Updated Seattle Recycling Tips

Summer in Seattle usually kicks off on the Fourth of July holiday, with lots of fun in the sun, outdoor barbecues and fresh summer produce. The City of Seattle’s recycling mascots, Evelyn the Envelope and Corey the Compostable Apple Core offer the following tips to help make this summer greener and less wasteful.

1. Fruits and Vegetables Aren’t Garbage Anymore! Seattle residents can now put corn cobs, banana peels, paper plates, napkins, hot dog buns and even greasy pizza boxes in their yard waste cart. Seattle residents threw away 45,000 tons of food and food-soiled paper last year year. Don’t waste a good thing- take it to the curb and the city will turn it into natural compost for local gardens and parks. To learn more, visit the Seattle Public Utilities Web site.
2. Pack it in, Pack it Out! If you take your family out to a local park or beach for a picnic, take everything home with to prevent litter and ensure items are properly recycled.
3. Corey is Compostable! Composting yard and food waste at home is easy and helps grow a healthy, sustainable garden. Seattle offers compost bins year ‘round at a great price. Two green cones provide continuous, year-round food scrap composting. Yard waste bins compost leaves, grass and garden clippings. Food waste green cones are $25 each or two for $40, including tax. Limit two per household. Yard waste compost bins are $25 each, including tax. Limit one per household. Call (206) 684-0190 and order your bin today! This program is available to Seattle residents only.
4. Go Blue to Recycle! There are now more than 300 public recycling containers located throughout Seattle to help you recycle when you’re out and about. Look for the blue bins to recycle your bottles and cans. Recycled aluminum cans can be remade and back on your store shelf in as little as 60 days. Unfortunately, more than 10,000 pounds of soda cans were sent to Seattle’s landfill last year. Why waste a good thing? Recycle!
5. Play the Recycling IQ Game! See how well you know what can and can’t be recycled in Seattle!
6. Keep an Eye out for Evelyn! Evelyn, Corey and the rest of the Recyclettes will be at several community events this summer. Look for them at the Wallingford Kiddies Parade on July 8, the West Seattle Street Fair July 15, the Bite of Seattle July 21-23 and the Lake City Pioneer Days August 7.