Bellevue advocates propose Smart Disposal pilot to ensure fair waste management costs

The Bellevue City Council meeting held on April 22, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding the city's solid waste disposal pricing structure. The meeting began with a public comment from a resident advocating for a more equitable system of charging for waste disposal. The speaker highlighted that the current model charges residents and businesses based solely on the size of their waste containers, rather than the actual amount of waste generated. This approach, they argued, unfairly penalizes those who actively recycle and compost, as they pay the same rates as those who do not engage in waste diversion practices.

The resident presented data indicating that disposal costs for single-family homes have been steadily increasing, with projections from King County suggesting that these costs could double in the coming years. They emphasized the need for a change in the pricing model to reflect actual waste produced, proposing a pilot program called "Smart Disposal." This initiative would involve weighing each waste container at the time of pickup and providing residents with feedback on their waste diversion rates through mailed postcards. The speaker asserted that such a system would encourage better waste management practices and align Bellevue's waste disposal approach with other utility services, such as water and electricity, which are billed based on usage.

The resident concluded their remarks by urging the council to take immediate action to implement the Smart Disposal program, framing it as a necessary step towards fair pricing and improved waste diversion rates in Bellevue.

Following this public comment, the meeting continued with additional discussions, including updates from city staff and other community members. The council's response to the proposed Smart Disposal initiative and any subsequent actions will be crucial in shaping Bellevue's waste management policies moving forward.