seattle missed garbage pickup

Seattle Missed Garbage Pickup: What To Do

Missed garbage collection in Seattle can be a frustrating experience. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) manages residential and commercial waste collection, and understanding their protocols is key to resolving the issue. Here’s what you need to know if your garbage wasn’t picked up as scheduled.

Why Was My Garbage Missed?

Several factors can contribute to a missed garbage pickup. Some of the most common include:

• Incorrect Placement: Carts not placed at the designated collection point by the required time (usually 7 a.m.) can be missed.
• Blocked Access: Obstructions like parked cars, construction, or snow/ice can prevent collection trucks from reaching your bins.
• Overfilled Carts: If your cart is overflowing and the lid cannot close properly, SPU may not collect it.
• Contamination: If your recycling or compost carts contain items that are not accepted, they may be tagged and left uncollected. See more information on acceptable items on waste management practices.
• Service Interruptions: Weather events or other unforeseen circumstances can occasionally disrupt collection schedules. SPU will typically announce these interruptions on their website and social media.

What To Do When Your Garbage Is Missed

If your garbage wasn’t collected on the scheduled day, take the following steps:

1. Verify Your Collection Day: Double-check your collection schedule on the SPU website to ensure you had the correct day.
2. Check for Notifications: Look for any notices from SPU attached to your cart, which might explain why it wasn’t collected.
3. Report the Missed Collection: Report the missed collection to SPU as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. You can do this through the SPU website or by calling their customer service line.
4. Correct the Issue: If you know why the collection was missed (e.g., overfilled cart), correct the issue and wait for the next scheduled pickup. In some cases, SPU may send a truck back to collect the missed garbage.

Contacting Seattle Public Utilities

The most direct way to resolve a missed collection is to contact Seattle Public Utilities. You can report missed collections, ask questions about your service, and receive updates on service interruptions.

SPU Customer Service: (206) 684-3000

SPU Website: seattle.gov/utilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my garbage is consistently missed?

If you experience recurring missed collections, contact SPU to investigate the issue. There may be a problem with your account or service route.

How long do I have to report a missed garbage pickup?

It’s best to report a missed pickup as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, to increase the chances of a prompt resolution.

Will SPU come back and pick up my missed garbage?

SPU may send a truck back to collect the missed garbage, especially if the issue was their fault (e.g., a service interruption). However, if the miss was due to your non-compliance (e.g., overfilled cart), you may have to wait until the next scheduled pickup.

What can I do to prevent missed garbage pickups in the future?

Ensure your carts are placed at the correct location by 7 a.m. on your collection day, are not blocked, and do not contain unacceptable materials. Keep lids closed tightly and avoid overfilling.

Is there a penalty for consistently overfilling my garbage cart?

Yes, SPU can issue warnings and potentially fines for repeatedly overfilling your garbage cart. Consider requesting a larger cart if you consistently generate more waste than your current cart can handle.

Summary

A missed garbage pickup in Seattle can be caused by various factors, from incorrect placement to service interruptions. By understanding the common reasons for missed collections and knowing how to report the issue to Seattle Public Utilities, you can efficiently resolve the problem and ensure your waste is collected promptly.