Is your food service business in compliance with Seattle’s July 1 Food Packaging Ordinance? Having trouble navigating the packaging market? We are here to help.

By July 1, all single use packaging used for the sale or display of food in your food service business must be approved compostable or recyclable.

What does compostable mean? 

To be considered compostable in Seattle, items must be tested and approved by our regional compost processor, Cedar Grove, and collected  by a compost collection service provider.  For a full list of Cedar Grove approved compostable packaging, click here.

Contact your existing supplier or local packaging retailer, and if they do not have approved compostable products, ask them to stock approved products!

What does recyclable mean?     

To be considered recyclable in Seattle, packaging has to be fairly clean, and collected by a Seattle recycling service provider. If you know it will not be clean, choose compostable packaging and throw the package and food in your compost bin.

Call your recycling service provider today for specific questions about the recyclability of packaging elements. Most rigid plastic containers, poly-coated and uncoated paper products and hot and cold beverage lids are recyclable by the three major commingled recycling service providers, Allied, CleanScapes, and Waste Management. Cedar Grove also offers commingled recycling service to select customers. Call all four to get the most competitive rate for collection!

Who collects compostable and recyclable packaging?

Garbage collection service is contracted in Seattle, but you may choose any service provider for recycling and compost collection, and rates are much cheaper than garbage! Click here for contact information.

How do I educate my customers on what goes where?

Use FREE posters and bin stickers to help your customers and staff sort it out. Click here to order.

Additional questions? Call us at 206.343.8505, email help@resourceventure.org, or click here.