Waste Management Services in Seattle, WA
Find trusted dumpster rental, junk removal, septic pumping, and specialty services in Seattle. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.
Waste Management Services in Seattle, Washington
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) provides comprehensive waste services with nation-leading mandatory composting and recycling ordinances. The city generates approximately 1.4 million tons of MSW annually with 60%+ diversion rate. Aggressive zero waste goals and enforcement through container tags and fines.
Residential Service
Variable cart-based pricing effective April 2025. Smaller trash cart = lower cost. Recycling and composting included. Account fee $33.30. Cart change fee $34.60.
Dumpster Rental
20-yard, 7-day rental
Providers
Licensed haulers serving Seattle
Waste Haulers Serving Seattle
Compare licensed waste management providers offering residential, commercial, and specialty services in Seattle:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)
municipal- Service coordination
- Regulation enforcement
- Education programs
Waste Management
national- Residential collection
- Commercial service
- Recycling
- Composting
Recology CleanScapes
regional- Residential collection
- Commercial service
- Organics processing
Republic Services
national- Commercial collection
- Dumpster rental
- Construction debris
Seattle Waste Management Costs
Understand typical pricing for waste services in Seattle. Costs vary by provider, service level, and property type.
Residential Services
Variable cart-based pricing effective April 2025. Smaller trash cart = lower cost. Recycling and composting included. Account fee $33.30. Cart change fee $34.60.
Commercial Services
Variable pricing by container volume. Mandatory composting and recycling. Fines for contamination. Higher costs for non-compliance.
Dumpster Rental
7-14 day rental. Seattle premium pricing. Permit requirements. Rain and traffic impact operations.
Junk Removal
Pacific Northwest premium. Quarter truck ~$210-$350, half truck $350-$550, full truck $600-$850. Eco-sorting standard.
Seattle Waste Regulations & Requirements
Dumpster Permits
Street use permits required from Seattle Department of Transportation for dumpsters. Limited availability in dense areas. High fees. Private property preferred.
Recycling Requirements
MANDATORY recycling and composting per Seattle Municipal Code 21.36. Food waste, compostable paper, yard waste, and recyclables BANNED from garbage. Enforcement through tags and fines.
Special Regulations
- Mandatory composting - food scraps MUST go in compost bin (SMC 21.36.082/083)
- Recyclables and compostables banned from garbage - strictly enforced
- Warning tags on contaminated containers - 2 warnings then $50 fine
- Fines escalate: $50 first offense, increases for repeat violations
- More than 10% prohibited materials triggers enforcement action
- Cart-based pricing incentivizes waste reduction
- Rain-heavy climate requires covered bins and frequent collection
Recycling in Seattle
Seattle has mandatory three-bin separation with strict enforcement. Recycling bin (weekly), compost bin (weekly), garbage bin (weekly or less). SPU inspects containers and applies warning tags or fines for contamination. Nation-leading compliance and diversion rates.
Accepted Materials
- Recycling: Paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, mail
- Recycling: Plastic bottles & containers, glass, metal cans, cartons
- Composting: ALL food scraps, meat, dairy, bones, bread, grains
- Composting: Food-soiled paper (napkins, paper towels, pizza boxes)
- Composting: Yard waste, leaves, branches, grass clippings, plants
Not Accepted
- Plastic bags in recycling (separate store drop-off)
- Styrofoam
- Electronics (separate free collection)
- Batteries (hazardous waste)
- Food waste in garbage (BANNED - must compost)
- Recyclables in garbage (BANNED)
Special Waste Programs in Seattle
Take advantage of these specialized collection and disposal programs available to Seattle residents:
Mandatory Composting Enforcement
SPU monitors garbage for banned materials (food scraps, recyclables). Warning tags on contaminated bins. After 2 warnings, $50 fee charged to utility account. Strict compliance.
seattle.gov/utilities/food-waste-requirements | (206) 684-3000
Cart-Based Pricing
Variable rates based on garbage cart size. Smaller trash cart = lower monthly cost. Recycling and composting included free. Incentivizes waste reduction.
Rates at seattle.gov/utilities/garbage-rates
Free Recycling & Composting Collection
Unlimited recycling and composting collection included with service. No extra charge. Encourages maximum diversion from landfill.
Included in all service levels
South Transfer Station & Recycling Center
Public drop-off for recyclables, compost, bulky items, construction debris, e-waste, HHW. Comprehensive facility for self-haul.
130 S Kenyon St, Seattle | (206) 684-3000
Home Composting Education
SPU offers backyard composting workshops, discounted compost bins, Master Composter program. Supports home organics management.
seattle.gov/utilities/composting | (206) 684-3000
What Makes Seattle Waste Management Unique
- Mandatory composting with $1-$50 fines - strictest enforcement among major US cities
- Food waste and recyclables BANNED from garbage - legally required separation
- Nation-leading 60%+ diversion rate through aggressive policies and enforcement
- Cart-based variable pricing incentivizes waste reduction - smaller cart = lower bill
- Rainy Pacific Northwest climate requires covered bins and frequent collection
- Progressive environmental policies align with city sustainability values
- Tech sector (Amazon, Microsoft) drives innovation in waste reduction strategies
- Steep hills and dense urban neighborhoods create unique collection challenges
Contact Seattle Waste Services
Get help with waste collection, recycling questions, or service requests:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)
Solid Waste Customer Service
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