Seattle scraps plans for garbage fine
Apr 22, 2015, 2:45 PM | Updated: 3:43 pm
The city announced it is suspending its program to fine people and businesses that do not properly dispose of food waste and compostable products. (AP)
(AP)
Residents of Seattle don’t have to worry about being fined for not properly recycling.
The city announced it is suspending its program to fine people and businesses that do not properly dispose of food waste and compostable products.
“Because of the amazing success of this program where we have reached half our goal in just four months, I am suspending … all fines,” Mayor Ed Murray said Wednesday.
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The fines were scheduled to begin July 1. Residents would have had to pay $1 if garbage collectors found significant amounts of recyclable and compostable material in containers. Businesses and residential buildings would have faced a $50 fine.
The reason for the suspended fines stems from a 71-percent awareness of the new composting law, according to the city. The city has a long-term goal of recycling 60 percent of its waste.
In 2013, Seattle diverted 56 percent of its waste away from landfills. That equals more than 407,000 tons of material.
The city will continue to educate Seattleites and business owners on how to properly recycle food waste. It will consider implementing fines next year.
