Changes in Garbage Rules And Fines Starting In July

Seattle Public Utilities recently published this information:

Changes in Garbage Rules: 

Starting this year, the City of Seattle will no longer allow food or compostable paper, including pizza boxes, paper napkins and paper towels, in the garbage.  Organics — food, paper napkins, cardboard pizza boxes, leaves and grass – make up the largest component of Seattle's waste. SPU estimates that 30 percent of the 317, 258 tons of trash that was disposed in the landfill in 2013 was compostable.  Recyclable items, such as paper, uncontaminated cardboard, bottles, cups, jars and cans are currently prohibited from the garbage. 

SPU will start enforcing the law on July 1, 2015.  All commercial, single-family and multi-family garbage containers that would be found to contain more than 10 percent recyclables or food waste by volume would face penalties of Seattle municipal code.  

Single-family properties whose garbage contains more than more than 10 percent recyclables or food waste by volume would receive a notice on their garbage container and a $1 fine would be levied on their bi-monthly garbage bill.
Multi-family and commercial properties whose garbage contains more than 10 percent recyclables or food waste by volume would receive a warning notice. Upon the third notice, the property would receive a $50 fine.
Go here for more information.

(photo courtesy of SPU)