It’s not garbage anymore – Seattle restaurants and coffee shops now must replace all single-use, throw-away food service ware and packaging with compostable or recyclable alternatives. That includes “Styrofoam” which was banned Jan. 1, 2009.
Customers will see new disposal bins for compostable and recyclable discards, most with bold signs explaining where leftover food and compostable and recyclable service ware should be discarded.
Since this is a big change for everyone – customers and restaurants – take a moment when you’ve finished your beverage or meal to stop and sort your packaging and leftovers into the right bins. You’ll be helping keep 6,000 tons per year of leftover food and previously wasted packaging out of the landfill.
And if you do find a place still using Styrofoam, you may call Pat Kaufman at 206-684-4512 or email Pat.Kaufman@seattle.gov and a Seattle Public Utilities representative will visit that business to help them make the switch.