Each fall, when student residents move out of the neighborhood and new ones move in, things can get a little crowded at the dumpsters! By planning ahead, we can achieve a more sustainable community and ensure that common spaces like 17th Ave near the University District remain clear and accessible. With these helpful tips, you’ll save costs and keep alleys and common spaces clean and free of garbage and debris during this time.
Remember to Recycle Right
- Know the basics when it comes to recycling right
- Focus on recycling the top 5 items and make sure they are empty, clean, and dry. Keep plastic bags out.
- When in doubt find out! Use our lookup tool to find out if an item is recyclable or not before putting it in the blue bin.
- Contact SPU at (206) 684-3000 to request additional collections of recycling.
Dispose of Bulky Items Correctly
- Items in good condition can be sold or given away using Craigslist, Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace, or Buy Nothing. In addition, many local thrift stores (such as Northwest Center, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, St Vincent De Paul, etc.) accept donations.
- Contact SPU at (206) 684-3000 or online to arrange for pick up and disposal of appliances, furniture, mattresses, and items containing refrigerants (fees apply).
- Bring items to the North Transfer Station (1350 N 34th St, Seattle, 8:00AM – 5:30PM, 7 days a week), fees apply.
- Don’t leave bulky or unwanted items in planting strips or in the right-of-way. It’s not a “free pile”, it’s illegal dumping and is subject to a fine.
*If bulky items are in or around your containers, SPU will collect them, and your account will be charged.
Don’t Overfill Your Garbage Containers
- Contact SPU at (206) 684-3000 or online to request additional collections of garbage (or recycling).
- Call Recology at (206) 250-7500 or Waste Management at 1-855-894-9447 to request a large temporary container or roll off box that you and your neighbors can use for excess garbage.
- Bring materials to the North Transfer Station (1350 N 34th St, Seattle, 8:00AM – 5:30PM, 7 days a week), fees apply.
Thank you for setting out your extra garbage properly in a can, bag, or bundle. Any extra garbage in or around a customer’s container on non-collection days will be collected and subject to additional charges to the customer’s account. We appreciate building owners and students coordinating together and following these guidelines to help reduce disposal and collection costs while keeping your community clean, accessible, and more sustainable.
Thank you for your efforts to help make Seattle a great place to live for us all! Class dismissed.
