Many Seattle residents wonder how they can fit all their wrapping paper, boxes, bottles and other recyclables into their cart during the holiday season.

As a reminder, Seattle residents can always recycle as much as they want at no extra charge. Simply put additional recyclables in sturdy bins or boxes next to your recycling cart on your regular collection day. Remember to flatten empty cardboard boxes and do not put recyclables inside of bags. Carts need to be put out by 7 a.m. on collection day.

Common holiday items that go in Recycling:

Clean pie tins, plastic deli/veggie trays and lids (wider than 3 inches), empty eggnog cartons, paper, plastic and metal cups, bottles, cans, jars, and tubs; catalogs, greeting cards, envelopes, cardboard, clean aluminum foil, gift wrap, plastic grocery bags (bundle and tie together) and glossy/shiny shopping bags (reduce waste and bring your own reusable shopping bag instead).

All food scraps and yard clippings can go in your Food and Yard cart, including:

Figgy pudding, fruitcake, mistletoe, wreaths, bones, meat, cheese, seafood, fruit and vegetables. Paper bags and napkins can also be composted, as well as greasy cardboard pizza boxes.

There are several local Drop-off Recycling Locations for hard-to-recycle items, including:

TVs, cell phones and other electronics, as well as Styrofoam, batteries and other items.
To find a location near you, call (206) 684-3000 or visit SPU's website and click on “How do I dispose of this?”

Holiday items that go in the Garbage include:

Ribbons and bows, burned out holiday lights, alkaline batteries and Styrofoam packaging.
Fats, oil and grease should be placed in a lidded container and placed in the garbage.
In addition to providing a reliable water supply to more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the City’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's environmental resources.