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Neighborhood Waste Reduction Rewards

Congratulations Wedgwood, Meadowbrook, Inverness, Matthews Beach and View Ridge!

These neighborhoods reduced their waste and won $50,000.

CleanScapes sponsors a Neighborhood Waste Reduction Rewards competition every year between our 10 collection areas and we are pleased to announce that the “Wednesday – North” collection area is the 2011/2012 winner!  The winning area includes portions of several neighborhoods - Wedgwood, Meadowbrook, Inverness, Matthews Beach and View Ridge (see map below). 

Representatives from these neighborhoods will select a $50,000 project (or projects totaling $50,000) to be built within the winning area. However, anyone can submit a project proposal for consideration. Project proposals must be submitted by April 15, 2013. 

To be eligible for consideration, projects must: be a capital improvement (i.e., a physical object), located in the winning collection area, easily accessible for active use by the public, and have a total cost of no more than $50,000. 

For more information including a proposal form to submit your project idea, download the following:

• Project Proposal Form
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Project Selection Process

For more information email us at: EducationOutreach@cleanscapes.com

How can you reduce waste and win next year?

Residents of this year’s winning neighborhood decreased their waste by 2% over the competition period (September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012).  To increase your odds of winning next year or to simply reduce waste and conserve natural resources:

• Compost leaves and grass in your yard

• Compost food scraps at home

• Use washable rags, dish ware, napkins

• Share tools with your neighbors

• Donate unwanted but usable items to charities

• For more ideas, download the Beyond Waste at Home flyer

Neighborhood Waste Reduction Rewards Competition Map

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2011/2012 Competition - May 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 took Seattle Public Utilities' "Trash Diet” Challenge. Read her blog posts and learn what her family did 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