How to Start a Recycling Program in Seattle

Seattle is a city renowned for its environmental leadership, progressive policies, and community-driven sustainability initiatives. With some of the highest recycling rates in the United States, the city has set a benchmark for urban waste management. Yet, despite this legacy, many neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and apartment complexes still lack structured recycling programs—or have programs that are underutilized, mismanaged, or poorly communicated. Starting a recycling program in Seattle is not just about placing bins around a property; it’s about cultivating a culture of responsibility, education, and long-term behavioral change. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for individuals, organizations, and community leaders looking to launch or improve a recycling program in Seattle. Whether you’re managing a small office, a multi-family residential building, a school, or a nonprofit, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and local resources needed to succeed.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess Your Site or Organization’s Waste Profile

Before installing a single bin, you must understand what waste your organization or property generates. Conduct a waste audit over a one-week period. Collect all trash and recycling from common areas, kitchens, offices, and restrooms. Sort materials into categories: paper, cardboard, plastics (

1–#7), metals, glass, food waste, and landfill-only items. Weigh or estimate the volume of each category. This will help you determine:

• Which materials are most prevalent
• Where contamination is occurring
• Whether you need additional collection points
• If food waste composting is viable

In Seattle, food waste and yard debris are required to be separated from landfill trash under the city’s mandatory composting ordinance. If your site produces food scraps—such as coffee grounds, fruit peels, or leftover meals—you must plan for compost collection. Use this audit to identify your baseline and set measurable goals, such as “Reduce landfill waste by 50% within six months.”

Step 2: Understand Seattle’s Recycling and Composting Regulations

Seattle’s Department of Public Works (SDPW) enforces strict waste management rules that apply to all residents and businesses. Key regulations include:

• Mandatory Recycling and Composting: All households and businesses must separate recyclables and food/yard waste from landfill trash.
• Container Requirements: You must provide three separate containers: one for recycling, one for compost, and one for trash. The size and number depend on the volume of waste generated.
• Prohibited Items: Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and food-soiled paper (like greasy pizza boxes) cannot go in recycling. These items contaminate batches and can lead to entire loads being rejected.
• Commercial Requirements: Businesses generating over 20 gallons of waste per week must subscribe to a hauler service that includes recycling and compost collection.

Visit the SDPW website to download the latest Seattle Recycling and Composting Guide. Familiarize yourself with what can and cannot be recycled. Misunderstanding these rules is the leading cause of program failure. For example, many people assume all plastics are recyclable—but only

1 and #2 containers are accepted in curbside recycling in Seattle. #3–#7 plastics, even if labeled “recyclable,” are not processed locally and must go in the trash unless specifically accepted by drop-off centers.

Step 3: Choose a Licensed Hauler

Seattle requires all waste collection services to be provided by licensed haulers. You cannot use unlicensed private companies or self-haul without approval. To select the right provider:

• Compare services: Some haulers offer weekly pickup, others biweekly. Some include composting at no extra cost; others charge per bin.
• Check for green certifications: Look for haulers with environmental stewardship programs or carbon-neutral delivery options.
• Verify compliance: Ensure the hauler is listed on the City of Seattle’s Approved Hauler List.
• Request quotes: Most haulers offer free consultations. Provide your waste audit data so they can recommend bin sizes and frequency.

Popular licensed haulers in Seattle include Recology, Waste Management, and smaller local providers like GreenWaste. Many offer bundled services that include recycling, compost, and trash—all with clear labeling and educational materials. Avoid the cheapest option if it lacks customer support or educational resources. A good hauler will help you train staff or residents and troubleshoot contamination issues.

