Showing posts with label recycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recycling. Show all posts

New Shoreline recycling guide and quiz

Sunday, February 23, 2020



The City of Shoreline recently launched a new interactive online recycling guide and quiz for Shoreline residents and employees.

The guide includes information on what can be placed in your curbside recycle cart, items that can be recycled at special drop-off locations, what can be placed in your food and yard waste cart, how to schedule a special item pickup with Recology, and more. 

To learn more about each item simply hover your mouse over an image on your computer, or touch an image on your smartphone or tablet. ​You can also test your recycling knowledge with our fun and informative recycling quiz! 

Check out the guide and quiz here

A new “What do I do with….?” print recycling guide will also arrive in Shoreline resident mailboxes soon. This recycling guide provides information on where you can recycle and safely dispose of key materials not accepted in curbside Recology carts. 

Please refer to the online guide or contact Recology at 206-763-4444 for questions about additional materials.



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Workshop: Clean, Dry, and .... Where?

Monday, January 27, 2020


Recology Recycling Workshop 

CLEAN, DRY AND…..WHERE? 

Yes. You are not the only one wondering about the proper disposal of your shredded paper. 

Briarcrest Neighborhood Association and Shoreline United Methodist Church are co-sponsoring an event to help you answer those nagging questions about recycling. We all want to be good stewards of the earth so come learn from the experts at Recology, our local solid waste utility. A question and answer time will follow their presentation. Feel free to bring examples 

Thursday, February 6, 

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Shoreline United Methodist Church


Shoreline, WA 98155



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Zero Waste Workshop: Talk trash

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

What goes where?

A Waste Zero Specialist from Recology, the recycling, compost and garbage provider in Shoreline, will be at the Shoreline Library to talk trash on Thursday.

Recology will cover topics such as what goes into the three bins, what happens after we throw things away, and tips for waste reduction in your life.

Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 6 - 7pm in the large meeting room of the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, 98155.

Note that you can no longer turn left from southbound NE 175th St into the library's lower parking lot.



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Fall 2019 Lake Forest Park and Kenmore Recycling Collection Event

Friday, October 18, 2019


Recycling Collection event Saturday, October 26, 2019 9am - 3pm in Kenmore

The City of Lake Forest Park is again partnering up with the City of Kenmore for a combined Recycling Collection Event! 

Take a look at the Event Flyer to view the full list of what you can and cannot bring. Please be aware fees do apply for certain items. 

The event will take place Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9am to 3pm at Northlake Lutheran Church, 6620 NE 185th Street, Kenmore 98028.

Items you can bring:

Tires,* Propane Tanks,* Electronic Equipment, Scrap Metal,* Household Goods and Clothing, Styrofoam, Cardboard, Porcelain Toilets and Sinks,* Lead Acid and Household Batteries, Mattresses,* Confidential Document Shredding (5 box limit), Clean Scrap Wood, Appliances, and Refrigerators and Freezers*.
*Fees apply

Please note: No flat beds or dump trucks allowed. We reserve the right to refuse over-sized, commercial, contaminated, excessive or unacceptable loads.


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Recycling Workshop at Recology Shoreline Saturday Oct 19

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Do you know how to properly prepare your recyclables for collection?

Come learn from experts about the importance of proper sorting and how implications of non-recyclables in the recycling bin directly impact the recyclability of the material.

Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9am – 10am
Recology Store Shoreline
15235 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Starting in 2019 Recology will be introducing Enhanced Outreach Efforts to reduce the contamination in the recycling container. Contamination is defined as 5% or more of non-recyclable material inside your recycling container.

Come learn more from 9am to 10pm at the Recology Store located in Shoreline.



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Donate your old clothes, shoes, bags, and fabric swatches this weekend

Friday, August 9, 2019

On average Americans throw away 70 pounds of clothing a year! When you recycle your clothing it is turned into a post-consumer fiber. 

This fiber is repurposed into useful materials such as insulation, carpet padding, and even raw materials for the auto industry. Your t-shirt can have many lives and uses once it leaves your closet!

