Recycling and composting are great, but not creating waste in the first place is even better! When we prevent waste, we help the environment, protect public health, build community and save money. That’s why Seattle Public Utilities is pleased to award grants totaling $100,000 to community groups that create or expand waste prevention projects. Seattle […]

Seattle Public Utilities is excited to announce that applications for our Waste-Free Communities Matching Grant are now open! Awards up to $20,000 are available and applications are due by Feb. 21, 2020. Waste prevention means creating less waste so fewer materials go into the recycling, composting, and landfill. We can prevent waste by buying and […]

Storm season in Seattle can bring challenges like flooding, frozen pipes, and icy roads. We work hard to prepare for these challenges before winter storms hit, so that when they do, the impacts to you and your community are minimal. Here are just a few of the ways we prepare for winter weather, and a […]

Garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste are not collected on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day. On those days, and for the remainder of the week, service will be delayed one day. For example, if your regular collection day is Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving), you should place your bins out on Friday, November 29. If your […]

If one of your first thoughts when the holidays arrive is, “Time to eat!” you’re not alone. Many of our holiday celebrations are centered around big meals with family and friends. That means a lot of cooking and baking—gravy, buttery rolls, creamy frostings, deep fried turkeys, and so many other delicious treats. Unfortunately, all this […]

Beginning January 1, 2020, plastic bags and plastic wrap will no longer be accepted in curbside recycling bins. Check out the Q&A below for details: Q: Why are plastic bags and plastic wrap no longer allowed in the recycling bin? A: Plastic bags and plastic wrap are the most problematic materials for recycling processors. When […]

UPDATE, September 22, 2019, 7:30am: Public Health Seattle-King County has reopened the Duwamish to water activities like fishing after test results confirmed acceptable levels. September 20, 2019 (Seattle)- Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has responded to a sewer overflow that reached the Duwamish River. SPU and Public Health-Seattle & King County (Public Health) are warning the […]

Community Collection Events – Recycling & Reuse Do you have appliances, household goods, clothes, or electronics taking up space in your home? Drop them off for free at a Community Recycling and Reuse event! Items in good condition will be donated for reuse and others will be recycled.  Don’t forget to look at the list […]

Seattle Public Utilities’ 23 meter readers work hard to ensure that each residential water meter in Seattle and parts of King County is read 6 times per year in order to provide timely and accurate water bills to our customers. That requires each meter reader walking an average of 4 miles every day to cover […]

Free Extra Yard Waste Pickup in November Fallen leaves can be fun—who can resist jumping into a giant pile of crisp, colorful leaves?—but they can also contribute to unwelcome flooding in our neighborhoods. During the stormy fall season, fallen leaves can clog street drains, causing water to back up and flood our streets and sidewalks. […]