New Collection Contract With Seattle Increases Waste Management's Service Area

Seattle, WA - The city of Seattle has selected Waste Management to provide environmental services to more than half of the city, the company announced recently. During this ten-year contract, which will begin in 2009, Waste Management will service some of Seattle's largest collection areas in South and Northwest Seattle. For the third time since it began providing service in Seattle, Waste Management will be adding services to its growing customer base, which will soon represent 60 percent of the city's residential customers and over 50 percent of the commercial customers in Seattle.

Waste Management has been a partner with the city since 1988, when it helped pioneer the nation's first full-scale curbside recycling program.

"Our history of excellent service and environmental leadership in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest has gained the trust and respect of residents and businesses throughout the city," said Susan Robinson, director of Public Sector Services in Waste Management's Western Group.

In 2009, Waste Management will introduce a fleet of new trucks that will be equipped with the most advanced emission reduction technologies available. Currently, Waste Management's Puget Sound fleet is fueled with a biodiesel blend.

"We have the resources and the commitment to lead our industry with innovative sustainability practices that will benefit both the consumer and the environment," said Robinson. "We are thrilled to be a partner with the city in their continuing efforts to set new standards for waste reduction and recycling. The new contract will continue to move the city towards its goals of ‘Zero Waste' through increased organics diversion and other innovative community outreach activities designed to increase recycling efforts throughout the city."

SOURCE: Waste Management