Seattle Public Utilities has announced new trash collection days for residents beginning March 30.

Between March 1 through 7, homeowners will be mailed a "Collection Guide" that outlines the new citywide pick-up days and service changes, said Andrea D. Wedderburn.

The program aims to convert 60 percent of Seattle’s generated waste to recycling or composting by 2012.

Some changes for recycling include:

Food and yard waste will now be collected every week. (Currently, food and yard waste is collected every other week.)

All leftover food, including meat, fish and dairy, can go into the recycling and yard waste carts.

No more recycling containers just for glass. Glass now goes into the same container as the rest of recycling.

Used motor oil will be picked up curbside for no cost. (Restrictions apply.)
 

• All food scraps, including meat, fish, bones, shells and dairy products, can go in the food and yard waste cart.
• More food/yard waste cart sizes to choose from, including 13-, 32- and 96-gallon options.
• Weekly food and yard waste collection for all single-family households. Organics were previously collected every other week.
• Electronics, used motor oil and bulky items can be collected through special services.
• Glass bottles and jars go in the recycling cart — no more separating!
• More paper, plastic and metal items can be recycled, including cups, deli trays, aluminum foil and plastic plant pots.
• A new collection day for most households.

The Seattle City Council approved the new solid waste contracts last year.
The city's goal is to divert 60 percent of all its generated waste to recycling or composting by 2012. Currently the city diverts 48.4 percent of its waste.
 
Food scraps account for one-third, or 45,000 tons, of residential trash each year, according to a city news release. Last year, more than 100,000 Seattle households helped divert 80,000 tons of food and yard waste from the landfill, turning into compost for local parks and gardens.
 
In March, Seattle Public Utilities plans to launch a public education campaign on the new changes.
Recycling guidelines and collection calendars will be mailed to businesses and residents, and customers with new collection days will have that information taped to their garbage containers.