Starting March 30, 2009 Seattle's recycling collection days will change and other recycling changes will affect your pocketbook too. This is the City of Seattle's goal to recycle 60 percent of its waste.*
Here are the changes to note:
Food/Yard Waste Now Includes
All food scraps including meat, fish and dairy will go into your food- and yard-waste bin along with items already allowed, such as pizza boxes, paper towels and paper napkins (however, no coated paper or coated cardboard is permitted).
Recycling Now Includes
Even more paper, plastic and metal items that can be recycled, including paper and plastic cups, milk cartons, deli trays, aluminum foil, plastic plant pots and lids wider than three inches. You do not have to separate glass bottles and jars anymore. They can go into your recycling bins.
Misc. Items Now Includes
- Used motor oil will be collected for free without advanced scheduling.
- Electronics can be picked up with a $20 fee per collection for items that are a maximum of 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet and under 60 pounds (this requires advanced scheduling).
- Bulky items will be collected with a $30 fee per item and advance scheduling. It will be $38 for items with CFCs, such as a refrigerator.
New Garbage Rates (depending on your garbage options per month; all single-family homes must pay)
- 12 gallon $14.05
- 20 gallon $17.15
- 32 gallon $22.30
- 64 gallon $44.60
- 96 gallon $66.90
Food/Yard-waste options (per month)
- 13 gallon $3.60
- 32 gallon $5.40
- 96 gallon $6.90
* Customers who compost food waste in their yard may request an exemption from food and yard-waste collection by contacting Seattle Public Utilities at: 206-684-3000 or: visit their Web site. If you don't know what day your pickups are set for in your area be sure to call and find out.
If you are new to the area or confused about changes to your neighborhood recycling days and times you can get updates on recycling collection in your area.
Find out about garbage collection in your area.