During a recent government meeting, a passionate advocate for recycling and composting highlighted the urgent need for Bellevue to enhance its waste diversion efforts. The speaker commended Deputy Mayor Malakutian and Council Member Newenhouse for their support in promoting sustainable practices within the city.

The discussion centered around the alarming statistic that two-thirds of Bellevue's trash could potentially be recycled or composted. However, the city's diversion rate—defined as the percentage of waste diverted from landfills—has seen a decline of approximately 1% year-to-date compared to the previous year. This downward trend has persisted since 2021, raising concerns about Bellevue's ability to meet its 2030 climate action plan goal of achieving a 50% diversion rate.

To address this issue, the speaker proposed several recommendations aimed at improving diversion rates, including the introduction of a pilot program called \"smart disposal.\" This innovative initiative, which would cost around $200,000, involves weighing each waste container emptied by the hauler for single-family homes. Residents would receive personalized data on their landfill diversion rates through a postcard, encouraging them to make more informed disposal choices.

The speaker emphasized the importance of feedback and measurement in promoting sustainable practices, drawing parallels to how utilities like water and electricity are metered. By implementing smart disposal, the city aims to shift residents' mindsets from a \"toss and forget\" approach to one that fosters greater awareness and responsibility regarding waste management.

The meeting underscored Bellevue's commitment to sustainability and innovation, with the speaker urging city leaders to provide the necessary tools and leadership to enhance recycling and composting efforts in the community.