Earth Month is here, and what better way to celebrate than by rolling up your sleeves (metaphorically—no actual garbage handling required!) and helping shape the future of Seattle’s waste and recycling services?
Seattle Public Utilities’ Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is recruiting new volunteer members for 2026 to serve a two-year term, and we’re hoping a few passionate, community minded neighbors will join us around the table. If you’ve ever had opinions about composting, recycling, garbage service, or how Seattle can chart a path toward zero waste—we want to hear from you.
SWAC is a volunteer committee that advises SPU staff and leadership on waste prevention, recycling, composting, and garbage programs and policies. Members represent a wide range of perspectives, from community organizations to local businesses to haulers. And right now, we have four seats we’re excited to fill.
We’re specifically seeking:
- 1 Business Improvement Area (BIA) or Public Development Authority (PDA) representative
- 1 Community Based Organization (CBO) or individual representing historically underrepresented communities
- 2 representatives from waste related businesses or solid waste contracted haulers
(We already have WM and Ridwell at the table, so bonus points if you bring a fresh industry angle!)
Maybe you’re part of a neighborhood BIA working on cleaner streets. Maybe you run or work at a community organization with a pulse on how waste services impact your members. Maybe your business deals with reuse, recycling innovation, construction waste, organics, or anything in between. Or maybe you’re simply passionate about environmental justice and want to ensure your community’s voice is heard.
Not sure if you “fit”? If you’re someone who:
- has opinions about how to make recycling easier,
- gets oddly excited about compost,
- has helped a friend figure out which bin something goes in,
- or wants to make Seattle even greener—
…you might be a perfect addition.
We highly encourage individuals from Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color, immigrant and refugee communities, and people with low income lived experience to apply. Your perspective helps make our utility better for everyone.
Applications are open now through May 6, 2026.
Help us build a more sustainable, community centered future—one compost bin, recycling cart, and policy at a time.