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Neighborhood Waste Reduction Rewards

Congratulations Ravenna, Roosevelt, Bryant and Wedgwood!

Seattle’s Roosevelt and Ravenna Neighbors Win $50,000 by Reducing Neighborhood Waste Footprint

In 2011 the rivalry was fierce and the race was close, but at the end of 12 months, the “Tuesday North” collection area neighbors - Ravenna, Roosevelt, Bryant and Wedgwood - lost the most waste “weight” in CleanScapes’ waste reduction competition and won a $50,000 reward. Proposals received from Seattle residents through January 31, 2012, are now being evaluated. Check back later to see which project(s) won!

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Project Selection Timeline
• 2011 Winners Press Release
• Tonnage results from the 2010/2011 awards cycle

A Year Later, 400 Tons Lighter

Between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011 the Tuesday North collection day neighbors decreased their waste by 400 tons, a 4.7% improvement. Runner up was “Tuesday South” (Queen Anne and Magnolia) with 325 tons lost, and “Monday North” (University District, Laurelhurst and Windermere) claimed third place by losing 180 tons.

Working together, Seattle neighborhoods in CleanScapes service area lost a total of 1,226 tons in 2011 – an impressive waste reduction accomplishment and a huge step toward the City of Seattle’s 2020 Carbon Neutrality and Zero Waste goals. Keep up the good work.

The Road to Zero Waste

Interested in helping your neighborhood win $50,000? The 2012 neighborhood waste reduction rewards competition is underway! 

Each month, CleanScapes posts the total tons of garbage, recycling and food scraps and yard debris hauled away from your neighborhood. Track your neighborhood's progress and see who is winning this year's competition. 

This CleanScapes video highlights how the competition works and shares insights that will help you and your neighborhood trim its “waste-line”. Who will win the next $50,000 reward? 

Neighborhood Waste Reduction Rewards Competition Map

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2011/2012 Competition - March 2012 results

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Why Reduce Waste?

In 2009, Seattle residents and businesses created 352,000 tons of garbage which was hauled 300 miles away by train and buried in an Oregon landfill. Roughly 54% of that garbage could have been recycled, or better yet, not created in the first place! Team up with your neighbors, reduce waste and win a $50,000 community improvement project.

If you are looking for inspiration, look no further than Carrie Yu, local Seattle blogger and mother of two who is taking Seattle Public Utilities' "Trash Diet” Challenge this summer. Read her weekly blog posts and learn what her family is doing to reduce their waste footprint.

Week 1: Getting Started
Week 2: The Paper Napkin Swap
Week 3: Turning on the Tap

Download the CleanScapes Waste Reduction Checklist (PDF)

Share Your Winning Idea

Email educationoutreach@cleanscapes.com with a unique waste reduction tip for a chance to win a stainless steel countertop compost container.

Community Presentations

Learn more about waste reduction and the Neighborhood Waste Reduction Rewards competition. Schedule a presentation for your community or school group by contacting us at educationoutreach@cleanscapes.com

What Are Your Neighbors Doing?

If you are looking for local inspiration, you don’t have to look too far. The following stories and interviews were inspired by individual and community waste reduction projects happening in Seattle and Shoreline!

• The 100 Mile Summer - One Family's Challenge to Eating Local

Seattle-Area Bloggers Go On a Summer Trash Diet

•   Growing My Kids Reviews
•   Modern Parents Messy Kids
•   Fabule$$ly Frugal Mom
•   Miss Mouthy
•   Centsible in Seattle
•   Blushed Mom