The Shoreline Farmers Market is partnering with community sponsor, Recology

When you bring your items to the market you can learn more about the recycling process and check out Recology's array of waste-free times. Accepting clean and dry: clothes, shoes, bags, towels, sheets, and scrap fabrics. 

Please pre-bag your items.

Fresh this week: Peaches - Pickling Cucumbers - Fresh Basil - Blueberries - Kale - Corn - Dried Beans - Parsley - Garlic - Spring Onions - Eggs - Sunflowers

Stop by the Shoreline Farmers Market this Saturday, August 10th to drop of your clothing AND find delicious veggies for your summer dinners. 10am to 3pm on the upper level of Shoreline Place near Central Market, 155th and Westminster Way in Shoreline.



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Shoreline Recology explains recycling changes due to contamination

Monday, July 8, 2019

From Shoreline Recology

Until recently, many recycled materials in the U.S. were sold to companies in China. To address public health and environmental concerns caused by contamination of this material, the Chinese government has effectively banned the import of these recycled materials.

Contamination of imported materials is caused by liquid, food, and non-recyclable items. As Recology and the recycling industry adapt to the change in end use markets, contamination remains a significant challenge.

In 2018, contamination of recycling bins in Shoreline ranged from 11.5%-30.5% of the material. Our goal is to reduce that rate to five percent (5%) or less.

In support of this effort, the City of Shoreline’s contract with Recology was recently amended. As part of the amendment, waste disposal fees increased by $1.35 per month for single-family residential customers and $2.25 per cubic yard of waste for commercial and multi-family customers effective August 1, 2019.

View your new rates for service. This increase will be used to help pay for additional costs associated with processing and marketing recyclable materials and provide additional education and outreach programs designed to reduce recycling contamination.

Another important change includes the elimination of plastic bags and plastic films (i.e. plastic wrapped around cases of bathroom tissue) from the items accepted in your blue bin. Plastic bags and film cause significant challenges in the recycling process and are difficult to capture and recycle when mixed with other recyclables. This material should be bagged together and taken to a drop off location, such as a local grocery store, or placed in the garbage as a last resort.

Please help us reduce recycling contamination by keeping non-recyclable materials out of the blue bin. Only the following materials are accepted:
  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • Metal
  • Glass (bottles, jars)
  • Plastic tubs, jugs, bottles and rigid plastics larger than 3 inches

Additionally, recyclable material in your blue bin should be empty, clean and dry. A few drops of liquid here and there are okay, but excessive liquid or food debris will cause paper to mold and render it non-recyclable.

View a complete list of updated recycling guidelines including posters that can be downloaded and printed.

If you have questions about recycling or your Recology services, please contact us at the main number of 206-763-4444. You can also call this number to schedule training or presentations for groups.

We will be in the community this summer at Shoreline Solarfest on July 27th and Celebrate Shoreline on August 17th and hope to see you there.



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Recology: Plastic free July

Friday, July 5, 2019

From Recology

Plastic Free July is a powerful campaign that focuses on the small changes we can make on an individual level to avoid single-use plastics. 

Plastic Free July offers a timely reminder that we need to focus as much on reducing our plastic consumption as we do on recycling.

We’re celebrating Plastic Free July by offering tips throughout the month to help you reduce the single-use plastic in your life. 

We invite you to participate in any way you can. 

Take the challenge to eliminate single-use plastics entirely, make just one swap, or simply take stock of your plastic habits and learn about easy ways you can help reduce plastic waste.

Follow Recology on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to access all of our tips during the month of July and get started with these five:

1. Find a water bottle you love

Globally we use 500 billion plastic water bottles a year!

2. Dine in and order less at restaurants

According to the EPA, food and packaging/containers together account for almost 45% of the materials landfilled in the United States! If you eat out often, you can make a big dent in your waste footprint simply by avoiding takeout containers.

