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Sammamish resident urges Issaquah to pilot 'smart disposal' that charges by weight
Summary
Paul Quinn urged the council during public comment to test a weigh-at-curb pilot ('smart disposal') to make garbage charges fairer and to improve diversion; he proposed a ~$50,000 proof-of-concept study.
Paul Quinn, a Sammamish resident, used the public comment period to urge the Issaquah City Council to pilot a “smart disposal” program that would charge residential customers by the actual weight of material collected rather than by container size.
Quinn told the council the current container-size pricing disincentivizes recycling and composting because customers pay the same regardless of what they place in the bin. He recommended a proof-of-concept study that would weigh curbside pickups and provide residents with periodic feedback (via mailed postcards) showing their landfill diversion rates and how they compare with neighbors.
Quinn said his project plan estimates an approximate proof-of-concept cost of $50,000 and that the system could weigh residential containers with negligible extra work for hauler drivers. He argued metering disposal would make charges fairer and help residents reduce waste, similar to metering water or electricity.
The city clerk confirmed Quinn had shared slides and an emailed packet with council staff. Council members thanked him for the presentation and noted staff would follow up if the council wished to explore the feasibility of a pilot. Quinn's proposal was presented as public comment; no council action or vote was taken at the meeting.
