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.
Seattle's mandatory recycling and composting program is among the most comprehensive in the nation. All residents and businesses must separate recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, glass, metal, approved plastics) and compostable materials (food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard waste) from garbage. The city set a 70 percent recycling rate goal and actively enforces separation requirements. Recycling contamination is monitored by collection crews who tag carts with improper contents. Commercial generators must provide recycling and composting service for employees and customers. The Solid Waste Code bans specific materials from the garbage including recyclables, food waste, yard waste, appliances, electronics, and tires. Seattle's food waste ban for garbage applies to all sectors and is a key component of the city's composting mandate.
Residential violations receive educational tags for first offenses and may escalate to fines for repeated contamination. Commercial violations carry fines of up to $50 per occurrence. The city may refuse to collect contaminated recycling or garbage carts. Businesses that fail to provide recycling and composting services face escalating enforcement actions.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle recycling requirements.
See how Seattle's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.