missed garbage pickup seattle

Missed Garbage Pickup in Seattle: What to Do

Missed garbage pickup in Seattle can be frustrating, but it’s a fairly common issue. Several factors can contribute to a missed collection, and thankfully, there are clear steps you can take to resolve the problem.

Why Was My Garbage Missed?

Several reasons can lead to a missed garbage collection in Seattle. Understanding these reasons can help you prevent future occurrences:

• Full or Overloaded Carts: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) might not collect overflowing carts. Make sure the lid can close completely.
• Incorrect Placement: Carts need to be placed at the designated pickup location by 7 a.m. on collection day and at least 1 foot apart from other objects (including other carts, parked cars, and mailboxes).
• Contamination: If your recycling or compost cart contains unacceptable items, it might be tagged and not collected. Check SPU’s garbage guidelines.
• Weather Conditions: Severe weather events like snow or ice can sometimes disrupt collection schedules.
• Collection Vehicle Issues: Mechanical problems with the collection truck or unforeseen route changes can also cause delays.
• Missed Route: Though rare, sometimes the collection crew simply misses a street or block.

How to Report a Missed Pickup

If your garbage, recycling, or compost was missed, here’s how to report it to Seattle Public Utilities:

1. Wait Until After 6 PM: SPU advises waiting until after 6 p.m. on your collection day to report a missed pickup, as trucks may still be running their routes.
2. Report Online: The easiest way to report a missed pickup is through the SPU website. Use the “Report a Missed Collection” form.
3. Call SPU: You can also call SPU Customer Service at (206) 684-3000 to report the issue.

What Happens After I Report a Missed Pickup?

Once you report a missed pickup, SPU will investigate. They will typically send a collection crew to collect your materials as soon as possible. It’s important to leave your carts at the curb until they are emptied. If the missed pickup was due to a reason like contamination, you may need to correct the issue before your materials are collected.

What About Holiday Schedules?

Garbage, recycling, and compost collection services operate on a holiday schedule. SPU observes six holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. When your collection day falls on or after one of these holidays, your collection will be delayed by one day. Check the SPU website for a complete holiday collection schedule.

FAQs

What if my garbage is consistently missed?

If you experience frequent missed pickups, contact SPU to discuss possible solutions. There may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, such as an incorrect service address or a persistent obstruction on your street.

Can I get a refund for a missed pickup?

In most cases, SPU doesn’t offer refunds for a single missed pickup. However, if you experience ongoing issues or service disruptions, you can discuss potential credits with customer service.

What if my neighbor’s garbage was collected, but mine wasn’t?

This often indicates an issue specific to your cart or its placement. Double-check that your cart isn’t overloaded, contaminated, or improperly positioned.

Is there a limit to how much extra garbage I can put out for collection?

SPU offers options for disposing of extra garbage, such as requesting an extra collection or scheduling a bulky item pickup. Additional fees may apply.

What are the penalties for illegal dumping in Seattle?

Illegal dumping is strictly prohibited in Seattle and can result in significant fines and penalties. It’s important to dispose of waste properly through SPU or authorized disposal facilities.

Summary

Dealing with a missed garbage pickup in Seattle involves identifying the potential cause, reporting the issue to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), and ensuring your carts are properly placed and free of contamination. By understanding the SPU’s guidelines and procedures, you can efficiently resolve the problem and maintain a clean and healthy environment in your community.