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What Day Is Trash Pickup in Seattle, WA?

Updated November 2026

Quick Answer for Seattle

  • Trash day: Mondays, collected by Seattle Public Utilities
  • Recycling: biweekly on Mondays — no plastic bags, no styrofoam
  • Next holiday delay: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026)
  • Bulk pickup: call 311 — fee required

Trash pickup in Seattle is weekly on Mondays. Seattle Public Utilities collects trash, recycling (biweekly on Mondays), and yard waste (weekly). Bins out by 6:30 AM.

Quick Facts

Trash Provider

Seattle Public Utilities

Municipal service

Contact

206-684-3000

Official website

Trash Pickup

Mondays (weekly)

Set out by 6:30 AM

Recycling Pickup

Mondays (biweekly)

16 materials accepted

Pickup Schedule

Trash Collection

Once per week

Mondays

Recycling Collection

Every other week

Mondays

Yard Waste

weekly

Thursdays

Schedules vary by neighborhood. Check with Seattle Public Utilities for your exact pickup day.

Recycling Rules

Seattle accepts 16 materials for curbside recycling. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items.

Accepted

  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines & catalogs
  • Office paper & mail
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Aluminum cans

NOT Accepted

  • Plastic bags & film
  • Styrofoam (EPS)
  • Paper coffee cups
  • Batteries (household alkaline)
  • Electronics (e-waste)
  • Light bulbs (CFL & fluorescent)
Recycling rules for Seattle

Bulk Pickup

How to Schedule

Call 311 or hauler

Free Pickups Per Year

None (fee required)

$30-$60 per item depending on size and type

Bulk pickup details for Seattle

Holiday Pickup Schedule

Federal holidays delay trash pickup in Seattle by one day. Next: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026).

New Year's DayJanuary 1, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 19, 2026
Presidents' DayFebruary 16, 2026
Memorial DayMay 25, 2026
JuneteenthJune 19, 2026
Holiday schedule for Seattle

Composting in Seattle

MandatoryCurbside pickup

HB 1799 (Organics Management Law) requires businesses generating 8+ cubic yards/week to compost. Residential requirements phase in by jurisdiction.

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash in Seattle.5 drop-off locations for household hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste drop-off in Seattle

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is trash pickup in Seattle?
Trash pickup in Seattle, WA is weekly on Mondays. Set out your bins by 6:30 AM. Seattle Public Utilities handles residential waste collection. Recycling is collected biweekly on Mondays.
Can I recycle pizza boxes in Seattle?
Yes — Clean portions are recyclable. Greasy sections can go in compost where available, otherwise trash. Many programs now accept the whole box. In Seattle, pizza boxes are accepted in curbside recycling.
How do I schedule bulk pickup in Seattle?
To schedule bulk pickup in Seattle, call 311 or your hauler. $30-$60 per item depending on size and type
Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Seattle?
Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) affects trash pickup in Seattle. Pickup on this day and the rest of the week delayed by one day. Check with Seattle Public Utilities for your specific route. Most federal holidays delay pickup by one day for the rest of the week.
What goes in the recycling bin in Seattle?
Seattle accepts 16 types of materials for curbside recycling, including cardboard, paper, glass bottles (check locally), aluminum and steel cans, and plastic #1, #2, and #5 containers. Do NOT put plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items in recycling. Rinse all containers before placing them in the bin.
Does Seattle have composting?
Yes, Seattle requires composting. Curbside composting is available — use your green bin for food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper.
What do I do if they missed my trash pickup in Seattle?
If your trash was missed in Seattle, first confirm it was your scheduled pickup day and that bins were out by 6:30 AM. Then call Seattle Public Utilities at 311 (or your hauler's direct line) to report the miss. Most cities require you to report within 24 hours. Keep your bins at the curb until the makeup collection, which is typically within 1-2 business days.
Where do I take hazardous waste in Seattle?
Seattle has approximately 4 household hazardous waste drop-off locations. Items like paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash. Auto parts stores accept motor oil for free. Best Buy and Staples accept electronics. For everything else, use your city's HHW collection events or permanent facility.

Related Pages

Recycling Guide

What goes in the recycling bin in Seattle

Bulk Pickup

Schedule large item pickup

Holiday Schedule

When holidays delay pickup

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics disposal

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Pickup schedules and rules are based on published municipal data. Schedules vary by neighborhood and route. Always confirm with Seattle Public Utilities for your specific address. This page is for informational purposes only.