Dive Brief:

• The Seattle City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance to fine residents $1 for disposing of “too much” food waste into trash bins. The system will go into effect on January 1, 2015, with fines issued beginning on July 1.
• The new rules establish a “see something-say something” mentality for trash collection. In theory, waste workers would peek into residents’ trash bins to assess the volume of food waste the household discarded. 
• If the organics comprise 10% or more of the garbage, the resident’s name will be entered into a computer database and a ticket will be produced detailing the infraction. The fine will be tacked onto the next waste bill. 

Dive Insight:

The Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) does not expect a substantial amount in fines to be collected. Instead, the department sees the system as more of an educational outreach program, aimed at increasing public awareness of the project and to participate in recycling food waste. SPU estimates 38,000 tons of compost can be generated from Seattle’s diverted food scraps. 

A member of the City Council noted that the recycling rate in the city is stagnant. Seattle’s recycling rate in 2013 was 56%, while it’s goal is to attain 60% by 2015 -- a threshold that members think the city will miss.