Seattle residents composted 47 percent more food waste in 2009 than they did one year earlier, according to statistics released by the city. Seattle households composted more than 26,000 tons of food waste in 2009. The city credits new weekly collection of the materials for the increase.

“The city of Seattle would like to congratulate residents for substantially increasing the amount of food they recycle,” said Tim Croll, solid waste director at Seattle Public Utilities, in a press release. “On any given week, more than half of Seattle subscribers are putting their food and yard waste carts out for collection. By turning our food waste into compost we are keeping Seattle's gardens, yards and parks green and healthy.”