In the Seattle area, our drinking water comes from the Cedar and Tolt River watersheds. These reservoirs depend on a combination of steady fall and winter rains and accumulated snowpack in the mountains that melts gradually in the spring and summer. This year started with below-normal snowpack: we’re currently at around 50% of… [ Keep reading ]
Earth Month is here, and what better way to celebrate than by rolling up your sleeves (metaphorically—no actual garbage handling required!) and helping shape the future of Seattle’s waste and recycling services? Seattle Public Utilities’ Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is recruiting new volunteer members for 2026 to serve a… [ Keep reading ]
Washington’s 2026 state legislative session concluded on March 12 after passing a supplemental budget. This year, state legislators struggled with declining revenues and negative budget impacts from the federal government. Here’s a report on the outcomes of SPU’s legislative priorities and shares how the Utility will continue to work toward the goal of more affordable rates while protecting clean water, building healthy communities, and creating a… [ Keep reading ]
It’s Fix-A-Leak Week By Allie Sarfaty (they/them), Indoor Water Efficiency Program Intern “Hey, do you mind coming over and taking a look at my toilet? I think it’s leaking.” As I receive this message from a friend in my building, I roll my eyes. A leaking toilet, no big deal. We live in an old apartment, things break. Plus, as renters, we don’t pay for our water. “Be over in a minute.” A quick… [ Keep reading ]
You might have noticed it’s snowing today and that means the Seattle area may experience some delays in service. This blog will keep you updated with all you need to know for your garbage, recycling, and food/yard collection and possible delays. If we experience interrupted collection services due to snow, here are a few things to keep in mind: In the… [ Keep reading ]
We are pleased that the City of Seattle, King County, and Boeing (the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group or LDWG) have negotiated an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) in a proposed Consent Decree to govern cleanup of the Lower Duwamish… [ Keep reading ]
Take the survey and make sure Seattle’s waste prevention plan reflects your priorities. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) invites people who live or work in Seattle to take our Priority Waste Prevention Actions Survey for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. Over the past three years, Seattle communities have shared your ideas with us about how… [ Keep reading ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
