iceplex and Community Center Proposal.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on May 6, 2025.
Share Your Thoughts: Take the Houghton Park & Play Survey
We want to hear from you about the temporary features at the Houghton Park & Play! Share your thoughts at: https://tinyurl.com/n3mt6kcp Learn more about the Houghton Park & Play: www.kirklandwa.gov/houghton-park-and-play
Did you miss the first call for Kirkland flag designs? You’re in luck! Whether you live in or just happen to love Kirkland, you have an opportunity to help create an official Kirkland flag. To give even more people the chance to make their mark on Kirkland’s future, the flag design portal has been briefly reopened between now and May 1, 2025.
“Kirkland is a community where everyone belongs, and everyone can contribute to this history-making moment. This flag may represent Kirkland for generations to come.” said Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis. “When you think of Kirkland, what comes to mind? Colors, shapes, and even concepts are all important to good flag design. We’re excited to see the imaginative ways the community’s flag designs embody what makes Kirkland a special place."
Read more.
Tune in to this week's podcast for an insightful conversation on recycling responsibly practices with WM recycling expert Grace Fletcher. Grace helps to answer some common recycling questions and confirms the MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) is a real place and is getting your recycles sorted and sold into the market to be remade into new products!
Here are a few commons questions to help you “Recycle Responsibly”.
What Do I Do with Shredded Paper?
Shredded paper should be bagged and placed in the garbage. If you're looking for a more environmentally friendly option, consider recycling it at a shredding event. Keep an eye out for our upcoming event on May 17!
Where Do I Recycle Electronics?
If you live in a single-family home, you can contact WM to schedule a curbside collection. Alternatively, electronics can be dropped off at various locations, including PC Recycle in Woodinville. For more information, please visit our website www.kirklandwa.gov/electronics.
Can I Recycle Plastic Clamshells Curbside?
Unfortunately, plastic clamshells are not accepted in curbside recycling and should be disposed of in the garbage. For further details about what types of plastic are accepted, please check our website www.kirklandwa.gov/recycle.
Upcoming Recycling Collection Events
- May 17: Join us for a free event focused on paper shredding and paint disposal. Check out the event website for more details.
- May 31: Don't miss our larger recycling collection event, accepting batteries, tires, scrap metal, CFC appliances, and more. Please note that fees apply, and this is a cash-only event. Check out the event website for more details.
Energy Smart Eastside, a partnership of the Eastside cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Sammamish, is proud to release its 2024 Annual Report. The report details the program’s continued success in accelerating the region’s housing stock transition to electric heat pumps—delivering major environmental benefits, stimulating the local economy, and supporting equity through access to clean, efficient heating and cooling.
Big energy wins for the Eastside in 2024:
- 500+ heat pumps installed
- 9,300+ metric tons of CO2 avoided (that’s like 1 million gallons of gas not burned!)
- $8M boosted to local biz
Join the climate-friendly comfort revolution and get a $6,000 rebate at energysmarteastside.org
Read more about the program and the annual report here.
Back in 2012, the Kirkland City Council enacted an ordinance to clarify where we should be placing our waste carts.
The initiative creates a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, while improving the visual appeal of our community. By following the ordinance, you contribute to a more accessible and pleasant neighborhood for all.
Community members are encouraged to follow these 4 guidelines:
- Place your carts out no earlier than 24 hours before their service day and to remove them promptly within 24 hours afterward.
- Ensure there's two or more feet of space between carts for efficient servicing.
- If your property has planter strips, that's the perfect spot for your carts. Otherwise, position them at the edge of your driveway or away from the fog line.
- Always ensure the carts don't block pathways or force your neighbors to walk on the road to get by.
Learn more here: Where to Place Your Carts – City of Kirkland.
On December 10, 2024, Dr. Shapiro, a retired pediatric physician, collapsed during his morning run near Kirkland Fire Station 21. Two separate passersby, Tom and Megan, witnessed the incident and immediately took action. They called 911 and began hands-only CPR. Kirkland Fire crews arrived quickly to continue life-saving care, and medics transported Dr. Shapiro to the hospital.
Exactly four months later, on April 10, the City honored Tom and Megan for their courageous actions. The two were reunited with Dr. Shapiro at Fire Station 21 and presented with Lifesaver Awards in recognition of their willingness to step in and assist in a life-threatening emergency.
Dr. Shapiro is recovering remarkably well and shared his deep gratitude with Tom, Megan, and the fire crews who played a role in saving his life. The City of Kirkland and Kirkland Fire Department are proud to recognize the everyday heroes in our community—people like Tom and Megan—whose quick thinking and compassion help save lives when every second counts.
In 2024, Kirkland Police responded to nearly 49,000 calls for service—ranging from traffic collisions and criminal investigations to mental health crises and lost pets. Every response requires officers to act with professionalism, confidence, and a clear understanding of current laws and best practices.
Kirkland Police has once again earned Gold-level recognition through the Lexipol Connect program, marking the sixth consecutive year the department has achieved this distinction. Lexipol evaluates law enforcement agencies across five key metrics tied to policy management and training. Gold status reflects Kirkland Police’s consistent work to keep policies up to date, ensure effective training, and maintain a high standard of service. This achievement reinforces the department’s commitment to safety, accountability, and excellence in serving the Kirkland community.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is offering more than $4 million in instant rebates to reduce the upfront cost of e-bikes and eligible accessories, making active transportation more affordable.
