Extras

Extra Garbage, Food/Yard Waste, and Recycling

If you have more items than can fit into your container, don’t overfill it!

Overfilled containers are a hazard for sanitation workers and the environment. Any container that is too full to close will be charged the extra fee as shown below.

You are allowed to set out extra garbage or food/yard waste for pick-up. Label any additional containers, bags, or bundles with your property address and place them next to your cart on pick-up day.

Extra Garbage

  • $14.40 per unit*
  • 60 lb. max in any of the following:
    • Personal container (up to 32 gallons) with handles
    • Trash bag (up to 32 gallons)

Extra Food/Yard Waste

  • $7.50 per unit*
  • Yard waste only—no food waste.
  • 60 lb. max in any of the following:
    • Personal container (up to 32 gallons) with handles
    • Kraft paper bag
    • 4’x2’ bundle tied in twine

*Rates change annually on April 1. 

Extra Recycling

Recycling service is included in the garbage cost to Seattle residents. There are no additional fees for extra recycling. If you have more recycling than can fit in your container, place the extras in a box next to it.If you consistently have more recycling, you can order a second container for free.

Special Item Pick-Up

For an additional cost, SPU account holders can schedule a pick-up of the following items, some even for free:

  • Large furniture and appliances (including ones with CFCs)
  • Electronic waste (TVs, computers, tablets, laptops, monitors)
  • CFL bulbs
  • Household batteries
  • Foam blocks
  • Used cooking and motor oil

Multifamily

If the garbage container at your multifamily residence is overfilled, the property will be charged the Extra Garbage rate for each bag over the limit. These charges can add up over time and are often passed along to tenants.

If your container is consistently overfilled, property managers can request a larger one.

Properties must also provide enough food and yard waste carts for every tenant.

Talk to your property manager if you believe that you need larger containers. If your property manager is unable to help, you can submit an anonymous request for containers for your appartment or condo. We will follow up with your property manager and help them provide enough service.

You may also contact us directly about waste concerns at your building by emailing AskEvelyn@seattle.gov or leave us a voice message at (206) 684-8717.

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.