Your utility bill includes three different services: Drinking Water, Drainage & Sewer, and Solid Waste. Extra garbage fees—if they apply—are listed on page 3 of your bill. Reviewing this page each billing cycle helps ensure you know exactly what you’re being charged for. If you have questions or concerns, our customer service team is always here to help. Before setting out extra garbage, consider:
- Can it be recycled?
Many items customers place in the garbage can actually be recycled for free. Check SPU’s recycling guidelines to ensure reusable materials don’t end up in the landfill. - Is it a special item?
Large, bulky, or hard‑to‑dispose‑of items like mattresses, appliances, or electronics might qualify for Special Item Pickup. Details are available on our Special Item Pickup page. - Is it extra compost?
In the fall, we accept extra yard waste such as leaves and branches for free as part of seasonal cleanup, more info on our Extra Yard Waste in Fall page. - Is it extra garbage?
If the material cannot be recycled, composted, or handled through Special Item Pickup, placing it out as extra garbage may result in a fee. Please note: The extra garbage fee is $13.95 per additional bag or for a bin propped open more than six inches. Details on how extras are identified and set out properly can be found on our Setting Out Waste for Collection page.
And remember: extra recycling is always free.
If you ever see a charge on your bill you don’t recognize, or if you think an extra garbage fee was applied in error, give us a call at 206-684-3000. We will always review the documentation and correct any mistakes.