Curbside Recycling in Seattle: Your Guide to Accepted Materials

Understanding Seattle’s Curbside Recycling Philosophy

Seattle’s recycling program is designed to maximize the reuse of valuable materials while minimizing contamination. Contamination occurs when non-recyclable items or improperly prepared recyclables are mixed in, which can render entire batches of otherwise good materials unusable. This proactive approach ensures that the items you place in your curbside bin are actually processed and recycled, contributing to a more sustainable city.

The key to effective recycling in Seattle lies in understanding and adhering to specific guidelines from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). These guidelines are not arbitrary; they reflect the capabilities of local sorting facilities and end markets for recycled materials. By following them, you play a crucial role in preventing waste and supporting a circular economy.

Your Curbside Checklist: Accepted Materials in Seattle

When you’re asking “What can I recycle curbside in Seattle?”, focus on these core categories. Items must be clean, dry, and loose in your recycling cart – never bagged.

Paper and Cardboard

  • Accepted: Clean and dry paper, including junk mail, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, paperboard boxes (like cereal or tissue boxes), flattened cardboard boxes (must fit in your cart), egg cartons, and paper bags.
  • Preparation: Flatten cardboard, remove plastic windows from envelopes, and ensure no food residue or grease stains.

Plastic Bottles, Jugs, and Tubs

  • Accepted: Rigid plastic containers with a neck or a mouth opening smaller than the base. Examples include soda bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles, yogurt tubs, butter tubs, and berry containers. Look for the recycling symbol with numbers 1, 2, or 5.
  • Preparation: Rinse thoroughly, remove liquids and food residue. You can leave caps on small plastic bottles and jars (e.g., soda bottles) if they are smaller than 2 inches in diameter; otherwise, dispose of them.

Glass Bottles and Jars

  • Accepted: Food and beverage glass bottles and jars, regardless of color.
  • Preparation: Rinse thoroughly and remove lids (metal lids can be recycled if loose in the bin, plastic lids should be tossed). Labels are fine.

Metal Cans

  • Accepted: Aluminum cans (soda, beer), tin/steel cans (soup, vegetable), and clean aluminum foil.
  • Preparation: Rinse thoroughly. Flattening cans is optional but can save space. Aluminum foil must be clean and rolled into a ball at least 2 inches in diameter.

Is it Recyclable? A Quick Decision Checklist

Before tossing something in your blue bin, run through this mental checklist to ensure it meets Seattle’s recycling standards:

  • Is the item a rigid plastic bottle, jug, or tub? (Look for a neck or lip)
  • Is it clean and completely free of food or liquid residue? (Rinse thoroughly if needed)
  • Is it made of paper or cardboard, and dry/unsoiled? (No grease stains or wax coating)
  • Is it a glass bottle or jar, and empty? (No broken glass)
  • Is it a metal can, and empty? (No sharp or hazardous items)
  • Is the item loose in the cart, not placed inside a plastic bag?
  • Is the item larger than a credit card (approx. 2x2 inches) to prevent it from falling through sorting equipment?

Prep for Success: How to Prepare Your Recyclables

Proper preparation is just as important as knowing what to recycle. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

  1. Rinse Clean: All food and beverage containers (plastic, glass, metal) must be rinsed thoroughly to remove food residue. This prevents contamination and odors.
  2. Empty Completely: Ensure containers are free of liquids. Liquids can damage paper and cardboard, and add unnecessary weight.
  3. Flatten Cardboard: Break down and flatten all cardboard boxes to save space in your cart and aid in collection.
  4. No Plastic Bags: Place all accepted recyclables loose in your blue cart. Plastic bags (and plastic film of any kind) are the number one contaminant in curbside recycling because they jam sorting machinery.
  5. Small Caps: Small plastic caps from bottles can be left on if they are smaller than 2 inches in diameter. Larger caps should be removed and disposed of in the trash.

Avoid These Common Recycling Mistakes

Understanding common pitfalls can significantly improve the effectiveness of your recycling efforts:

  • Recycling items in plastic bags: Bagged recyclables are sent directly to the landfill due to equipment jamming.
  • Not rinsing containers: Food residue contaminates other materials, rendering entire batches unrecyclable.
  • ‘Wish-cycling’: Putting items into the bin hoping they’re recyclable when they aren’t, which increases contamination.
  • Recycling small items: Items smaller than 2x2 inches (e.g., bottle caps, straws, small plastic pieces) fall through sorting machinery and become trash.
  • Including plastic film/bags or Styrofoam: These materials are not accepted curbside and must be taken to special drop-off locations.
  • Leaving liquids or excessive food in containers: Contaminates other items and adds unnecessary weight/mess.

