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An Update on the Relicensing of the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project

January 28, 2026

On January 26, 2026, the City of Seattle (City) filed an Initial Study Report (ISR) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This is a required step in relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. What is the ISR? The ISR is a formal progress report on the 24 studies the City is conducting as part of the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project relicensing process. These studies include some that were required by FERC in their Study Plan Determination and others agreed to between the City, Tribes, and other Licensing Participants (LPs). The ISR… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Water, Water Supply

MLK Day Collections Schedule  

January 13, 2026

Due to the recognition of Martin Luther King Jr Day, some customers in Seattle will be on a one-day delayed collection schedule. The delayed collections are due to a Recology and Teamster’s labor agreement that recognizes MLK Day as a non-service day. Seattle Public Utilities and the City of Seattle fully support recognition of this holiday and a citywide modification of… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Garbage, Recycling, & Compost

Recycle Your Holidays: Reduce Waste and Recycle Right!

December 19, 2025

The holidays bring celebration, connection, and a lot of extra stuff. From gift wrap and packaging to food and tech gifts, small choices can add up to less waste and a greener season. Seattle Public Utilities is here to help you recycle right, prevent waste, and make mindful choices this… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News

SPU Temporarily Updates Operations to Maintain Water Quality and Supply Due to Recent Storms

December 18, 2025

The storms over the last two weeks have caused high turbidity (muddy water) in the Cedar River, which supplies two-thirds of Seattle’s regional water supply. The other third comes from the South Fork Tolt River, which is not experiencing turbidity issues right now. To maintain our high standards for water… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News

Give Your Christmas Tree a Second Life: Compost It for Free This January

December 15, 2025

The holidays are over, but your Christmas tree doesn’t have to end up in the landfill! Seattle Public Utilities customers can compost their trees and other holiday greens for free through January 31. Composting your Christmas tree is an easy way to reduce waste and help create nutrient-rich compost that… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Garbage, Recycling, & CompostTagged With:

2025 Winter Holiday Waste Collection Schedule

November 21, 2025

As we head into the holiday season, we want to share some important reminders about our collection services. Garbage, recycling, and food and yard waste will NOT be collected on these upcoming holidays: If your regular collection day falls on one of these holidays, your service will be delayed by… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News

Seattle Public Utilities and WM Award Five Organizations 2025 ReThink Waste Grants

November 19, 2025

On November 19, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and WM announced the recipients of the 2025 ReThink Waste Grants, supporting community-based projects that are designed to prevent waste, promote recycling, composting and advance a circular economy in Seattle. Now in its seventh year, the joint grant program will invest a total… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News

Building on a Legacy of Learning: Relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project  

November 17, 2025

The Cascade foothills are home to the small but important South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. We are currently in the process of renewing the project’s license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This process takes several years. A significant part of the work is to identify gaps in our current… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Water

Flexible Payment Plans with PromisePay 

November 12, 2025

Paying your utility bill just got easier. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) offers PromisePay, a long-term payment plan that lets you catch up on past-due balances and stay current, with no fees, no interest, and no late fees. PromisePay gives you the flexibility to pay on your schedule while keeping your… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News

It’s That Time of Year: SPU Prepares for the 2026 State Legislative Session

November 12, 2025

After a landmark 2025 session, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is preparing for a short, 60-day state legislative session where lawmakers are expected to struggle with declining revenues and negative budget impacts from the federal government. Beginning on January 12, 2026, the Legislature will convene to pass bills and a supplemental… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News, Protecting Our Environment