The Green Recycling Challenge is up and running with its new website:
http://www.wmnorthwest.com/seattle/seattlerewards.html
Starting in mid-November, the data graph will be updated each month and we’ll be able to see how our ‘hood is doing at reducing its landfill footprint.
In the middle of the web site above, use the “Click Here” link to find Wallingford in the Friday North area on the Seattle route map. Friday refers to the day that garbage, recycling, and yard waste are picked up. Wallingford is in the North Seattle route for that day.
Now – how you can help win that $50,000, with our Waste Reduction Tip of the Week:
To save money on garbage pickup, switch to a smaller container.
The monthly rates for curb or alley pickup of garbage effective January 1, 2011 are:
Micro-can (12 gallon) – $16.55
Mini-can (20 gallon) – $20.30
One can (32 gallon) – $26.40
Two 32 gallon cans or one 64 gallon cart – $52.80
Three 32 gallon cans or one 96 gallon cart – $79.20
Additional 32 gallon can – $26.40
Extra garbage (per bundle, maximum weight 60 pounds) – $8.10
Click here to change the size of the garbage container you are currently using, go to this web site. You will need the SPU account number and the last name of the account holder to complete the online form.
As a reminder, here’s a recap of what is allowed in garbage, recycling, and yard waste collected by Waste Management:
www.wmnorthwest.com/seattle/residential.html
Future tips will help you keep recyclable and compostable items out of your trash.
Alright Wallingford, I’d love to hear your tips for how to move down a garbage can size! Here are some things our household has done, and we’re always looking to improve!
Compost (Man was that an eye-opener! As soon as we got serious about it, our trash can was half empty).
Study the recycling chart and get better at it.
Bring your own bags, not just for the groceries, but the drug store, etc. I like Envirosax and chico bags because they are easy to keep in a backpack, purse, glove compartment, etc. Now we have one in all those places too!
Reuse containers. Thanks to Muddy Cup and Pangea, we get our coffee beans in reuable mason jars! I have also started shopping with mason jars for other things that I can buy in bulk, like honey, maple syrup, dried beans, etc.
What do you do?
While there is no where locally to recycle styrofoam (that I’m aware of at least), you can recycle it for free at IKEA in Renton. They also recycle CFL lightblulbs there too.
With the holidays coming, don’t trash the styrofoam, recycle it during a trip to IKEA.
You can recycle any kind of styrofoam at Seattle Lighting’s Outlet Store at 26 South Hanford Street, a couple of blocks south of the Home Depot on Lander. They just ask that the styrofoam be clean and not have any paper sticking to it.
You can also recycle CFL lightbulbs (not tubes) at any Bartell’s store.