Step 4: Secure Appropriate Bins and Labeling

Once you’ve selected a hauler, obtain the correct bins. Seattle requires clearly labeled containers with standardized colors:

• Blue Bin: Recycling (paper, cardboard, metal, glass,

  1 and #2 plastics)

• Green Bin: Compost (food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, yard trimmings, certified compostable serviceware)
• Black Bin: Landfill trash (everything else)

Ensure bins are placed in high-traffic, visible areas: near kitchens, break rooms, entrances, and elevators. For multi-family buildings, place bins on each floor. For offices, place one set per department or wing. Use large, bold signage with pictograms—not just text. Include examples of what goes in each bin. For example:

• Recycling: Water bottles, soda cans, newspapers, cardboard boxes, clean aluminum foil
• Compost: Apple cores, eggshells, tea bags, paper towels, napkins, plant trimmings
• Trash: Plastic bags, Styrofoam, diapers, pet waste, broken glass

Seattle’s official signage templates are available for free download from the SDPW website. Print and laminate them. Avoid homemade signs with unclear wording. Confusion is the enemy of compliance.

Step 5: Develop a Training and Communication Plan

Even the best bins won’t work without education. A recycling program fails when people don’t know how to use it—or worse, when they believe they’re doing the right thing but are contaminating the stream. Create a multi-channel communication plan:

• Orientation Materials: For new employees, tenants, or students, include a one-page guide in welcome packets.
• Signage: Place signs above and beside every bin. Use icons and simple language.
• Monthly Reminders: Send emails, post flyers, or display digital screens with recycling tips. Highlight contamination issues and success metrics.
• Training Sessions: Host a 15-minute “Recycling 101” session for staff or residents. Use real examples of contaminated loads.
• Champions: Appoint recycling ambassadors in each department or building. They can answer questions, monitor bins, and encourage participation.

Seattle Public Schools and many large employers use “Recycle Right” campaigns with colorful posters, contests, and rewards for departments with the lowest contamination rates. Make it engaging—not punitive.

Step 6: Implement Monitoring and Feedback Loops

After launch, monitor your program’s performance. Work with your hauler to receive monthly reports on contamination rates and collection volumes. If your recycling bin is consistently full of food waste or plastic bags, you have a problem. Address it immediately:

• Re-train users
• Relocate bins to more visible locations
• Add a second compost bin near food prep areas
• Install a “What Goes Where?” quiz on your intranet or building app

Use data to celebrate wins. If your compost collection increases by 30% in two months, share that with your team. People respond to positive reinforcement. Consider creating a leaderboard for departments with the highest recycling participation or lowest contamination. Incentives don’t need to be monetary—public recognition works wonders.

Step 7: Scale and Improve Over Time

After three to six months, reassess your program. Ask:

• Are we diverting more waste from landfills?
• Are contamination rates dropping?
• Do people understand the rules?
• Are we using the right bin sizes and frequencies?

Consider expanding your program:

• Add e-waste collection events for old electronics
• Partner with local organizations to collect batteries or ink cartridges
• Switch to reusable dishware in cafeterias to reduce single-use items
• Introduce a “Zero Waste Challenge” with goals for the year

Seattle offers grants and technical assistance to organizations that expand their sustainability efforts. Keep an eye on SDPW’s Green Business Program and Zero Waste Community Grants for funding opportunities.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Education Over Enforcement

People make mistakes. Instead of scolding users for putting a pizza box in the recycling bin, explain why it’s a problem and show them the right way. A positive, supportive tone increases long-term compliance far more than penalties. Use phrases like “Help us keep our recycling clean!” instead of “Don’t put that here!”

2. Reduce Single-Use Items at the Source

Recycling is not the solution to overconsumption. The best recycling program reduces waste before it’s created. Encourage reusable coffee cups, water bottles, utensils, and containers. Install water refill stations. Offer discounts to staff or tenants who bring their own containers. In Seattle, many cafes now offer 25-cent discounts for bringing your own cup—this small incentive has a big impact.

3. Make It Convenient

People won’t recycle if it’s inconvenient. Place bins where waste is generated—not just where it’s easiest for you to collect. If the only recycling bin is on the opposite side of the building, people will use the trash can. Add bins in every kitchen, near vending machines, and in common areas. For apartments, ensure bins are accessible on every floor, not just in the basement.

4. Avoid Contamination at All Costs

Contamination is the number one reason recycling programs fail. A single greasy pizza box can ruin an entire truckload of paper. Train everyone to rinse containers, remove lids, and separate materials. Keep a “contamination log” and review it monthly. Post photos of common mistakes (e.g., a plastic bag tangled in paper) to make the issue tangible.