3. Shop in bulk

Lots of the items you already buy in packages are available package-free in the bulk section of your grocery store. Estimates indicate that if Americans bought just almonds in bulk that would save 72 million pounds of packaging waste in one year!

4. Switch to bar soap and shampoo

Single-use plastics are extremely common in bathrooms. Start with simple swaps like replacing bottled soap and shampoo with good old bars!

5. Get your ice cream in a cone!

Every little bit helps! Skip the cup and the little plastic spoon. Even if you don’t like the cone, it’s compostable.



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3R Technology opens computer reuse store in north Seattle

Reuse and recycle electronics at new north Seattle store

Eco-minded people in North Seattle have a new place to reuse and recycle electronics.

Local electronics recycler 3R Technology has opened a store in North Seattle that sells used computer equipment including Apple computers, laptops, desktops, monitors, tablets and servers.

The store also offers eco-minded people an easy-access location where they can safely and securely reuse or recycle surplus electronics including computers, TVs and small appliances for free.

The store is located at 9801 Aurora Ave N Seattle 98103, Hours 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday.

Glen Gaidos, 3R’s CEO and founder, says, “We want to give the community a way to reuse more electronics and make tech affordable to all. This store is a one-stop-shop for everyone’s electronics recycling needs.”

The store offers great values on refurbished computers and electronics. Low-income people are eligible to receive special discounts on computers and apply for low-cost Internet.

All computer equipment sold at the store has been thoroughly tested and includes a 30-day warranty.

The store offers free certified recycling of most household electronics including computers, printers, and TVs. All hard drives are either securely wiped or shredded to ensure data is destroyed.

3R Technology has helped individuals and businesses recycle electronics and destroy sensitive data for nearly twenty years. They are the largest IT asset disposition company in Seattle. 

Their main processing facility is in South Seattle, in the Georgetown neighborhood. They’ve operated a reuse store at that facility for many years and based on its success they decided to open a new store at 9801 Aurora Ave N.

3R is a certified Responsible Recycling (R2) and National Association of Information Destruction (NAID) business. These certifications ensure that all items dropped off for reuse and recycling will get their data destroyed and properly recycled if they can’t get reused.



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Recology: recycling gets a lot easier with more stringent restrictions

Monday, June 24, 2019


Blue recycling bins are for: 
paper, 
cardboard, 
metal, 
glass bottles/jars, 
rigid plastic (tubs, jugs, bottles bigger than 3 inches).

Recycling should be Empty, Clean, and Dry
don't leave anything that can mold and contaminate the paper in the bin

 
Asian recyclers have tired of being the world's garbage dump so they have put strict restrictions on what recycling they will pay for. As a result recycling companies such as Recology are looking for new markets in the US, and trying to meet the new restrictions in all countries.

That means that customers have to be more careful about what they put in their blue recycling bins.

Recology and the City of Shoreline have been considering their options. One idea under consideration was to inspect individual bins and give warnings and then fines. This idea has been put on hold. Not only was it invasive and sure to create backlash from residents, it wasn't particularly effective.

Drivers would not be able to inspect every bin every week. They would not be able to do more than just look at the top layer. And it would not necessarily do anything to educate the public.

The first change for customers is in what goes in the recycling bin. A letter was sent to all Shoreline residents explaining that plastic film will no longer be accepted in recycling bins. That means any plastic that is pliable - plastic bags, and wrapping on food or goods such as toilet paper. As before, rigid plastic must be at least 3 inches (or about the length of your finger).

Prices will also increase by $1.35 per month for residential customers.

Recology will focus on education, particularly for multi-family housing.

If anyone has any questions about recycling / composting / garbage, they should contact Recology at the main number of 206-763-4444. You can also call this number to schedule training or presentations for groups.




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Shoreline Recology Green Bins for compost

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Puzzled about what bin to use? Here's a start - the rules for Recology Green compost bins.



This is in addition to your yard waste, grass clippings, etc. By the way - dandelions go in the garbage.

