Summary:
Seattle Public Utilities will temporarily close the South Transfer Station from August 4 to August 29, 2025, to replace the commercial tipping floor used for waste handling. The 35,000-square-foot tipping floor is essential to safe and efficient waste operations, and its full replacement is necessary to ensure long-term functionality and protect the well-being of staff and customers. During the closure, customers are encouraged to "Skip a Trip, Plan Ahead, and Know Where to Go" and use the "Where Does It Go?" tool for recycling, donation, or curbside collection options.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will temporarily close the South Transfer Station, located at 130 S. Kenyon Street, from August 4 to August 29, 2025, to complete essential safety upgrades and replace the commercial tipping floor used for waste handling. The closure will impact both public customers and SPU account holders. Contractors will not be affected.
The 35,000-square-foot tipping floor is critical to safe and efficient waste operations. Its full replacement is necessary to ensure long-term functionality and protect the well-being of staff and customers. SPU expects the facility to reopen on Saturday, August 30, pending construction progress.
During the closure, SPU urges customers to “Skip a Trip, Plan Ahead, and Know Where to Go.” If possible, residents should postpone visits to the transfer station. For those needing disposal services, SPU offers a list of alternative locations online. However, these sites may have limited hours, different fees, or item restrictions.
To minimize inconvenience, SPU recommends: · Visiting seattle.gov/south-transfer-station for a detailed list of disposal options by material type and load size
· Checking each facility’s website for current hours and accepted materials
· Sorting and securing loads before arrival
· Bringing smaller loads and preparing for potential delays
· Using the “Where Does It Go?” tool for recycling, donation, or curbside collection options
Special rules apply to construction and demolition (C&D) debris. Items such as asphalt, bricks, untreated wood, concrete, metal, and gypsum scrap must be recycled and cannot be thrown in Seattle garbage. These should be taken to DTG Hudson St., DTG Renton, or MCS Recycling. Non-recyclable materials can be taken to WM Eastmont or Black River. Large trailers and hydraulic-lift vehicles should use North Transfer Station or WM Eastmont.
King County transfer stations at Bow Lake and Renton will accept only small residential loads from Seattle. These sites may have restrictions, including fees for mattresses and limitations on appliances.
Unaccepted Items at Seattle and King County Transfer Stations:
· Hazardous waste (e.g., oil paint, household chemicals)
· Ammunition, firearms, explosives, fireworks
· Compressed gas, sealed drums, propane/fuel tanks
· Electronics, CRT monitors, TVs
· Furnaces, ductwork, wood stoves
· Asbestos-containing materials
· Animals over 15 pounds (contact animal control)
· Sewage
SPU appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation and encourages all users to plan early, travel light, and dispose responsibly. For updates, guidance, and FAQs, visit seattle.gov/south-transfer-station.
