Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Seattle
Trash Day
Garbage is collected weekly, Monday through Friday, depending on your address.
Recycling
Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your garbage pickup.
Yard Waste
Food and yard waste (compost) is collected weekly on the same day as your garbage pickup.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Solid waste services are billed through Seattle Public Utilities alongside water and sewer charges on a single bi-monthly combined utility statement.
Billing Cycle
Bi-Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
The Utility Discount Program (UDP) provides income-qualified residential customers with a 50% discount on SPU water, sewer, and solid waste bills, plus 60% off Seattle City Light electricity bills. Emergency assistance and payment plans are also available.
Black Bin (Trash)
All trash must fit inside the cart with the lid completely closed. Extra garbage set next to the bin incurs a per-unit fee. Carts must be at the curb or alley by 7:00 a.m.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene)
- ✓Pet waste and kitty litter
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Broken glass and ceramics
- ✓Chip bags and candy wrappers
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected every other week. Never put recyclables in plastic bags; place them loosely into the blue cart. Ensure containers are completely empty and reasonably clean.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Batteries and electronics
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
Yard Waste Bin
Mandatory for all residents. Never use plastic bags. If you prefer to bag your kitchen scraps, you must use Cedar Grove-approved compostable bags or plain kraft paper bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, vegetables)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (pizza boxes, napkins)
- ✓Leaves, grass clippings, and weeds
- ✓Branches and twigs (up to 4 feet long)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand by appointment
Placement
Place the scheduled bulk items at your regular collection point (curb or alley) by 7:00 a.m. on the confirmed pickup day. Ensure they do not block sidewalks or driveways.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas, chairs, and large furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Major appliances (washers, dryers)
- ✓ Refrigerators and freezers
Not Accepted
- ✕ Liquid paints and solvents
- ✕ Hazardous household chemicals
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Large quantities of dirt and concrete
Fees are $30 for most furniture and $38 for appliances containing CFCs. Utility Discount Program customers are eligible for up to 2 free pickups per year.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your collection day falls on or after an observed holiday during the week, service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Food and yard waste follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as garbage and recycling.
SPU only delays citywide for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Normal service occurs on Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. MLK Day may have partial route delays due to local union agreements.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
NovemberTo help manage heavy leaf drop, SPU traditionally offers free extra yard waste collection during the month of November. You can set out extra leaves in paper yard bags next to your green cart.
Winter
Late December - JanuarySPU offers free curbside holiday tree composting. Trees must be cut into sections no longer than 4 feet and placed next to your green cart. Flocked or artificially decorated trees are treated as garbage.
Winter
December - FebruaryIf ice or snow prevents trucks from navigating Seattle's hills, do not leave your bins out indefinitely. Wait for the next scheduled day to put out double the waste at no extra charge.
Local Tips & Community Info
Getting Paid to Recycle in the Emerald City?
Seattle might not have a ton of cash-for-bottles places right within the city limits like some towns, but don't let that stop you! Washington State has a "redemption" program for many beverage containers. While you won't find a specific Seattle storefront that buys every single can and bottle, you can often take eligible items to larger grocery stores that have redemption centers built-in. Keep an eye out for those machines when you're shopping for your weekly groceries. It’s a small way to get a little back and keep things out of the landfill.
Giving Your Old Stuff a Second Life in Seattle
Before you toss that couch or those clothes, think about donating! Seattle's got some awesome places. Goodwill is always a big one, with multiple locations around the city where you can drop off clothes, household goods, and even some electronics. For furniture and home improvement items, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County ReStores are fantastic. They'll take gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials, and the money they make goes right back into building homes for families. Plus, organizations like Hopelink often accept donations to support local families in need.
Keeping Our Seattle Neighborhoods Spick and Span
Got an eyesore or noticed some trash dumped where it shouldn't be? Seattle has a system for that! If you see illegal dumping, you can report it. The City of Seattle has resources to help clean up these messes. Keep an eye on the Seattle Public Utilities website for info on community clean-up events too, which are a great way to meet neighbors and make our city look its best. Sometimes, they even have special collection days for things like electronics or hazardous waste, which are super helpful for getting rid of tricky items safely.
Drop-off Facilities
North Transfer Station
1350 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Materials Accepted
South Transfer Station
130 S Kenyon St, Seattle, WA 98108
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to dump at the Seattle North Transfer Station?
The minimum fee for general garbage is $35 per trip, which covers up to 420 pounds. If your load is heavier, the rate is $165 per ton. Clean, separated yard waste has a lower minimum fee of $24.
Does Seattle pick up trash on Memorial Day or the 4th of July?
Yes. SPU does not delay service for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or Labor Day. The only holidays that cause a citywide one-day delay are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
How do I get rid of an old mattress or sofa in Seattle?
You can request a Special Item Pickup from Seattle Public Utilities by calling 206-684-3000. There is a $30 fee for furniture items. Alternatively, you can haul it yourself to the North or South Transfer Station.