The program will provide about 10,000 rebates. Rebates of $300 or $1200 (depending on eligibility) will be awarded via random selection.
Apply between now and April 23.
Application: https://ebikeswsdot.aptim.com/
FAQ: https://ebikeswsdot.aptim.com/faq/
April is National Work Zone Awareness Week. It’s an important time to remember the responsibilities each driver holds and, most importantly, to keep our road workers safe. This week, we hold awareness of the dangers of working on our roadways and remember those who have lost their lives doing their jobs. Almost 95 percent of the people injured or killed in work zone collisions are drivers and their passengers. Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe:
- Stay calm and plan for delays, no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life.
- Slow down and drive at the posted speed limit, they are there for your safety.
- Put down the phone and pay attention to workers and your surroundings.
- Don’t drink and drive.
For more tips, visit: https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/seasonal-events-programs/give-em-brake
It's National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week and we’re giving a big shoutout to Angela, Kirkland’s one-and-only Animal Control Officer! 🐾 She’s a huge part of keeping both pets and people safe in Kirkland. If you’ve ever had a missing pet, seen an animal in distress, or wondered who to call about a stray dog, chances are Angela’s the one who stepped in. She helps reunite lost pets with their people, responds to animal welfare concerns, and helps community members understand our local pet laws.
As a reminder, all cats and dogs living in Kirkland who are twelve weeks and older in Kirkland are required to be licensed with the City. It helps Angela get your pet home faster if they ever get lost. Want to learn more about Kirkland’s Animal Services Program or how to license your pet? Head over to kirklandwa.gov/AnimalServices.
NE 85th Street shared-use pathway construction to begin
The City expects work to begin shortly on a Sound Transit funded project on the south side of NE 85th Street from I-405 to 6th Street. Included in the ST3 voter-approved package, this project provides a direct connection from downtown Kirkland to the In-line Bus Rapid Transit station WSDOT and Sound Transit are constructing at I-405 by building a 12-foot wide concrete shared-use pathway for walking and biking up and down the hill.
What’s happening?
- Structural walls will be built on the south side of the street to create space for the 12’ wide pathway (there will be tree removals)
- Pedestrian bridge will be built over the CKC
- Stormwater facility will be built to capture and filter the stormwater from the new concrete pathway
- Upgraded lighting and adding street trees
What to expect? Construction is expected to take approximately one-year, with tree removals and traffic control being the most noticeable changes at the beginning of construction. Once complete, the shared-use pathway offers an ADA accessible pathway to the future-transit stop on I-405, as well connecting to the neighborhoods and businesses on the east side of I-405.
Learn more at the project webpage - and watch our short overview video.
124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on the east side of the street on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. This project is on schedule to be finished in June. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 124th Street
Kirkland's contractor is upgrading two pedestrian crossings on Northeast 124th Street near North Kirkland Community Center. Drivers will encounter traffic control that will reduce travel lanes near 105th Place Northeast and 101st Court Northeast from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pedestrian crossings are being upgraded to High intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signals that pedestrians will engage to cross the street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements for project updates on Thursdays.
Central Way from Lake Street to Market Street
Drivers on Central Way will encounter a uniformed police officer controlling the intersection of Central Way and Lake Street on Wednesday (est.) 4/23 as a Kirkland Contractor one signal head to control right-turns. The majority of downtown work is substantially complete for this project. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements for project updates on Thursdays.
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction may briefly alternating traffic at various locations or if necessary, briefly stop traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
Juanita Drive
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Paving is expected the week of April 21, but is dependent on dry weather to occur. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor for project updates on Thursdays.
Eighth Avenue West
Residents along Eighth Avenue West will note that construction has resumed on this Water and Sewer main project. Kirkland’s contractor has returned to the site to finish surface improvements and will overlay the road from Market Street to Fifth Street West. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Eighth-Avenue-West-water-and-sewer-main-upgrades for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 132nd Street
Kirkland's contractor is returning to complete maintenance work on the stormwater system on Northeast 132nd Street’s intersection with 120th Avenue Northeast. A uniformed police officer will control the intersection when work impacts the intersection, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning the week of April 21. Work is expected to occur for a few weeks.
Junk in the Trunk
Date: Saturday, May 3
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Houghton Park and Play, 6920 NE 70TH PL
Calling all treasure hunters and deal seekers! Join us for Kirkland’s first-ever Junk in the Trunk community garage sale.
Whether you’re looking to declutter or discover a hidden gem, this is the event for you! Snag a spot to sell by Friday, April 25 at https://tinyurl.com/yk4chbff
Mark your calendar to come and browse unique items and treasures, one car trunk at a time. Learn more at www.kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents
For questions please call 425-587-3330
Blood Drive
April 23 & 24 at City Hall
May 7 at North Kirkland Community Center
Every single day, it takes 1,000 blood donors to save lives in hospitals right here in the Pacific Northwest. That’s 1,000 people stepping up, rolling up their sleeves, and making a real difference.
Your donation matters. Your action matters. Don’t wait—join the lifesaving team today. Schedule your appointment at bloodworksnw.org
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Get excited for Community Appreciation Night with us! Check out last year's event.