A New Way to Measure Our Progress

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.

For decades, Seattle measured success using one main number: the recycling rate. But recycling alone can’t capture the full picture of progress. More lightweight packaging, online shopping, and complex materials have changed what ends up in our bins.

The new metrics, first reported in the 2024 Annual Solid Waste Report: Moving Toward Zero Waste , reflect a smarter, more holistic way to track our journey towa

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