Mandatory Organics Recycling: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do mandatory organics recycling rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue, WA
King County
No data available yet for Bellevue.
Seattle, WA
King County
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.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Code | - | SMC 21.36.083 |
| Effective | - | January 2015 |
| Applies to | - | All generators |
| Processor | - | Cedar Grove |
| Commercial fine | - | $50 per container |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
No FAQs available.
Seattle FAQ
What goes in the food and yard waste cart?
All food scraps including meat, dairy, bones, and produce; food-soiled paper; pizza boxes; coffee filters; and yard debris. No plastic, glass, or compostable plastic except certified products.
Does my apartment building have to provide compost bins?
Yes. SMC 21.36 requires multifamily buildings to provide food and yard waste service for tenants. Buildings without service can be cited and fined by SPU.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool