SEATTLE – Be careful throwing away those extra food scraps. Seattle could soon fine you for it.
In a 9-0 vote, Seattle City Council members agreed to pass a new ordinance that could fine you for not composting. The new program is an incentive to help Seattle reach its goal of recycling 60% of everything by 2015.
The new law is expected to generate an additional 38,000 tons of compost material every year. The fine is $1 for each violation at a residence and up to $50 for a business or apartment complex.
Seattle Public Utilities estimates 30 to 50% of what goes into the trash should be composted or recycled.
The new ordinance goes into effect next year. Fines are not expected to be issued until mid-year.
