“The Biggest Overhaul of our Recycling System in Decades”
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) was instrumental in helping to pass a new state law that will make recycling easier, more affordable, and more effective across the state. It’s called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The bill puts companies that make packaging and paper products on the hook to pay for curbside recycling services for all Washington residents. Instead of cities and utility customers bearing the full cost, producers will pay the majority of costs to manage and improve our recycling system. As SPU Strategic Advisor McKenna Morrigan stated, “We need to bring the companies that make the products to the table to join us.” And now, thanks to this new law, that’s exactly what’s happening.
What Will Change—and Why It’s Good News
This new law will:
- Make recycling simpler and clearer by creating one set of recycling rules for the entire state—goodbye confusion about what goes in the bin!
- Expand access to recycling, especially for apartment dwellers and underserved neighborhoods and rural areas.
- Reduce waste and pollution by encouraging companies to use packaging that’s easier to recycle.
- Support equity, helping ensure that all communities benefit from better waste services.
A Coalition of Support
SPU played a key role in shaping and supporting this new law. As a leader in waste prevention and sustainable materials management, SPU has long advocated for stronger policies that make producers part of the solution. But we couldn’t have done it alone. A broad coalition of environmental organizations, local governments, labor unions, Tribes, physicians, companies and residents supported this legislation. Their voice—and your support as customers—helped bring this policy over the finish line.
What This Means for You as a Seattle Customer
Seattle already has one of the strongest recycling programs in the country, and this new law will help build on that success with even more support and resources. For Seattle customers, the benefits include:
- You’ll see clearer recycling rules across the board, whether you live in a house or an apartment
- Most importantly, YOU as our customers will save money on your utility bill! Beginning in 2030, producers will begin to pay for a majority of the costs of recycling service.
What Can You Do?
Even with this new system in place, you still play an important role:
- Keep recycling right—use SPU’s Where Does It Go tool to sort correctly
- Stay informed as the changes roll out. Our partners at Northwest Product Stewardship Council have a newsletter you can join here: Join: Community Members | Northwest Product Stewardship Council
- Choose products with less packaging or packaging that’s clearly marked as recyclable
This is a huge step forward—not just for Washington, but for Seattle. It’s about fairness, sustainability, and building a recycling system that actually works for people and the planet. Thanks to your ongoing support and to SPU’s leadership, we’re headed toward a more sustainable future.