May 2004

Seattle Adopts Food Composting Program for Residents

Seattle, WA— Seattle launched its Green Cone Food Composter and Yard Waste Compost Bin program to encourage recycling by residents.

The compost bins are offered as part of Mayor Greg Nickels’ plan to boost recycling rates, an easy way to cut down on food waste in the garbage and build a healthy yard. Food waste comprises one-third of the typical resident’s garbage. Since 1995 the estimated amount of food in the garbage has steadily increased.

The green cone food composting and yard waste program is one of the first new programs designed to help Seattle reach its goal of recycling 60 percent of all waste generated by residents and businesses in the city.

“Backyard composting is an effective and inexpensive way to improve the soil in your garden while reducing waste,” said Carl Woestwin, program manager for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). “Composting food wastes at home helps to save landfill space and saves money for both residents and the city. When you add the economic benefit to the environmental benefit, it’s a powerful equation.”