Seattle zeros in on waste

Seattle has embarked on a “just say no to trash” campaign. The city recently decided to tackle garbage reduction and expand its recycling programs rather than build a new waste transfer station.

The city’s confidence around making serious reductions in garbage output could be the result of a 2007 commissioned report that outlines a path for recycling 60 percent of the city’s waste by 2012 and 72 percent by 2025. The study, commissioned by the Seattle Environment, Emergency Management and Utilities Committee, resulted in a “Zero Waste Strategy” for Seattle. The wide ranging resolution, which includes waste reduction targets for businesses, government offices and private homes, is designed to reduce solid waste by 1 percent per year over the next five years.

If the plan is approved by the Seattle City Council, companies in the construction and demolition business will be required to increase recycling efforts. “Take back” proposals would mandate that companies take back hard-to-recycle products such as carpets, paint and Styrofoam. Government agencies would have to do as well or better than residents in meeting waste reduction requirements, according to the strategy. The plan also calls for the creation of neighborhood trading posts where residents can swap or sell household items any day of the week.

The Environment, Emergency Management and Utilities Committee, which June 28 listened to public comments on the Zero Waste Strategy, is scheduled to vote July 10 on the resolution.