Trash & Recycling in Seattle, WA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Seattle mandates weekly collection of garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste through Seattle Public Utilities, with mandatory composting and recycling requirements that make it one of the nation's strictest waste diversion programs.
Seattle Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules
Heavy RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Seattle requires garbage, recycling, and compost containers to be placed at the curb or alley edge on collection day and stored on private property between collections, with specific placement rules to ensure safe collection access.
Seattle Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Seattle provides bulky item collection through Seattle Public Utilities and operates transfer stations for large items that do not fit in regular collection carts, with special rules for construction debris, appliances, and electronics.
Seattle Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup
Some RestrictionsSeattle Public Utilities — Transfer Stations (Special Pickups and Transfer Stations)
Transfer Stations (Dumps/Landfills) — Locations: North Station, 1350 North 34th Street, Seattle 98103; South Station, 130 South Kenyon Street, Seattle 98108. Accepted Materials: Loads coming into the station must be secured or may incur a fee. Accepted materials include garbage, yard waste, vehicle tires, appliances (no commercial appliances), and household sharps. A wide range of items, includ...
Recycling Requirements
Seattle mandates comprehensive recycling and composting under SMC 21.36 with a goal of zero waste, requiring separation of recyclables and food waste from garbage for all residents and businesses with enforcement through contamination checks and fines.
Seattle Mandatory Recycling Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsMandatory Organics Recycling
Seattle SMC 21.36.083 prohibits placing food scraps and compostable paper in garbage carts citywide. Single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and businesses must subscribe to food and yard waste service since the 2015 mandate.
Mandatory Composting: Food Scraps Banned from Seattle Garbage
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Trash & Recycling in King County →