Solid Waste Key Metrics
Seattle has long been recognized as a global leader in waste reduction and sustainable materials management. But the way we consume and what we throw away is changing fast. That’s why Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has introduced new industry-leading solid waste metrics that focus not just on recycling, but on preventing waste before it’s created.
In 2024, SPU established these new metrics and targets to improve alignment between Seattle’s zero waste vision and the city’s waste reduction and climate goals. This strategic shift emphasizes upstream solutions that prioritize the prevention of waste generation rather than managing waste after it has been created. These updates build on Seattle’s 2022 Solid Waste Plan Update and align with the C40 Cities initiative to reduce waste. Seattle is a member of C40, a global network of cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis.
The table below summarizes SPU’s solid waste performance new metrics and targets
| Metric | Description of Measurement (all measurements are estimates) |
Target |
|---|---|---|
| Daily pounds of MSW generated per person | Total garbage + recycling + compostables per person1 per day in pounds2 | 15% reduction (2015-2030) to 5.07 lbs./person/day |
| Daily pounds of MSW disposed per person | Garbage thrown away per person1 per day in pounds2 | 15% reduction (2015-2030) to 2.13 lbs/person/day |
| Annual tons of food waste disposed (residential + commercial) | Total tons of food waste thrown out (residential + commercial)3 | Tracked every 4-5 years |
| Residential recycling capture rate | Percent residential recyclables correctly sorted as recycling | Equal to or greater than 70% |
| Construction and demolition (C&D) debris diversion rate | Percent C&D debris diverted to reuse/recycling/beneficial use4 | Equal to or greater than 80% and increase proportion reused |
- Based on City of Seattle Annual Growth Stats (residential) from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM).
- Excluding construction and demolition debris hauled to third-party facilities.
- Through City-contracted garbage collection services.
- Beneficial use is diverting C&D debris from landfills in a way that replaces another material in a manufacturing process. A common example is using untreated wood waste as a fuel for industrial boilers to replace other fuels. SPU defines “beneficial use” in Administrative Rule #SPU-DR-01-07. The Washington State Department of Ecology may also approve a specific use as beneficial use under Washington Administrative Code 173-350-200.
SPU reports each year on the city’s progress toward meeting these targets through the Annual Solid Waste Report due to City Council on October 1.
Explore the full Solid Waste Metrics and Targets report (PDF) for in-depth insights into how the metrics and targets were developed, and detailed explanations of each metric.