Garbage, composting, and recycling

Step 1.Understand what your service includes

As part of your service, Recology will collect the following:

• Garbage (every week)
• Recycling (every other week)
• Food and yard waste (every other week)

Step 2.Determine what you’ll pay

Garbage collection fees are based on the size of your cart.  The smaller the cart, the less you’ll pay.

By separating garbage from recyclables and food and yard waste, you may be able to save money by switching to a smaller cart.

Step 3.Check if you qualify for a discount

You can reduce your garbage collection fees by 50% if Recology considers you a low-income resident and you’re either:

• 62 or older, or
• Receiving permanent disability benefits from Social Security or the military

You also need to live at the address and be the one who pays the garbage collection fees.

To see if you qualify, schedule an appointment with our Public Works Programs Coordinator Mason Giem at:

• 206-973-4763, or
• mgiem@seatacwa.gov

Step 4.Set up or change your service

To set up new service or change your current service, please visit the Recology website.

Set up or change service

Step 1.Understand what your service includes

As part of your service, Recology will collect the following:

• Garbage
• Recycling

Step 2.Know your composting requirements

Check out the new organic waste requirements from the Department of Ecology:

• As of January 1, 2025, businesses creating 4 or more cubic yards of food and yard waste per week must sign up for compost collection
• By January 1, 2026, businesses creating 96 or more gallons of food and yard waste per week must sign up for compost collection

To support you with this change, Recology can:

• Help you find out if or when you need to sign up
• Make it easier to comply by offering free signs and stickers, staff training, and more
• Collect two 96-gallon compost cans each week at no extra cost

For more details, call 206-859-6700 or email RKCwastezero@recology.com.

Step 3.Determine what you’ll pay

Garbage collection fees are based on the size of your can. The smaller the can, the less you’ll pay. 

By separating garbage from recyclables and food and yard waste, you may be able to save money by switching to a smaller can. 

Step 4.Consider buying modified dumpster lids

We’re offering new recycling dumpster lids that reduce contamination. To learn more, watch ourinstructional video about recycling.

If you’re interested in these new lids, please contact our Public Works Programs Coordinator Mason Giem at:

• 206-973-4763, or
• mgiem@seatacwa.gov

Step 5.Set up or change your service

To set up new service or change your current service, please visit the Recology website.

Set up or change service