Seattle, WA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Special Pickup
- Available through SPU for a fee by appointment
- Transfer Stations
- North and South stations accept household and construction waste
- Banned from Garbage
- Mattresses, appliances, tires, electronics, recyclables
- Illegal Dumping Fine
- Up to $5,000 per incident
Summary
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.
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, including tires, scrap metal, and vehicle batteries, can be recycled at our stations. Regular household garbage and many larger items are also accepted for disposal. [...] NOT Accepted Materials — Items not accepted at the Transfer Stations include: Radioactive and Hazardous Waste, Oil Paint (and Containers), Household Chemicals; Ammo, Firearms, Fireworks, Flares, Explosives, Weapons; Sealed Drums, Fuel/Propane/Oil Tanks, Compressed Gas, Fire Extinguishers; Electronics, TVs or Monitors (CRTs); Furnaces and parts, Wood stoves, Duct work; Asbestos, or material containing asbestos; Material over 8 ft long and over 200 lbs; Dead animals over 15 lbs (call Animal Control); Sewage. [...] Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm, first Wednesday of the month. 8 am to 5:30 pm, 7 days per week, all other days.
Full Breakdown
Seattle Public Utilities offers special pickups for bulky items including furniture, mattresses, and large appliances that cannot fit in standard collection carts. Residents can schedule a special pickup through SPU for a fee, or deliver items to city transfer stations (North and South). Transfer stations accept most household items for disposal or recycling, with separate fees for different materials. Construction and demolition debris, hazardous waste, and electronics require specific handling. Seattle bans mattresses, appliances, tires, and certain recyclable materials from the garbage to promote proper recycling. The city also hosts periodic neighborhood cleanup events and provides resources for donating reusable items. Illegal dumping is a significant enforcement focus.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping of bulky items on streets, in alleys, or on vacant lots is punishable by fines up to $5,000 per incident. Placing banned items such as appliances or mattresses in the garbage can result in collection refusal and fines. Repeated illegal dumping may result in criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of a mattress or large furniture in Seattle?
What about construction debris from a remodel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
Compare Seattle to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview
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Bulk Item Disposal in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle bulk item disposal.