Opinion - Letters to the Editor

POSTED: Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2009

Wants Seattle recycling program copied here

One can recycle essentially anything in Seattle now thanks to their incredible new recycling program. More items than ever before - including the infamous Styrofoam take-out boxes - can be placed into one bin and put on the curbside for pickup.

Why is it that in Bellingham not only do I have to deliver my Styrofoam containers to the Sanitary Service Company, but I am also charged a fee for them? This means that I get to use my time, gas, and money for the privilege of recycling. It's no wonder so many take-out boxes are tossed in the garbage.

Plus with all of the sorting that is required to recycle it isn't too surprising that so many people just trash it all. If we are expected and encouraged to save the world, why doesn't the SSC make it a little easier? Being green doesn't have to cost green. Seattle got it right - and their city is breathing cleaner for it.

Stefanie Petersen

Bellingham