Garbage Rates
All residents within the City of Seattle are required by the Seattle Municipal Code to have garbage containers and pay for garbage service. Garbage is billed every other month.
The easiest way to lower your garbage rate is to put more in your recycling and food waste carts. You may need a smaller garbage cart size and your rate will be lower.
Also available are rates for residential dumpster service and backyard pickup service.
Monthly Residential Garbage Cart Rates
| Service Level (weekly) | Curb or Alley (per month) Effective April 1, 2023 |
Curb or Alley (per month) Effective April 1, 2024 |
Backyard (per month) Effective April 1, 2023 |
Backyard (per month) Effective April 1, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-cart (12-gallon) Dimensions: 15"W x 18"D x 24"H Weight limit: 20 lbs. |
$26.85 | $27.55 | N/A | N/A |
| Mini-cart (20-gallon) Dimensions: 20"W x 24"D x 38"H Weight limit: 30 lbs. |
$32.90 | $33.75 | N/A | N/A |
| 32-gallon cart Dimensions: 20"W x 24"D x 38"H Weight limit: 60 lbs. |
$42.80 | $43.90 | $59.75 | $61.30 |
| 64-gallon cart Dimensions: 27"W x 29"D x 41"H Weight limit: 120 lbs. |
$85.45 | $87.65 | $119.75 | $122.85 |
| 96-gallon cart Dimensions: 29"W x 34"D x 46"H Weight limit: 180 lbs. |
$128.30 | $131.65 | $179.65 | $184.35 |
| Extra garbage (per extra bag, bundle, or 32 gallon cart) Dimensions: 44"W x 24"D x 22"H Weight limit: 60 lbs. |
$13.25 | $13.60 | N/A | N/A |
| Special pickup fee Pick up fee is for collection of one container |
$52.45 | $53.80 | N/A | N/A |
As of April 1, 2024, customers changing their garbage cart size more than once in a calendar year may incur a $33.70 fee charged to their solid waste account. As of April 1, 2023, this fee was $32.85.
More rates and information
Extra garbage
Customers are charged for each extra bag, bundle or 32-gallon cart beyond their monthly service level. Customers can also be charged for overflowing garbage that prevents the lid from closing. The maximum weight for extra garbage is 60 pounds per unit.
Vacancy rate and construction/unlivable allowance
The mandatory garbage charge for all occupied and unoccupied dwelling units applies whether the services are used or not. The mandatory charge can be waived or reduced, however, if buildings are unlivable or vacant for at least 60 days.
A vacancy rate of $6.85 per month ($13.70 per bill) may be granted for a single-family residence that will not be occupied or used as a residence for at least 60 consecutive days. Garbage and recycling must not be set out for collection during this time.
A construction/unlivable allowance (no charge) applies to buildings that are deemed "unlivable" by the Solid Waste Inspector. The construction/unlivable allowance may apply to:
- Single-family residences that are unlivable for at least 60 consecutive days.
- New single-family constructions (until occupied).
- Individual units in multi-family buildings that are unlivable for 60 consecutive days or that have been permanently converted to storage units.
To request a special rate
Call SPU Customer Service at (206) 684-3000 to request a special rate, backyard pickup, or waiver. Requests can be made by the person responsible for paying the Combined Utility Bill, such as:
- Owners
- Agents/Managers
- Executors of Estates
Related links
Utility Discount Program (Get help with your utility bill)
Waste Prevention at Home
Stop Food Waste