Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) leadership was instrumental in helping to pass a new state law that will make recycling easier, more consistent, and more effective—not just across the state, but right here in Seattle too.
It’s called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The bill requires companies that make packaging and paper products to now be responsible for what happens to them after we use them. Instead of cities and utility customers bearing the full cost, producers will help pay to manage and improve our recycling system.
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
Seattle’s Leadership Made a Difference
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. SPU has also been a member of the Northwest Product Stewardship Council, working with other agencies across the region to promote smarter recycling strategies. Their voice—and your support as customers—helped bring this policy over the finish line. 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 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
- Over time, you’ll likely see improvements in the types of items accepted for recycling
- Most importantly, the cost of managing waste will shift away from ratepayers—that’s you—and toward the companies that make the packaging in the first place
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. Follow Northwest Product Stewardship Council for more information
- 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.