The aftermath of a June 2024 trash fire on Capitol Hill started by an improperly disposed battery
Seattle households should consider a new tradition in the new year — keeping an old battery bag.
Seattle Public Utilities has announced an expansion of its Special Item Pickup service beginning in April 2026 it says will make it easier for customers to safely dispose of items that are hard-to-recycle or require special handling.
Importantly, SPU says it is working out ways to make the service available to apartment dwellers and residents in multifamily housing.
“Currently, SPU customers can schedule on-demand pickup for items such as batteries, small electronics, mattresses, and appliances,” the announcement reads. “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.”
The new solution is hoped to keep toxic and potentially dangerous batteries out of the city’s landfills.
Once a year starting in April, SPU customers will be able to request a free collection of a small box of special items — two cubic feet or smaller and 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,” SPU says.
In 2027, SPU will expand the service to include large electronic items and bulky furniture which is hoped to also help reduce illegal dumping.
Sorting out how to provide the service to residents of the city’s apartment buildings will be a major challenge. “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,” SPU says.
Seattle began banning disposing of batteries in the trash only with the start of 2024 to address an increase in dangerous fires, environmental, and cost concerns. The rules banned trash disposal of common household batteries, more powerful batteries for vehicles and tools, and embedded batteries found in electronics, toys, computers, monitors, and e-bikes,
How to properly dispose of batteries and electronics
Battery Disposal Options:
- Free drop off: SPU North or South Transfer Stations, Household Hazardous Waste Management facilities, or partner retail locations listed on Call2Recycle.org or E-cycle WA
- If a battery is damaged or defective, drop off at a Household Hazardous Waste Management Facility (free of charge)
- At home: request a Special Item Pickup ($5 charge)
Electronics Disposal Options:
- Free drop off: SPU North Transfer Station or E-cycle WA locations
- At home: request a Special Item Pickup ($20 for Special Items box, $30 for TVs larger than 2 ft.)
Special items pickups are free for Utility Discount Program customers.
Seattle’s increasingly complicated rules around garbage and recycling have also created opportunity. CHS reported here on Ridwell’s growth providing subscription recycling services. The company says it accepts basic household batteries for disposal.
For customers who need to dispose of additional items beyond the new free annual pickup, SPU will continue to offer on-call, fee-based pickups as well as drop-off options at SPU transfer stations, where many special items can be recycled or disposed of safely for a small fee.
The expansion was authorized as the city set set new solid waste rates for 2026–2028.
The updated rates will also take effect April 1, 2026. Watch for information on how to schedule the free annual Special Item Pickup — and how apartment residents can take part — in the new year.
Learn more at seattle.gov/utilities/special-items.
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