Recycling Requirements: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue has mandatory recycling and food waste diversion under BCC 8.04. All residents get curbside recycling; food scraps must go in yard waste.
View full Bellevue 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 | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| 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.
Bellevue FAQ
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.
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