5. Engage Leadership

When building managers, school principals, or CEOs visibly participate—using the bins themselves, posting about recycling on internal newsletters, or attending training sessions—it signals that this is a priority. Leadership buy-in transforms recycling from a chore into a cultural norm.

6. Partner with Local Organizations

Seattle has a vibrant network of environmental nonprofits, community gardens, and youth groups. Partner with them to host recycling drives, educational workshops, or clean-up events. Organizations like Recycle Across America and Seattle Tilth offer free resources and volunteers to help you launch or improve your program.

7. Track and Share Progress

People want to know their efforts matter. Share monthly metrics: “We diverted 1.2 tons of waste from landfills last month!” or “Our compost program saved 500 gallons of greenhouse gas emissions.” Use infographics, email updates, or bulletin boards. Transparency builds pride and accountability.

Tools and Resources

City of Seattle Department of Public Works (SDPW)

The SDPW is your primary resource. Their website offers:

• Free downloadable signage and educational materials
• Interactive recycling guide: “What Goes Where?”
• Compost and recycling calendar for collection days
• Guides for apartments, schools, and businesses
• Application forms for grants and technical assistance

Visit: www.seattle.gov/dpw/waste-recycling

Recycle Across America

This national nonprofit provides standardized, science-based recycling signage designed to reduce contamination. Their symbols are proven to improve sorting accuracy by up to 40%. They offer free or low-cost signage kits to schools, nonprofits, and businesses in Seattle. Apply at recycleacrossamerica.org.

Seattle Public Schools – Zero Waste Program

Even if you’re not a school, their resources are invaluable. They offer free training modules, student-led recycling teams, and sample lesson plans. Download their Zero Waste Toolkit at seattleschools.org/departments/sustainability.

Green Business Program

Seattle’s Green Business Program certifies businesses that meet sustainability benchmarks, including waste reduction. Certification comes with marketing benefits, technical support, and eligibility for grants. Apply at www.seattle.gov/dpw/green-business.

WasteWise (EPA)

Although federal, this program offers free tools for tracking waste, setting goals, and benchmarking against other organizations. Useful for larger businesses or institutions. Visit: epa.gov/wastewise.

Local Hauler Portals

Most licensed haulers in Seattle offer online portals where you can:

• Request bin exchanges
• View collection schedules
• Download educational posters
• Report missed pickups
• Access contamination reports

Ask your hauler for login details during onboarding.

Mobile Apps

Download the Seattle Public Utilities app for iOS and Android. It includes:

• Collection day reminders
• “What Goes Where?” search tool
• Holiday schedule updates
• Reporting tools for illegal dumping

Real Examples

Example 1: The Seattle Central Library

When the Seattle Central Library launched its Zero Waste initiative in 2021, it faced a major challenge: high foot traffic, food vendors, and frequent events led to high contamination rates. The solution?

• Installed 12 color-coded bin stations throughout the building
• Trained 40 volunteer “Green Ambassadors” to assist visitors
• Placed real-time digital displays showing how much waste was diverted each day
• Partnered with local artists to create engaging, culturally relevant signage

Within six months, contamination dropped by 65%, and recycling rates increased from 42% to 81%. The library now hosts monthly “Recycle Right” tours for school groups.

Example 2: The Eastside Apartments Complex

A 120-unit apartment building in Capitol Hill struggled with low recycling participation. Tenants complained bins were too far away and confusing. The property manager:

• Conducted a waste audit and found 70% of trash contained recyclables
• Worked with Recology to install one set of bins per floor
• Launched a “Recycle & Win” contest: residents who consistently sorted correctly entered a raffle for free parking or gift cards
• Posted monthly “Recycling Scorecards” in lobbies

Within four months, participation jumped from 30% to 85%. The building received a Green Business certification and a $5,000 grant to install solar-powered trash compactors.

Example 3: Green Dot Public Schools – Seattle Campus

This public charter school integrated recycling into its curriculum. Every classroom had a “Recycling Captain” (a rotating student role). Teachers incorporated waste audits into science lessons. The school hosted a “Zero Waste Week” with composting demos, upcycling art projects, and a visit from a local recycler.