Even though it is ok to put meat and fish in your compost, be cautious. We have so many coyotes in the area that you do not want to attract them to your property. Put the meat in the bin just before pickup time, or weight the lid down with a large rock or concrete block until the morning of your collection day.

If anyone has any questions about recycling / composting / garbage, they should contact Recology at the main number of 206-763-4444. They are also available to schedule training or presentations.



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Echo Lake learns how to recycle on Tuesday

Tuesday, June 18, 2019


The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association will hear from representatives from Recology, the recycling company for the City of Shoreline.

On Tuesday evening, June 18, 2019, from 7-9pm in room 303 of Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N the reps will explain how to tell what plastics to recycle, the reasons behind many of the restrictions, and the new importance of correct recycling.

They will show examples and answer questions.

For more information, email the ELNA Board.





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Choose to Reuse Saturday in Lake Forest Park

Monday, June 17, 2019

Saturday, June 22, 2019
10am – 2pm 
City of Lake Forest Park
City Hall, lower level Town Center
Bothell at Ballinger Way NE

You are invited to the Choose to Reuse event where your unwanted household items you thought about taking to the dump may now find a new home! 

This event is designed to divert goods from the waste stream and make them available to neighbors and non-profits who can use them. 

Heard the saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!? Not only can you bring down unwanted household items, but you can pick up items to reuse or repurpose! You do not have to drop something off to pick something up.
To drop items off, bring your Choose to Reuse postcard or proof of LFP residency, but remember ANYONE can take items home. Cutoff for dropping items off is 1:00pm.

Review the list of acceptable items you can bring to the event. All items must be in good working order! If the item is accepted, someone will then have the opportunity to bring it home to reuse or repurpose. 

2018 Choose to Reuse
Mayor Jeff Johnson, left
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The following list is not comprehensive but provides suggestions for accepted and not accepted goods and materials. If you are unsure of an item call staff at 206-957-2814 before the event.

Accepted Items:
  • Gardening and Landscaping Tools
  • Furniture
  • Most Consumer Electronics (NO TV’s, Computers or Monitors)
  • Barbecues
  • Vanities, Doors, and other building materials in good working condition
  • Sporting and Exercise Equipment
  • Hobbyist Supplies
  • Toys, Books, and Games
  • Artwork
  • Items in good condition that can be given away!
An extended list of ACCEPTABLE ITEMS here:

NOT Accepted:
  • Garbage (no waste service available)
  • Yard Waste
  • Recyclables
  • Items that are broken or in poor condition
  • Textiles (clothes, drapes, bedding)
  • Mattresses and Box Springs
  • Televisions
  • Computers and Monitors
  • Propane tanks and other compressed gas cylinders
  • Satellite Dishes
  • Refrigerators
  • Railroad Ties
  • Tire or Automotive Parts
  • Bathtubs or Shower Stalls
  • Pianos and Organs
  • Windows
  • Hazardous Waste, including motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.
Information on Hazardous waste disposal here

Guidelines:

This event is not a swap meet!! Choose to Reuse is hosted by the City to facilitate the exchange of usable items to reduce waste and encourage reuse and repurpose.

The City does not warrant or guarantee the quality of any item. Participants dropping items off do not have to stay until the end of the event. To drop items off, bring your Choose to Reuse postcard or proof of LFP residency, but remember ANYONE can take items home. Cutoff for dropping items off is 1:00pm.

Items are intended for free reuse/repurpose and not for resale or person profit. If you are interested in reselling items, please comeback at the END of the day to see what is left. For additional information call: 206-957-2814.

Unclaimed items will be disposed of properly at the end of the event.


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Upgraded database ready for Earth Day recycling

Tuesday, April 23, 2019


Upgraded database ready for Earth Day recycling

Every spring as Washington residents begin their annual cleaning rites, the same question is asked: where can I recycle this? And every spring since 1976, Ecology has worked through its 1-800-RECYCLE line to answer it, search for drop-off services or for collectors who will pick up hard-to-recycle items.