The ‘No’ List: What Not to Put in Your Curbside Bin

Equally important as knowing what to recycle is knowing what not to. Placing these items in your blue cart can contaminate an entire load and send it to the landfill:

  • Plastic Bags & Film: This includes grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, plastic wrap, and bubble wrap. They tangle machinery.
  • Styrofoam: All forms of Styrofoam (packing peanuts, cups, takeout containers) are not accepted curbside.
  • Electronics (E-waste): TVs, computers, cell phones, and other electronics contain hazardous materials and require special disposal.
  • Food Waste: No food scraps or compostable materials belong in the recycling bin.
  • Clothing & Textiles: Fabric items can wrap around machinery and are not processed through recycling facilities.
  • Batteries: All types of batteries (alkaline, rechargeable, car batteries) can be hazardous and require separate collection.
  • Diapers: Soiled or clean diapers are trash.
  • Ceramics, Pottery, Window Glass, Mirrors: These items have different melting points than glass bottles and jars and can contaminate glass recycling.
  • Hazardous Waste: Paint, chemicals, motor oil, and other hazardous materials must be disposed of at designated facilities.
  • Small Items: Any item smaller than 2x2 inches, like bottle caps (if not on a bottle), straws, or tiny plastic pieces, will fall through sorting equipment.

Beyond the Bin: Alternative Disposal Options for Non-Curbside Items

Many items not accepted in your curbside bin still have responsible disposal or recycling options. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) provides resources for these materials:

  • Plastic Bags & Film: Take clean, dry plastic bags and film to designated drop-off locations, often found at grocery stores. Check the PlasticFilmRecycling.org website for local options.
  • Batteries & Electronics: SPU offers resources for proper disposal of batteries, electronics, and other household hazardous waste. There are often designated drop-off sites or special collection events.
  • Household Hazardous Waste: Items like paint, pesticides, and cleaning chemicals should never go into recycling or regular trash. SPU directs residents to transfer stations or specific collection events for these materials.
  • Clothing & Textiles: Consider donating usable items to thrift stores or finding textile recycling programs for worn-out items.

Always check the SPU website for the most up-to-date information on alternative disposal options specific to Seattle.

How to Verify in Seattle Today

It’s always best to get the most accurate and up-to-date information directly from official city sources. Here are three practical ways to verify recycling guidelines in Seattle:

  1. Check the “What to do with your stuff” Tool: Visit the Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) website (search “SPU What to do with your stuff”). This online tool allows you to type in almost any item and tells you exactly how to dispose of it in Seattle, including if it’s curbside recyclable, requires a special drop-off, or should be thrown away.
  2. Review Your SPU Collection Calendar/Guide: SPU regularly mails out recycling guides and collection calendars to residents. These often include a quick reference guide or sticker for your recycling cart that lists accepted and not-accepted items. Locate your latest guide for a handy physical reference.
  3. Contact SPU Directly: If you have a unique item or a specific question not covered online, call Seattle Public Utilities customer service. Their phone number is readily available on the SPU website, allowing you to speak with a representative for clarification.

Official Resources & Support: When You Need More Information

For the most current and comprehensive recycling information, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is your primary resource. Their website provides detailed guides, a searchable database for specific items, and contact information for any questions you might have. Utilizing these official channels ensures you’re always following the correct procedures, minimizing contamination, and maximizing the positive impact of your recycling efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to remove labels from jars and bottles?

A: No, you do not need to remove labels from glass bottles or jars. The recycling process accounts for these.

Q: Can I recycle pizza boxes?

A: Only the clean parts of a pizza box can be recycled. If the box has grease stains or food residue, those parts should go into the compost or trash. Consider tearing off and recycling only the clean lid.

Q: What should I do with shredded paper?

A: Shredded paper can be recycled, but it needs to be contained. Place shredded paper in a paper bag (like a lunch bag or paper shopping bag) and staple or fold it closed, then place it in your recycling cart. Do not put loose shredded paper in the cart, as it will scatter.

Q: Why can’t I put plastic bags in my curbside bin?

A: Plastic bags and plastic film are the leading cause of problems at recycling sorting facilities. They wrap around machinery, causing breakdowns and costly delays. They are generally collected separately at specific drop-off locations.