Result: The school diverted 92% of its waste from landfills—far above the city average. The program became a model for other Seattle schools, and the principal was invited to speak at the annual Seattle Sustainability Summit.

Example 4: The Fremont Brewery

A craft brewery in Fremont wanted to eliminate single-use plastics and become zero waste. They:

• Switched to compostable growlers and napkins
• Installed a commercial compost system for spent grain and food waste
• Partnered with a local farm to take their compost for soil enrichment
• Created a “Bring Your Own Bottle” discount program

Today, the brewery sends zero waste to landfills. Their sustainability efforts are now a key part of their brand identity—and a major draw for eco-conscious customers.

FAQs

Can I start a recycling program in my apartment building even if the landlord hasn’t set one up?

Yes. Under Seattle’s mandatory recycling and composting rules, landlords are required to provide recycling and compost services. If your building doesn’t have bins, contact your landlord in writing and cite the city ordinance. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Seattle Department of Public Works. You can also organize a tenant group to request bins and share educational materials. Many landlords respond quickly when tenants show initiative.

What if my building doesn’t have space for three separate bins?

Seattle allows for compact, multi-compartment bins that combine recycling, compost, and trash in one unit. These are ideal for small spaces like elevators, hallways, or offices. Contact your hauler—they can recommend and install these units. You can also request a waste audit from SDPW, who may suggest alternative placement strategies.

Can I recycle pizza boxes in Seattle?

Only if they are clean and free of grease or food residue. A greasy pizza box contaminates paper recycling. Tear off the clean top half and recycle it; put the greasy bottom in the compost bin. If you’re unsure, compost it—it’s safer than contaminating the recycling stream.

Are plastic bags recyclable in Seattle curbside bins?

No. Plastic bags, wraps, and films clog sorting machinery. Do not put them in blue bins. Instead, take them to designated drop-off locations at grocery stores like Whole Foods, Safeway, or Target. Many haulers also offer plastic film collection events.

What happens if I put the wrong thing in the recycling bin?

Contaminated loads may be rejected and sent to the landfill. Your hauler may leave a “contamination tag” on your bin explaining what was wrong. Repeated contamination can result in fines for businesses or higher fees for apartment complexes. Education and clear signage are the best defenses.

Can I compost pet waste or diapers?

No. These items are not compostable in Seattle’s municipal system. They contain pathogens and must go in the black trash bin. Only food scraps, yard waste, and certified compostable serviceware are accepted.

Is there financial help available to start a recycling program?

Yes. Seattle offers grants through the Green Business Program and Zero Waste Community Grants. Nonprofits, schools, and small businesses can apply for funding to buy bins, signage, or educational materials. Some haulers also offer free starter kits for new clients.

How do I report illegal dumping or missed collections?

Use the Seattle Public Utilities app or call 206-684-3000. You can also report online at www.seattle.gov/dpw/report-a-problem. Provide your address, date, and description of the issue.

Can I start a recycling program at my nonprofit or faith-based organization?

Absolutely. Many churches, community centers, and nonprofits in Seattle have successful programs. SDPW offers tailored support for nonprofits, including free training sessions and signage. Start with a waste audit and reach out to their sustainability team for guidance.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when starting a recycling program?

Assuming people already know how to recycle. Many believe “recyclable” means “can go in the blue bin”—but that’s not true. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and greasy paper are common contaminants. The biggest success comes from consistent education, not just equipment.

Conclusion

Starting a recycling program in Seattle is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible resource use. The city has laid the foundation with strong regulations, accessible resources, and public support. Your role is to build on that foundation with thoughtful planning, clear communication, and persistent education.

Remember: Recycling is not just about bins. It’s about changing habits. It’s about empowering people to make better choices every day. Whether you’re managing a small office, a large apartment complex, or a school, your program can make a measurable difference. Every clean bottle recycled, every food scrap composted, every contaminated item removed from the stream contributes to a cleaner, healthier Seattle.

Use the tools, learn from the examples, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The city is full of resources, experts, and neighbors ready to support you. Start small, celebrate progress, and keep improving. The future of Seattle’s sustainability depends on actions like yours.