As Seattle gears up for the festive cheer, it's key to remember there's a practical side to the holiday season, particularly when it comes to waste collection schedules. Not to put a damper on the holiday spirit, but you might want to mark your calendars for some changes in garbage, recycling, and food and yard waste pickup times if you're living in the City.
In a statement made available by Seattle Public Utilities, service alterations during the holidays - including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day - were announced. Due to the celebrations, your bins will remain full for a day longer if your regular collection day falls on one of these festivities. Specifically, there will be no collection service on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, Christmas Day, December 25, and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026.
For those whose waste is usually removed on Thursdays, you'll have to hang tight until Friday before someone hauls it away. And if Friday is your usual day, prepare to see your refuse sitting pretty until Saturday rolls around. Fortunately, for the Monday through Wednesday crowd, you'll slide through the holiday season unaffected by any changes.
Admittedly, it’s a small hiccup in our routine, especially in the midst of holiday madness. But while your garbage bins might overstay their welcome at the curb, just remember it’s a temporary switch. The Seattle Public Utilities wants to assure residents that they’re doing everything to manage the waste collection efficiently during this busy time, ensuring that once the holiday is over, the service will resume as if it hadn't missed a beat.