The phone number still works, but today customers have the convenience of searching our newly remodeled, online 1-800-RECYCLE database. It includes 1,578 Washington recycling services and more than 70 different types of recyclable materials, including large appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, stoves, washing machines, and dryers.

Type in your location and material type, and our upgraded database will find nearby services that accept them. 1-800-RECYCLE will give you their address, phone number, business hours, website, and Google Maps location, along with a full list of acceptable materials.

You can find collectors who accept old electronics like computers, monitors, or tablets for free through our electronics-recycling program E-Cycle Washington. Likewise, if you have mercury lights, you can find free recycling locations through our LightRecycle Washington program.

More information



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16th Annual Earth Smart Green Fair was once again a hit

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Earth Smart Green Fair at Lake Forest Park's
Third Place Commons on March 30
Photos courtesy City of LFP


On Saturday March 30, 2019 Lake Forest Park’s local organizations and community partners hosted educational booths like local garden clubs, Brown Bear Car Wash, Republic Services, and more.

This year’s giveaways were reusable cloth napkins, reusable grocery bags, kitchen compost bins and bags, vegetable seeds, educational brochures, Chinook Books and more.

The Green Fair is funded by King County’s Local Hazardous Waste Management Program and Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant, put on by the City, and hosted at Third Place Commons.

The fair is a favorite by many booth organizations and community members and we are already looking forward to next year!

--City Manager's report



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Notes from Shoreline City Council meeting April 1, 2019

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Notes from Shoreline City Council Meeting April 1, 2019
By Pam Cross


Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm

Deputy Mayor McConnell and Councilmember Robertson were excused for personal reasons.

The Mayor proclaimed May as Shoreline Schools’ Music4Life Month. David Endicott, co-founder and Music4Life president, accepted the proclamation. This non-profit program provides ready-to-play musical instruments for students who need them. They supply them without charge to the school districts. Donations of lovingly used instruments or financial donations are welcome. Having them available in May allows enough time to have the instruments repaired and ready for use when school starts in the Fall.

Debbie Tarry presented the City Manager’s report.
  • Grounds maintenance crews are beginning training on Aurora.
  • April 2nd is Open House 2 for the 185th Multimodal Corridor at City Hall from 6:00 to 8:00pm
  • April 5th you can help celebrate the N 195th Sidewalk Ribbon Cutting. 9:30-10:30am. This is the final segment of sidewalk connecting the Interurban Trail to Echo Lake Elementary and the N 195th Street Trail. The event will be at 195th and the Interurban Trail. Parking is available at the Holy Apostles Greek Church
  • Public Reminder: April 4th at 7:00pm the Planning Commission will meet in the Council Chamber and hold a public hearing: Periodic Review of Shoreline Master Program (SMP). Public comment will be taken.
Council Reports

Councilmember Scully advised he will be pushing hard for a central regional body that will coordinate the approach to homelessness when he attends the Continuum Care Council retreat on Thursday.

Councilmember Roberts stated Puget Sound Regional Center (PSRC) will provide closed captioning of its meetings. Roberts also visited Olympia looking for financing of the 148th St non-motorized bridge.

Mayor Hall met with Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez and talked about funding for the 145th St Corridor.

Green Shoreline Partnership works to improve green tree canopy and green spaces.

Public Comment

Mark Rettman, Kristi Rettman and Allison Sakownthong spoke against rezoning two parcels on NE 170th

Ginny Scantlebury spoke against the Recology Amendment. She wanted to know if auditing containers was legal.

Heather Trim, executive director of Zero Waste Washington, spoke in favor of the Recology contract.

The Agenda as amended* was approved unanimously.

*Item 8b (Approval of amendment to Recology contract) was changed from an Action item to a Discussion item, and 8c (adding changes made by proposed Amendment to SMC) was removed until a later date.

The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously.

Action Item 8(a) Public Hearing and Discussion of the 2020-2025 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).

