Solid Waste Management Planning

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is required to develop a comprehensive solid waste management plan and update it every six years. The plan provides a roadmap for how Seattle will manage and finance its solid waste services and facilities over the next 6 years, and projects system management needs over 20 years. The plan describes how the City handles, collects, processes, and disposes of Seattle's waste, progress toward solid waste goals, and waste prevention, recycling, and composting programs and policies.

SPU began updating the 2011 Solid Waste Management Plan Revision, "Picking Up the Pace Toward Zero Waste" in 2018. Seattle's revised plan, the 2022 Solid Waste Plan Update, "Moving Upstream to Zero Waste" is being developed and will be available for your feedback in 2022. You will have the opportunity to comment on the draft update through an online form. Check back later for a link to review the draft update and give your feedback. 

Solid Waste Management Planning History 

• 2011 Plan Revision, "Picking Up the Pace Toward Zero Waste"
• 2004 Plan Amendment, "On the Path to Sustainability" (pdf)
• 1998 Solid Waste Plan, "On the Path to Sustainability" (pdf)

Related Resources

Annual Waste Prevention and Recycling Reports: These reports detail the City's progress toward our recycling rate goals, waste generation and recycling trends, program highlights, and future plans.

Waste Composition Studies: To better understand the types and quantities of municipal solid waste disposed, and to assess the City's recycling potential, SPU has conducted ongoing composition studies since 1988.

Recycling and Waste Reduction Study (Zero Waste Study): This study evaluated both new strategies and existing programs adopted under the guiding principle of "zero waste" as defined in Seattle's 1998 Solid Waste Plan, "On the Path to Sustainability."

Solid Waste Research Papers: Various research papers on topics ranging from single-use plastics, plastic pollution, food waste, and materials management.

Zero Waste Resolution: In 2007, the Mayor and City Council adopted the Zero Waste Resolution (Resolution 30990), establishing new recycling goals for Seattle and providing direction on waste-reduction programs and solid waste facilities.