Residential Rates
MY BILL IS TOO HIGH
Is your bill higher than you expected? Water leaks, dripping faucets or a constantly running toilet affect your water consumption and your water and sewer charges. Extra garbage charges or a large garbage can affect your solid waste charges. Please contact us at (206) 684-3000 if you have questions about your bill. Higher than expected bill.
GARBAGE
All residents within the City of Seattle are required by the Seattle Municipal Code to have garbage containers and pay for garbage service. The more you recycle and the more food waste you put in your food/yard waste cart, the smaller the garbage can you will need and the lower the rate.
RECYCLING
Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources.
Recycling service is free to Seattle residents. Recycling Rates.
FOOD & YARD
Information includes rates, cart sizes, weight limits, and alternatives to food and yard waste service. City-collected food and yard waste is taken to the Cedar Grove composting facility where it is turned into compost to help build healthy soil. Healthy soil reduces the need for water and chemicals and produces less stormwater runoff, leading to better water quality. Food & Yard Waste Rates.
WATER
Water rates pay for:
- Protecting the safety and security of the water supply system
- Operating two state-of-the-art water treatment facilities
- Daily testing to maintain drinking water quality
- Covering open water storage reservoirs in Seattle
- Maintaining and repairing 1,800 miles of pipeline, 20,000 valves, 18,000 fire hydrants, 180,000 water service connections, and dozens of other water facilities
- Providing services to help customers manage their bills and resolve problems
DRAINAGE
Seattle's drainage system is a City-wide utility. All properties contribute to the problem of runoff and benefit from the drainage system through flood control and improvement of water quality. These fees are billed as a separate line item on King County property tax statements. Drainage Rates.
SEWER
If you are a single family residential customer, your sewer bills are based on actual water usage during the winter period, November through April. For non-residential and multifamily residential customers, sewer bills are based on actual water usage at all times of the year. Sewer Rates.
DUMP/TRANSFER STATION
Seattle Public Utilities operates two transfer stations for use by residents and businesses. Rates for clean yard waste and clean wood waste are lower than rates for garbage. To get the lower rates, separate your materials before arriving at the station. Transfer Station Rates.
RATE CHANGE SUMMARY
Comparisons of the average family bill per month over the past three years. Rate Change Summary.
RATE STUDIES
Rate studies are prepared by Seattle Public Utilities and sent to the Mayor for his review and revisions. Once this is complete the Mayor's Proposed Rate Study is submitted to City Council. The City Council reviews the Rate Study and legislates the final rates. Rate Studies.