Rates

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) charges customers directly for the following services:

• Single Family Garbage Rates
• Single Family Food and Yard Rates
• Multi Family Garbage Rates
• Multi Family Food and Yard Rates
• Commercial Garbage Rates
• Commercial Food and Yard Rates
• Transfer Station (Landfill/Dump) Rates
• Water
• Sewer

SPU does not charge for recycling services, the cost of which is included in garbage rates. The charges for drainage services appear on your property tax statement.

My bill seems too high

If your bill seems too expensive:

• Check for water leaks, dripping faucets, or a running toilet. These can increase your water and sewer charges.
• Make sure your garbage or food and yard waste lid closes. An overfilled bin can affect your solid waste charges.
• Extra garbage or extra food and yard waste placed on the curb next to your bin costs extra.

Recycling is always free, even extra recycling placed on the curb next to your bin.

Rate studies

Rate studies are prepared by Seattle Public Utilities and sent to the Mayor for his or her review and revisions. Once this is complete, the Mayor's Proposed Rate Study is submitted to City Council. The City Council reviews the rate study and legislates the final rates.

View the current rate studies for SPU services:

• Drainage and Wastewater 2022-2024 Rate Study (PDF)
  • 2023 Rate Adjustment Update (PDF)
• Water 2024 - 2026 Rate Study (PDF)
• Solid Waste 2023 - 2025 Rate Study (PDF)