Recycling Requirements: Auburn vs Seattle
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn provides curbside recycling biweekly through WM under ACC 8.08. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and plastics 1 and 2. Contamination can result in refused collection.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
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.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | ACC 8.08 Solid Waste | - |
| Schedule | Biweekly curbside recycling | - |
| Plastics Accepted | Numbers 1 and 2 only | - |
| Not Accepted | Plastic bags, film, styrofoam | - |
| Mandatory Materials | - | Paper, glass, metal, approved plastics, food scraps, yard waste |
| Garbage Bans | - | Recyclables, food waste, yard waste, appliances, electronics, tires |
| City Goal | - | 70% recycling/composting diversion rate |
| Commercial Penalty | - | Up to $50 per occurrence for recycling violations |
| Composting | - | Mandatory for all residents and businesses |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Can I recycle plastic bags at the curb in Auburn?
No. Plastic bags and film jam WM sorting equipment and are not accepted curbside. Take clean plastic bags to the drop-off bin at most grocery stores.
Is glass recycling allowed in Auburn?
Yes. Glass bottles and jars can go in the commingled recycling cart, rinsed and unbroken. No window glass, mirrors, or ceramics.
Seattle FAQ
What must be recycled in Seattle?
Seattle requires recycling of paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and approved plastics (generally #1, #2, and #5). Food scraps and food-soiled paper must go in the compost cart, not the garbage. Yard waste also goes in compost. Placing these materials in the garbage violates the Solid Waste Code.
Does the food waste composting rule apply to everyone?
Yes. Seattle's mandatory food waste composting requirement applies to all residents (single-family and multifamily) and all businesses. Food scraps, including meat, dairy, and bones, go in the food/yard waste cart along with food-soiled paper products like napkins and paper plates. This is one of the strictest composting mandates in the country.
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