Staff presentation by Nytasha Walters, Transportation Services Manager, and Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer

The TIP is required by State Law. It includes projects for roads and bridges, as well as for new or enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Some are funded, some are partially funded, and some are not funded. Listing projects makes them eligible for grants. No projects are being removed this year.

New projects are Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program, Ridgecrest Safe Routes to School, Citywide Spot Safety improvements, and 195th pedestrian and bike connector.

Mayor Hall opened the Public Hearing.

Public Testimony

Tom Fortress opposes the 148th St non-motorized (bike/pedestrian bridge). Feels it is unnecessary with another bridge three blocks away (145th) and a waste of taxpayers dollars.

Ginny Scantlebury opposes the rechannelization of Meridian Ave. Traffic is already congested during rush hour and parking is being eliminated on Meridian.

Discussion

Nothing is really new except some projects now have funding. Is there a possibility of a non-motorized connection between the Burke-Gilman and Interurban trails? Yes, it is included in the larger umbrella of the 145th St Corridor. Staff will confirm this. Need to add Safe Routes to School for Cascade/Aldercrest as a non-funded project. Is the School District liable if a child is hurt using the Safe Routes to School? The City Attorney has not heard of that.

Addressing Mr. Fortress’ opposition to the 148th St non-motorized bridge, staff advised a feasibility analysis was done that showed an increased walk-shed west of the station. There is a significant amount of growth planned for this new neighborhood. It will reduce travel time as well. 148th St was shown to be the most cost effective option. The City has already spent $500K studying this, and thousands will benefit from a 5 minute walk instead of a 15 minute walk (where they would likely elect to drive to the station). And there is a chance there will not be a separate non-motorized bridge at 145th - it might be built into the bridge deck depending on the final configuration of the traffic lanes.

On Meridian, Council has concerns about the loss of parking and would like to look at preserving large parts of it. Traffic volume is large because many from Snohomish County use Meridian to get down to 145th. It should be noted that the plan is not to reduce the number of lanes, but add a central turn lane to the one lane in both directions.

The Hearing is closed.

Action Item 8(b) Adoption of Ordinance No. 839 – Amending the Development Code to Expand the Deep Green Incentive Program

Staff report presented by Miranda Redinger, Senior Planner

This was discussed in great detail at the January 14, 2019 Council meeting. So this will be a brief refresher. In March 2015, Council adopted a green building mandate in MUR zones. In April 2017, Council adopted a Deep Green Incentive Program with a tiered structure. In addition to fee waiver or reduction, incentives include exemptions or departures from development standards (density, parking, lot coverage and use etc).

Discussion

Form based zoning is problematic because of the loss of the ability to incentivize. Basically parking is the only incentive - but it’s not moving people away from cars or encouraging Deep Green construction. (for an explanation of form-based code go to https://formbasedcodes.org/definition/ pac)

Continued parking reduction seems to be creating a mess instead of acting as an incentive. To determine vehicle parking needs in MUR, it was difficult for staff to find current local figures for number of vehicles in relation to income. After some discussion, it was noted that people in the higher income levels have significantly more cars. Unfortunately the data is old and before mass transit stations.

To prevent tenants from opting out of paying extra for parking, and using street parking that impacts the neighborhood, SMC 20.50.410(c) states a fee for parking cannot be unbundled from the rental price.

Banks will not provide loans if they feel the parking is inadequate. Residents are already unhappy about parking. Prospective tenants will not want to rent or buy without adequate parking. We’re not at a point where people are giving up their cars. On the other hand, these plans cover the next several years (75+).

Motion to support this option, seconded, as a good compromise:

2b(i): This would make parking reductions for the DGIP cumulative with those for proximity to light rail, but not with those for RapidRide transit or affordable housing.

Motion passes 3-2.

After construction gets going and we see what happens, then changes can be made.

If the goal is to incentivize Deep Green, should we increase the parking incentive across the four tiers? In view of the high cost to go from tier to tier, a 10% difference is not enough incentive. Agreed to leave as is and monitor the results.

Main motion adopted (as amended) unanimously.


