In effect
Seattle food waste ban
Seattle bans food waste from the garbage under SMC 21.36. Since 2015 residents, apartment buildings and businesses are covered, and building owners must provide compost service.
At a glance In effect
Read the official rules (opens in a new tab)
- Ordinance
- SMC 21.36 food waste ban
- Who’s covered
- Residents, multifamily, businesses
- Apartment buildings must provide compost
- Yes
- What you have to do
- Building owners must provide compost service; food waste banned from garbage
- Key dates
- Since 2015
✦ The state picture
Rules in Washington
Seattle sits inside Washington. State rules can apply on top of city rules.
01 / Our job
What Melly’s handles
- Which rules apply to each of your Seattle locations
- File the paperwork for you
- Set up pickup or a compliant hauler
- Keep your records current so you are ready if an inspector asks
✦ Where this comes from
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Laws change. If something here looks out of date, tell us.
These are plain-English summaries for general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source.
✦ Get a compliance plan
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✦ Let Melly’s handle it
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