Prevent Water Pollution

Green businesses can help avoid polluting Seattle's waterways by using the following guidelines for managing stormwater outside their buildings, keeping trash out of toilets, and properly handling fats, oils, and grease in the kitchen.

Stormwater

When it rains, stormwater runoff picks up harmful substances from parking lots, roofs, streets, sidewalks and construction sites. These pollutants flow directly into our waterways. Our laws require Seattle businesses are required to implement practices to help protect our region's waterways.

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

Fats, oils, and grease from kitchens can cause sewage backups into your building and sewage overflows into waterways. Learn how to manage your business's fats, oils and grease (FOG) in compliance with City laws. There, you can also find kitchen posters to download and use a list of FOG Service Providers to find businesses to help you deal with FOG.

Keep Trash Out of Toilets

Flushed trash, such as wipes and disposable menstrual products, can cause sewer backups into your building and sewer overflows into waterways. Customers and employees flush trash if...

  • Trash cans are full, overflowing, or not easily accessible.
  • Toilet paper is not stocked.
  • Restrooms are not clean enough.

What can you do?


For free assistance, contact us at (206) 343-8505 or envirostars@seattle.gov. As you become a green business, get recognized for your efforts with EnviroStars.

A person installs a 'Keep Trash Out of Toilets' sign in a toilet stall

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.