Study Item 1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 858 - Amending SMC 3.01.500 Solid Waste Rate Schedule to Reflect Amendment # 1 to the City’s 2017–2027 Comprehensive Garbage, Recyclables, and Compostables Collection Contract with Recology CleanScapes Inc

Staff report by Randy Witt, Public Works Director, and Kevin Kelly, General Manager of Recology CleanScapes Inc

This is a follow up to the March 18th Council meeting.

China and other countries require a 0.5% maximum contamination for recycling (commonly referred to as China’s Sword).

The target for Shoreline is 5.0% maximum contamination. Shoreline is currently at 12-15%.

Visual audits would take place twice/year. Recology employees would lift the lid and look, although they might remove a large piece of cardboard if it is on top obscuring the contents. For employee safety, they will not be digging through the bin. If contaminants are seen, a picture will be taken.

Ideally, more frequent audits would create quicker results but it would be more costly. Currently the trucks have one driver, and since the trucks are self loading, the driver never sees the contents. If the driver got out to quickly view every recycling container every time, it would be so slow that more trucks and employees would be needed.

Audits will be performed in a separate trip by other employees. This is more cost effective than more trucks and more drivers. This is not a punitive income-generating plan. There are no fines imposed if you are tagged. Your contaminated recycling is picked up and processed as garbage at no extra charge to you. You are notified what you have incorrectly placed in recycling so you actually know what you’re doing wrong. Tags are wired onto the handle of the cart so they won’t fall off or blow away. The tag is followed by a letter and a phone call, then a personal visit. You are given second chance. Same procedure. But if there’s a third time, and it appears you just don’t want to bother sorting, then the cost of delivering your contaminated bin as garbage will be charged to you. Ultimately your recycling bin may be removed. This puts the additional cost of non-compliance on the individual - rather than your neighbors.

Multifamily locations have the worst contamination. There will be a Waste Wise Program to specially work with multifamily locations. For companies and residents who have low contamination, there is the possibility of winning the Golden Dumpster Award which is a year’s free service.

We have to up our game as recyclers. The goal is help residents recycle correctly. Years ago we had to separate recycling into individual bins. There were no lids - everybody could see what you were recycling. At that time there were separate chambers in the truck. The problem was one part (paper) would fill up quickly, so the truck would have to go to the recycling center to get rid of the full load. That was a primary reason for the use of a single bin.

We may never recover from this market change. Landfills are full. We cannot send our recyclables overseas, and rates are going to go up a lot if we have to start shipping recyclables by rail to another state.

This is largely an education problem. Residents generally want to recycle. Education has to come first and Council would like that beefed up before audits are scheduled.

For those who may not read or speak English, the Recology website is translated into the four most common languages in Shoreline, they have bilingual staff, and access to a service which translates.

The goal is getting more recycling to the recycling center.

This is topic is scheduled for further discussion at the May 13, 2019 Council meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:36pm.



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Earth Day Every Day at Central Market Apr 27

Earth Day
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Celebrate Earth Day and be inspired to make a difference throughout the year. 

On Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9:00am – 2:00pm, Central Market and the City of Shoreline invite you to celebrate our Northwest environment. 

Come try out new eco-living tools and learn how you can help create an environmentally sustainable community.

There will be activities for all ages and giveaways designed to help you go green. 

If you are interested in greening your home, yard, or lifestyle, this event is for you! 

Talk with experts about low-cost and low-impact landscaping, rain gardens, solar power and green home remodeling, veggie gardening, recycling, composting, wildlife habitat and more! Check out products made from recycled materials, receive starter veggie plants, and enjoy the view from the driver's seat of a Recology truck!

This year, attendees will get to take home one of three giveaway packages:

Shoreline residents can pre-register to access the express line for the giveaways at the event. Register online.

This year's sustainability experts include, Brown Bear Car Wash, Diggin' Shoreline, Imperfect Produce, Irons Brothers Construction, King County Noxious Weed Program, Master Gardeners, North City Water District, Northwest Electric and Solar, Recology CleanScapes, Restoration Analytics and Design, Sage Conservation Seattle Audubon Society, Shoreline Farmers Market, Shoreline Solar Project, and Thornton Creek Alliance.



