Seattle Updates Recycling Program

photo: Chris Jordan

The City of Seattle has announced a revamping of its recycling program starting March 30th.  The goal is to make the process simpler and increase the number of individuals who recycle, reducing the amount of garbage to be processed.  The new program will allow residents and businesses to reduce, reuse and recycle more than ever before.

The biggest changes are the ability to combine glass, paper, plastic and aluminum all into the same bin rather than separating. Now you can also recycle additional paper, plastic and metal items including plastic cups, deli trays, aluminum foil and plastic plant pots. In the yard-waste bins you will now be able to toss food waste that will be composted rather than thrown away. The yard waste bin will be picked up every week to keep food odors to a minimum.

These changes are possible due to Seattle’s new recycling contract with Rabanco, who will process, sort and market the recyclable materials. The Rabanco Recycling Center is the largest on the West Coast. The combination of the recently added high tech recycling equipment and 40 additional sorters allows more volume and higher quality sorting.

Seattle is a national leader in recycling along with other West Coast cities. The national average for recycling is 30%, while Seattle recycles 50% of its waste. The city wants to recycle or compost 60% of all waste by 2012. The more Seattle recycles the less waste needs to be sent to landfills. Currently they send all of its garbage to a landfill in Arlington, OR. The trash is loaded onto a train over a mile long 6 times a week.

Reduce….Reuse….Recycle!