Recycling Requirements: Redmond vs Seattle
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Redmond, WA and Seattle, WA?
Redmond has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond offers free weekly curbside recycling and food/yard waste collection. Commingled recyclables include paper, cardboard, rigid plastics 1-7, cans, and glass. Food scraps must go in the green cart.
View full Redmond 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 | Redmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Recycling Cost | Free with garbage service | - |
| Plastics | Rigid #1-7 only | - |
| Glass | Bottles and jars | - |
| Food Scraps | Green cart required | - |
| Code | RMC Title 9 | - |
| 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.
Redmond FAQ
What can I recycle curbside in Redmond?
Paper, flattened cardboard, rigid plastics #1-7, metal cans, and glass bottles/jars. No plastic bags, film, Styrofoam, or shredded paper.
Where does food waste go in Redmond?
All food scraps go in the green food and yard waste cart, which is collected weekly at no additional cost. This includes meat, bones, and dairy.
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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