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Holiday tree recycling in Shoreline

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Recology CleanScapes will collect unflocked, undecorated, natural trees in lengths up to 4 feet.

Shoreline customers who subscribe to food scraps and yard debris collection service may place trees out for collection on their regularly scheduled food/yard waste collection day.

Residential customers who do not subscribe to food scraps and yard debris service may schedule collection of properly prepared trees during the first two full weeks in January at no additional charge.

To schedule, contact Customer Service at 206-763-4444 or at shoreline@recology.com by Friday, January 4th.

Flocked trees are not accepted in compost collection because flocking contains non-compostable materials including adhesives, flame retardant, or additives. 

Flocked trees may be disposed as garbage for an additional fee.



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Free storm debris and Christmas Tree Recycling Event in LFP for residents

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Traffic control plan for drop off


Saturday, January 5, 2019, Lake Forest Park residents can take advantage of a free Christmas Tree collection event from 9am to 12pm at the City Hall parking lot.

Republic Services will be on hand collecting storm debris and Christmas trees for free recycling. 

The Lake Forest Park Youth Council will also be present helping to support the free event and raising money for a local charity. 

Please bring bare trees - remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments and no flocked trees. Secure your loads and bring proof of address in form of a valid photo ID. Only passenger vehicles can enter

City Hall 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.
Contact for more information 206-368-5440.

Free to LFP residents.



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Republic Services pick-up schedule for Christmas and New Year's Day

Friday, December 21, 2018

Republic Services
The Republic Services collection schedule is revised for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in Lake Forest Park.

No collection will take place on Tuesday, December 25, 2018. 

Customers with a Tuesday pick-up schedule are advised to put their carts out on Wednesday, December 26, 2018. 

Customers with a Wednesday pick-up schedule are advised to put their carts out as usual on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.

No collection will take place on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. 

Customers with a Tuesday pick-up schedule are advised to put their carts out on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. 

Customers with a Wednesday pick up schedule are advised to put their carts out as usual on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

Note the Republic Services administrative offices are also closed on December 25, 2018 and January 1, 2019.

Many of us want to be better recyclers during the holidays, but we aren't sure how or just don't have the time. Here are some simple holiday recycling tips from Republic Services:
  • Save and reuse gift bags, ribbons, and bows for next year, or use them as lunch bags during the new year.
  • Shipping gifts? Make shredded paper out of old newspapers and magazines, or be sure to reuse last year's bubble wrap and foam peanuts.
  • Think twice when it comes to wrapping paper--standard wrapping paper should be recycled, but anything with glitter or foil belongs in the trash (or save it for next year). Generally, the fancier the wrapping paper, the less recyclable it is.
  • Getting a new device this holiday season? Make sure your old phone or table isn't tossed in recycling. Check with local senior centers or other nonprofits; the 9-1-1 call function will still work and provide long-term benefit to those in need.
  • A shared experience is a gift that can last a lifetime -- consider a special movie, planing in the snow, or baking cookies together.
  • Pass down an heirloom to a grandchild or special someone who would appreciate and treasure the family history and connection to you.

Common holiday items that do not belong in recycling include bubble wrap, cellophane, holiday ribbons and bows, batteries, food waste, clothing and shoes, holiday lights, electronics and foam packaging. All of these items and materials should be placed in a waste container, not recycled.

Republic Services also encourages you to visit recyclingsimplified.com for simple tips, and videos you can share on your social media accounts to help us all become better recyclers for our local communities. Some universal basics:
  • Know what to throw: With all those extra packages and materials during the holidays, it's important to make sure you're putting the right things in your recycling container.
  • Empty. Clean. Dry.: Keep all recyclables free of food and liquid and make sure they're empty and dry, too.
  • Keep it loose: Remember to never put your recyclables in containers or bags.


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