America Recycles Day, celebrated nationwide each year on November 15, is a moment to recommit to building a circular economy where materials are reused, recovered, and responsibly managed rather than thrown away. National partners like the EPA and Keep America Beautiful encourage communities to improve recycling access, reduce contamination, and… [ Keep reading ]
November through early March, Seattle experiences our highest tides. If you live, work, or play near our region’s tidal waters, please plan for and track these predicted seasonally high tides (above 10 ft. North American Vertical Datum of 1988 – NAVD 88): Every year, Seattle Public Utilities is ready for… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle recently hosted sustainability and food‑system leaders from seven major U.S. cities as part of the C40 Food Procurement & Food Waste Prevention Convening, a two‑day workshop co‑led by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and the Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE). The gathering highlighted how cities can reduce food waste,… [ Keep reading ]
We are making improvements to the Seattle Public Utilities Engineering Records Center, known to many of you as the Vault. To make them happen, the Vault will be temporarily closed from December 15, 2026 through August 1, 2027. The Vault, on the 47th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower, is… [ Keep reading ]
Windy, rainy weather is here and so are our fall leaves. Unfortunately, leaves clog storm drains and can cause flooding on rainy days. You can help reduce flooding in your neighborhood by raking leaves before they reach street and by safely clearing leaves and other debris from storm drains. If… [ Keep reading ]
Projects range from community closets and restored furniture to tool reuse, outdoorgear repair and upcycled art Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and WM are proud to name the recipients of the 2026 ReThink Waste Grants, funding community -driven projects that aimto reduce waste, expand recycling and advance a circular economy in… [ Keep reading ]
Annual grants support circular economy projects that give materials a second life Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and WM have announced the recipients of the 2026 ReThink Waste Grants, recognizing five local organizations that are turning waste reduction ideas into real, community-driven action. Now in its eighth year, the program is… [ Keep reading ]
Many Seattle residents rely on alleys for garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste collection. Vegetation like trees, branches, hedges, and bamboo grows quickly in our region and can begin to reach into the alley, limiting the space our collection trucks need to safely enter and maneuver. When that happens, service for… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is proud to announce that the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) has selected SPU as a 2026 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award winner. The award will be presented October 27 at AMWA’s Executive Management Conference, hosted this year in Seattle. Read the Association of Metropolitan… [ Keep reading ]
Protecting Seattle Water at its source and ensuring that it remains “pure from the start” is an around-the-clock, daily operation. It involves a skilled team of watershed protection inspectors, water system operators, water quality analysts, water pipe workers, water resource managers, engineers, planners, educators, conservationists, and many more drinking water… [ Keep reading ]
