Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is rolling out an expansion of the Special Item Pickup service beginning in April 2026, making it easier for customers to safely dispose of items that are hard-to-recycle or require special handling.
Currently, SPU customers can schedule on-demand pickup for items such as batteries, small electronics, mattresses, and appliances. While this service is available today for a small fee, the new program will introduce one free annual pickup as a benefit to SPU residential customers to help make proper disposal simpler, safer, and more convenient.
Each year, SPU customers will be able to request one free collection of a small box of special items (two cubic feet or smaller, up to 60 pounds), plus one bag of household batteries. Properly disposing of these materials will help prevent transfer station fires caused by batteries and divert them from the landfill. In 2027, SPU will expand the service to include large electronic items and bulky furniture, which will provide even more ways for residents to responsibly recycle, prevent illegal dumping, and support a cleaner and safer city for everyone.
This is part of SPU鈥檚 broader effort to expand access to recycling and disposal options across Seattle. The utility is exploring ways to make the service available to more customers, including residents in multifamily buildings, and will share additional details as program design and operations evolve.
For customers who need to dispose of additional items beyond the free annual pickup, SPU will continue to offer on-call, fee-based pickups as well as convenient drop-off options at SPU transfer stations, where many special items can be recycled or disposed of safely for a small fee.
By making it easier to properly dispose of electronics, batteries, and other special materials, this program supports SPU鈥檚 goals of protecting worker safety, reducing environmental risks, and keeping Seattle鈥檚 neighborhoods clean and litter-free.
This expansion was authorized by Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Seattle City Council under Council Bill 121051, which set new solid waste rates for 2026鈥�2028. 鈥淪eattle Public Utilities continues to align our solid waste system with the city鈥檚 values of equity, affordability, and environmental stewardship,鈥� said SPU General Manager Andrew Lee. 鈥淭his new rate path ensures we can maintain reliable, high-quality service while introducing programs that make proper disposal simpler and more accessible for everyone.鈥