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Posts categorized under SPU FAQs Archives - At Your Service

FAQ: Are pesticides the only effective option to avoid pests and weeds?

A: No! Natural pest and weed control methods are just as effective. Whether you’re a novice or expert gardener, pests and weeds can be a source of frustration. Pesticides are marketed as a powerful resource for your garden troubles, but their power can quickly become harmful. Overuse of pesticides can cause… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: Whoa! Why is my utility bill so high?

A: The culprit could be an unknown leak, or overuse of water and solid waste services. Paying bills is task that has unanimous agreement—it’s not fun. If your bill is higher than normal use the guide below to help you figure out what is going on and how to address it. Eek, leaks! Leaks are… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: What are common watering systems and how do I use them?

A: Three common watering systems are watering wands, automatic irrigation, and soaker hoses. Watering wands are used for individual plants or small garden beds, while automatic irrigation systems are used for larger lawn or garden areas that require regular watering. Soaker hoses are used for food gardens and new trees. Are you having trouble… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: How often and how much should I water in the summer?

A: That’s a tricky question. There are no hard and fast rules for watering (it depends on the soil, type of plant, weather, and other factors), but a quick and easy tip is to check your soil. Use your hand or a trowel to dig a couple inches down into the… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: How do I discard bulky items like mattresses?

Answer: Request a bulky item pick up! We all know moving can be a drag. After the physical and mental toll of packing and unpacking, no one has the energy to think of what to do with the items that didn’t make the cut. It’s tempting to leave discarded furniture,… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: Does SPU do graffiti removal?

Answer: Yes SPU’s Graffiti Rangers remove graffiti from public and, in some persistent cases, private property. Reporting Graffiti: Taking prompt, proactive steps to report and remove graffiti is the best way to prevent it from occurring in your community. The city’s Graffiti Nuisance Ordinance requires property owners to remove graffiti in… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: How can I help my produce stay fresher longer?

Answer: So many choices! Properly storing your produce can make it last longer, prevent food waste, and save you money. -Store bananas away from other produce (they give off a lot of ethylene gas and make other fruits ripen faster than they would on their own). -Keep apples in the fridge (they keep ripening… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: My garbage wasn’t picked up! How do I report that?

Answer: There are a couple of options House Residents: If you’re near a computer or a smartphone, you can report a missed garbage, food and yard waste, or recycling collection online after 5:00 pm on the day it was missed. You can also call us at (206) 684-3000. Building Owners/Managers:… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: What should I do with my empty prescription bottles?

Answer: Empty prescription bottles go in the garbage Prescription bottle plastic is too brittle to be recycled, so used bottles should be tossed in the garbage. What about leftover medicine? Medicines in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisoning and flushed or trashed medicines can end up polluting our waters. To… [ Keep reading ]

FAQ: Can I compost my dog’s waste?

Answer: Nope! Due to public health concerns pet waste is not allowed in curbside food and yard waste carts. All pet waste should be tossed in the garbage. Tip: Double bag the poop, and tie tightly to remove air from inside the bag. Removing the excess air prevents the bag… [ Keep reading ]