Dear Green My Ballard,

I heard there were changes to the recycling program. Do you know what they are?

Thanks, Ballard Recycler

Dear BR,

Isn’t it great when recycling just gets easier? And that’s exactly what will happen on March 30, when new services by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) begin.

To throw out just one factoid that illustrates why recycling is important: All of Seattle’s garbage is sent by train to a landfill in Oregon. And, according to SPU’s recently mailed flyer, our yearly garbage adds up about 7,000 train cars. Ouch.

First of all, thank you for doing your part. Much of the stuff we don’t want anymore can be reused or recycled.

So what will the new program provide? Well for one you’ll be able to put meat and dairy (such as cheese) in your yard waste bin along with other food scraps, including bones. And that container will be picked up every week, instead of every other week.

Also, more items can go into your recycle bin, like paper and plastic cups and plastic plant pots (Woohoo! Figuring out what to do with those plastic plant pots makes me crazy.)

And while you can recycle electronics for free (in Ballard at Goodwill) after March 30 items such as TV's and computers can be picked up curbside for a $20 fee (call 206.684.3000).

But wait, that’s not all! Other curbside pickups will include large bulky items like furniture and refrigerators. Yes, there are fees involved but think how much easier this is than trying to get your only friend with a truck who lives in Duvall and requires gas money, lunch and a six-pack to drive this far and give you a hand moving heavy stuff. Case closed.

Oh, and for those of you who change the oil in your car yourself, simply set out the used oil in a milk jug and poof, it is taken away for free (2 jug limit).

So, BR, those are some of the highlights but I bet you will receive the flyer very soon that explains all (and if you don’t receive it, call 206.684.3000). Happy Recycling!

Rhonda lives in Ballard and is the Urban Crop Circle Project Leader for Sustainable Ballard.