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Remember to Recycle Right For Student Moves

by on May 16, 2023

Each summer and 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 remain clear and accessible. Please read the tips below to save costs and keep alleys and common spaces clean and free of garbage and debris during this time.

Remember to Recycle Right!

Graphical illustration showing the Top 5 recycled items: 1. Paper, 2. Cardboard flattened, 3. Plastic bottles and containers, 4. Metal cans, 5. Glass bottles and jars. Images of these items along with the accompanying text "Must be empty, clean, and dry" and "No plastic bags".
  1. Recycle the top 5 items and make sure they are empty, clean, and dry. Keep plastic bags out.
  2. 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.
  3. More tips on how to Recycle Right.
  4. Call SPU at (206) 684-3000 to request additional collections of recycling.

Dispose of bulky items correctly:

Illustration of bulky items for disposal including big boxes of items, TVs and electronics, and couches, mattresses, and appliances.
  1. Items in good condition can be sold or given away using Craigslist, Freecycle or Buy Nothing. In addition, many local thrift stores (such as Northwest Center, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, St Vincent De Paul, etc.) accept donations.
  2. Call SPU at (206) 684-3000 to arrange for pick up and disposal of appliances, furniture, and mattresses ($30 per item) and refrigerators ($38 per item).
  3. Bring items to the North Transfer Station (1350 N 34th St, Seattle, 8:00AM – 5:30PM, 7 days a week) – $30 min fee applies.
  4. Do not leave bulky or unwanted items in planting strips or rights-of-way – that is illegal dumping and subject to fine.

If we find bulky items either in or around your containers, we will collect them, and you will be charged.

Is your garbage containers overfilled?

  • Call SPU at (206) 684-3000 to request additional collections of garbage (or recycling).
  • Call Recology at (206) 250-7500 to request a large temporary container that you and your neighbors can use for excess garbage.
  • Bring items to the North Transfer Station (1350 N 34th St, Seattle, 8:00AM – 5:30PM, 7 days a week) – $30 min fee applies.

Note that all extra garbage must be properly contained in cans, bags, or bundles.  If we find extra garbage in or around your container on non-collection days, we will be collecting it, and you will be charged.

If building owners and students coordinate and follow these guidelines, they will reduce their disposal costs. In addition, the community will be clean, accessible, and more sustainable, as less products need to be made, bought, and disposed of. Thank you for your efforts to make our city welcoming for all!

Join UW students and participate in the Husky Neighborhood Cleanup efforts!

Image of several happy students handling cardboard boxes and other items in front of a residence hall.

This is a partnership between Seattle Public Utilities, UW Recycling, the UW Office of Regional Affairs, Waste Management, and Recology.

Filed Under: Garbage, Recycling, & Compost