Beyond the Cart

Recycling and compost giveaway events

Have stuff to recycle that doesn't go in your cart? Bring it to a Recycling & Reuse Collection event! We host six events a year to collect items for recycling and reuse that can't go in your home recycle carts or dumpsters. Events are free and open to all Seattle residents.

2024 recycling and reuse collection events

Saturday, May 18, 9 am – 1 pm
Phinney Neighborhood Center
Lower Parking Lot, 6615 Dayton Ave N, 98103

Saturday, June 1, 9 am – 1 pm
Maple Leaf Lutheran Church
10005 32nd Ave NE, 98125
*Latex and oil-based paint will also be accepted at this event.

Saturday, August 31, 9 am – 1 pm
St. Joseph School – Capitol Hill
Parking Lot, 700 18th Ave E, 98112
*Latex and oil-based paint will also be accepted at this event.

Saturday, October 12, 10 am – 1 pm
Columbia City, Rainier Community Center
4600 38th Ave. S, 98118

Saturday, October 12, 9 am – 1 pm
St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral – Capitol Hill
1245 10th Ave E, 98102
*Latex and oil-based paint will also be accepted at this event.

Other options for recycling and disposal:

Check out the Where Does it Go? tool for a full list of options.
Schedule a special item pickup for items that don't go in your containers at home.

Accepted items:

Foam blocks (polystyrene only)
Household batteries (Both ends must be taped with clear packing tape. No damaged/corroded batteries allowed)
Florescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, limit: 4 ft.)
Small, empty propane camping canisters
Small electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
Small appliances (non-freon)
Paper for shredding
Household textiles
Latex and oil-based paint (at noted events) – must be in original container

Items not accepted:

Commercial loads
Furniture or household goods
Garbage
Yard waste
Household recycling (items that go in your cart/dumpster)
Hazardous waste
Automotive waste
Construction waste
Non-recyclable or reusable items
Car seats
Mattresses

Free compost giveaway events

This year we’re partnering with communities to host smaller community-focused events to get compost to those who have less equitable access.

The compost at these events is made from your clean household food and yard waste. When you put in clean food and yard waste, it is turned in to this great compost that provides soil nutrients to your garden.

These events giveaway bulk compost, so remember to bring a shovel and a container to load and haul your compost.

2024 compost giveaway events

We hope you made it to one of the spring giveaway events already. If not, check back for more events being scheduled for later this year.