Survey asks how to create a cleaner and greener Seattle
Seattle Public Utilities seeks input about best ways to reach 70 percent recycling
SEATTLE — Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) wants to hear from residents and businesses about waste reduction, recycling, and other solid waste services. The 2011 draft revision of Seattle’s Solid Waste Management Plan is available on SPU’s website: www.seattle.gov/util/SolidWastePlan.
“Our ambitious solid waste goals are another example of the high expectations that the people of Seattle rightly have for our public utilities. Good planning and dedicated citizens are how Seattle achieves these goals,” said Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.
The Solid Waste Management Plan updates the City of Seattle’s programs to prevent waste, increase recycling and composting, and improve services. It describes the roadmap that will guide Seattle to its goal of diverting 70 percent of all municipal solid waste away from the landfill. The current timeline to achieve this rate is 2025, but the draft plan proposes moving the time frame up to 2022.
“This revised plan further strengthens the key concepts of zero waste, waste prevention, sustainability, and product stewardship – which were initially developed over a decade ago by a wide group of stakeholders,” McGinn added. “The public comment process is how we work together, as a city, to figure out how to get there.”
SPU is providing a variety of ways for people to provide input: an online survey at www.seattle.gov/util/SolidWastePlan; a dedicated e-mail address at SolidWastePlan@seattle.gov; and working with community groups to share information and gather feedback.
“Citizen action is what has spurred Seattle to become a national leader in recycling and composting. I’m confident that the input provided by the people of Seattle will further improve a plan that continues to guide the City well,” said City Councilmember Mike O’Brien, Chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee.
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In addition to providing a reliable water supply to more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the City’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region’s environmental resources.
