Spring is a great time to help keep Seattle clean, green, and connected. As the days get longer, Seattle Public Utilities invites residents to take simple actions that support healthy neighborhoods, reduce waste, protect water, and care for the environment.
Whether you volunteer, reduce waste, prevent pollution, or conserve water, every action helps protect Seattle’s environment and strengthen our communities.
Below are some ways you can get involved this spring.
Volunteer in Your Neighborhood
Make a direct impact by volunteering to help care for Seattle’s public spaces and waterways.
- Adopt a Street – Organize or join a neighborhood litter cleanup.
- Steward our Trees – Become a Seattle Tree Steward and preserve trees around Seattle’s urban forest.
- Care for your Storm Drain – Reduce water pollution and flooding by Adopting a Drain or stenciling storm drains.
Reduce Waste
Spring is also a great time to declutter and rethink how we use and dispose of materials.
- Where Does It Go? – Look up how to recycle or dispose of hundreds of items properly.
- Food Waste Prevention – Learn tips to reduce wasted food and save money.
- Reuse Seattle – Bring your own cup to a participating coffee shop.
- Beyond the Cart – Attend a recycling & reuse collection event.
Protect Our Waterways
Simple actions at home and in your neighborhood can help protect creeks, lakes, and Puget Sound from pollution.
- Use a Commercial Car Wash and properly dispose of pet waste
- Correctly dispose of fats, oils and grease to reduce sewer overflows
- Natural Lawn & Garden Care – Learn ways to maintain your yard without polluting our waters.
Learn Sustainable Gardening
Build healthy soil, grow food, and care for your yard in ways that protect the environment.
- Garden Hotline Classes – Learn about composting, pest prevention, and sustainable gardening through free classes and workshops for Seattle-area residents.
Use Water Wisely – Every Drop Counts
Using water more efficiently helps stretch our supply now and for future generations helping people and fish.
- Saving Water Partnership – Find water-saving tips, rebates, and resources.
Learn About Seattle’s Water
Seattle’s drinking water comes from protected watersheds that supply clean water to more than 1.6 million people.
- Cedar River Watershed Education Center – Visit, take a class, or explore educational resources about Seattle’s drinking water.
- Learn about the Watershed at a King County Library – Attend a presentation in Maple Valley by a Water Resources Planner followed by a Q&A.
Seattle Public Utilities works year-round to keep neighborhoods clean, maintain drainage systems, protect our waters, and reduce waste. Community participation is a big part of that work.
By volunteering, conserving water, reducing waste, and eliminating pollutants, residents help build a healthier and more sustainable Seattle.