A New Way to Measure Our Progress
Seattle has long been recognized as a global leader in waste reduction and sustainable materials management. But the way we consume and what we throw away is changing fast. That’s why Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has introduced new industry-leading solid waste metrics that focus not just on recycling, but on preventing waste before it’s created.
For decades, Seattle measured success using one main number: the recycling rate. But recycling alone can’t capture the full picture of progress. More lightweight packaging, online shopping, and complex materials have changed what ends up in our bins.
The new metrics, first reported in the 2024 Annual Solid Waste Report: Moving Toward Zero Waste, reflect a smarter, more holistic way to track our journey toward a zero-waste future—one focused on reducing, reusing, and preventing waste.
Measuring What Matters
SPU’s new performance framework includes five key measures that better represent the full waste picture of what we generate, throw away, recycle, and reuse.
| Metric | Description of Measurement (all measurements are estimates) |
Target |
|---|---|---|
| Daily pounds of MSW generated per person | Total garbage + recycling + compostables per person1 per day in pounds2 | 15% reduction (2015-2030) to 5.07 lbs./person/day |
| Daily pounds of MSW disposed per person | Garbage thrown away per person1 per day in pounds2 | 15% reduction (2015-2030) to 2.13 lbs/person/day |
| Annual tons of food waste disposed (residential + commercial) | Total tons of food waste thrown out (residential + commercial)3 | Tracked every 4-5 years |
| Residential recycling capture rate | Percent residential recyclables correctly sorted as recycling | Equal to or greater than 70% |
| Construction and demolition (C&D) debris diversion rate | Percent C&D debris diverted to reuse/recycling/beneficial use4 | Equal to or greater than 80% and increase proportion reused |
- Based on City of Seattle Annual Growth Stats (residential) from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM).
- Excluding construction and demolition debris hauled to third-party facilities.
- Through City-contracted garbage collection services.
- Beneficial use is diverting C&D debris from landfills in a way that replaces another material in a manufacturing process. A common example is using untreated wood waste as a fuel for industrial boilers to replace other fuels. SPU defines “beneficial use” in Administrative Rule #SPU-DR-01-07. The Washington State Department of Ecology may also approve a specific use as beneficial use under Washington Administrative Code 173-350-200.
These new metrics and targets provide alignment with the city’s zero-waste vision. . They also align with international best practices, putting Seattle alongside other global leaders like Vancouver, BC and San Francisco in tackling waste-related climate emissions.
By measuring waste generated and disposed of per person per day, SPU can show real progress even as the population grows. And by focusing on recycling capture rates instead of recycling rates, we can better measure how much recyclable material ends up recycled, not just how much we collect.
What the Data Shows: 2024 Results
The first year of reporting under the new system provides valuable insights into where Seattle stands — and where we can go next.
- Daily waste generated: 5.21 lbs./person (lowest since 2000!)
- Daily garbage thrown away: 2.68 lbs./person (not on track to meet target)
- Construction & Demolition diversion rate: 68.6% (short of 80% target)
- Residential recycling capture rate: 74% (above national average of 57%)
- Food waste disposed: 50,396 tons (19% of all landfilled waste)
Despite major population growth, Seattle residents are generating less waste per person, suggesting that prevention programs and community actions are making an impact. However, with disposal rates remaining steady, it’s clear that the next big opportunity lies in reducing what goes to landfill and expanding reuse and composting.
How You Can Help
Everyone has a role to play in reaching Seattle’s zero-waste goals. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Prevent waste before it starts: Choose products with less packaging. Buy reusable or refillable items.
- Recycle right: Keep it clean, empty, and dry.
- Compost food scraps: Put food and yard waste in the compost bin—not the trash.
- Support reuse: Bring your own cup, join Reuse Seattle’s movement, and frequent stores that offer take-back or refill options.
- Stay informed: Follow SPU on social media for waste prevention and recycling updates to learn how your actions add up.
Together, we can meet these new targets and move closer to a Seattle where nothing goes to waste.
Learn More
- Read the full 2024 Annual Solid Waste Report
- Learn more about our Solid Waste Metrics
- Learn waste prevention tips
- Learn more about reuse in Seattle: The Reuse Seattle Partnerships
- Learn more about what Seattle is doing to reduce food waste: Food Waste Reduction: A Priority of Seattle Public Utilities