Metal food and drink cans

For ordinary nonhazardous containers, recycle empty, clean, dry packaging; use garbage if food residue cannot be cleaned. Hazardous or unknown former contents need agency advice.

Paper & packaging

More information needed

Check the conditions for your item

Confirm that your property is inside the city service area. A ZIP code alone does not establish service.

Your item, your situation

Find your next step

Your answers stay in this browser

Is it empty, clean, and dry?

What did the container hold?

Where it's being collected

Is this item within Seattle's service area?

A ZIP code alone does not confirm service. Check with Seattle Public Utilities

Collection service

Who is disposing of it?

Building type

How much do you have?

Specific limits still apply. Large quantities need separate confirmation.

Keep the details close

The local rules

Seattle

Follow the conditions that match your item and collection service. Open any rule for the full instructions and sources.

Curbside recyclingReviewed ruleApplies when: Is it empty, clean, and dry?: Yes · What did the container hold?: Food, drink, or an ordinary nonhazardous household product

Place empty, clean, dry containers loose in the recycling cart.

For households · Seattle Public Utilities household collection

Exceptions to check

This record covers household food, drink, and ordinary toiletry containers, not hazardous-product containers. Seattle Public Utilities: Recycle Right · King County Hazardous Waste Management Program: Pesticides disposal

Reviewed September 22, 2026

Seattle Public Utilities: Recycle Right

TrashReviewed ruleApplies when: Is it empty, clean, and dry?: Food or liquid remains and it cannot be cleaned · What did the container hold?: Food, drink, or an ordinary nonhazardous household product

If the container cannot be cleaned of food or liquid, put it in the garbage.

For households · Seattle Public Utilities household collection

Reviewed September 22, 2026

Seattle Public Utilities: Recycle Right

Verify with the agencyReviewed ruleApplies when: What did the container hold?: Pesticide, hazardous chemical, or uncertain previous contents

Confirm the former product with 206-296-4692 before choosing a bin. Hazardous-product containers do not inherit ordinary packaging rules.

For households · Seattle Public Utilities household collection

Reviewed September 22, 2026

Seattle Public Utilities: Where to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste · King County Hazardous Waste Management Program: Pesticides disposal