Seattle ready to increase recycling and reduce waste

The Seattle Council voted unanimously move to a Zero Waste Strategy.

The zero waste strategy’s main components include:
• The implementation of a new program in 2009 which will provide all single-family residences with food waste pick-up for composting.
• Plans to increase the recycling of Construction & Demolition waste.
• The renovation of the existing two transfer stations for improved recycling
• By December 2007, Seattle Public Utilities will have recommendations on whether to ban or discourage through taxation non-compostable plastic shopping bags and Styrofoam food containers.
• A $100,000 annual Waste Reduction/Recycling Matching Fund for community recycling/waste reduction initiatives
• A cap on the amount of waste Seattle will send to landfills—440,000 tons annually, the amount of trash disposed of in 2006.

Councilmember Conlin said, “With today’s vote, Seattle is once again on the cutting edge when it comes to actually walking the talk of our environmental values.”