This Week in Renton: Zero Waste Plan - Your Input Needed!

Published on April 04, 2025

Image of a blue, red, and green waste bin with a screenshot of the city's Zero Waste Plan cover with text that says Zero Waste Plan Your Input Needed

Let’s talk trash, Renton! Did you know that 70% of what goes into the local landfill could be recycled or composted? And that the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, where Renton’s garbage goes, is expected to reach capacity in just 15 years? (That’s not as far off as it sounds—15 years ago, Lady Gaga wore the meat dress and the Vancouver Winter Olympics took place!) 

To help eliminate waste, the Public Works Department’s Sustainability & Solid Waste Section has developed the city’s first Zero Waste Plan. This plan will help Renton move towards achieving ‘zero waste’ by increasing reuse, recycling, and composting. 

The Zero Waste Plan is a 10-year roadmap that guides the city towards achieving zero waste through eight key goals. Those goals include: 

  • Ensure sustainable funding for waste prevention and management programs 
  • Lead by example 
  • Maximize waste prevention and reuse 
  • Ensure clean and marketable recyclables and organic waste 
  • Maximize participation in curbside recycling and organics collection programs 
  • Increase recycling of non-standard recyclable items 
  • Minimize and mitigate emissions associated with waste collection 
  • Manage programs using high-quality data 

The plan also includes 40 strategies to support these goals, such as supporting repair opportunities for residents and requiring multifamily properties to provide sufficient space for recycling.  

Check out the entire plan and share your thoughts with the Public Works Department on the Zero Waste Plan Your Voice Renton page. Feedback must be submitted by June 30. 

 

Youth Academy applications are open!

Have a middle schooler? The Youth Academy is a collaborative effort between the Renton Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, Newcastle Police Department, and the DEA. This four-day program held July 14-17, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., introduces middle schoolers to careers in public safety through hands-on experiences, interactive activities, and real-world simulations. 

The middle schoolers will explore a variety of topics including law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency response while developing leadership skills, teamwork, and self-confidence.  

Applicant requirements: 

  • Must be students entering 6th–8th grade in fall 2025 
  • Cannot be a previous Renton Police Youth Academy graduate.  
  • Must commit to attending all four days. 

Priority is given to Renton residents and Renton School District students. 

Learn more about the program, read about the application process and register by May 2 at rentonwa.gov/PDYouthAcademy.  

Please keep in mind that submitting an application does not guarantee a spot. 

 

Renton seniors! Apply for the Utility Tax Rate Rebate program

Applications are opening soon for the city’s Utility Tax Rebate program for Renton seniors.   

Eligible seniors who fit the following criteria can apply for the rebate between April 15 and June 15: 

  • Age 61 or older and/or permanently disabled
  • Must be a resident of Renton 
  • Property owner or registered tenant
  • Qualifying household maximum gross income

Find more details and apply on the city's website at rentonwa.gov/utilitybilling. A physical application can also be picked up and submitted in person at the lobby at Renton City Hall.  

Don't miss this opportunity to apply and receive the rebate you deserve!

 

Join the Renton Police Chief’s Community Council

Make a real impact in your community by joining the Chief’s Community Council. As a member serving in an advisory role, you’ll collaborate with the Renton Police Department (RPD) to strengthen relationships, shape policies, and improve public safety.  

RPD is seeking diverse voices to discuss major incidents, policies, and community policing strategies. Members meet every other month and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences like training demonstrations, virtual reality scenarios, and drone operations. Members may also be asked to participate in the hiring process. 

To apply, you must live, work, or have a strong connection to Renton (such as through a school or faith-based organization) and commit to a two-year term. 

Applications are available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. 

Apply today at rentonwa.gov/chiefscouncil. 

 

Full State of the City presentation now available 

Last week, Mayor Armondo Pavone hosted the 2025 Renton State of the City address. Watch the entire presentation and see all of the video highlights on the city’s YouTube at rentonwa.gov/sotc. 

Event photos can be found at rentonwa.gov/sotcphotos.  

Read about the mayor’s priorities on the Mayor's Priorities Your Voice page. 

 

Help shape Renton’s future waste services!

The Public Works Department needs your input on a new waste collection contract that will begin in 2027. Before selecting the next provider, the city wants to hear from residents about what they seek as most important from their waste services.  

From customer service needs to service offerings and electric vehicle trucks, this feedback will help ensure that the next provider will best serve the needs of residents. 

Tell us what YOU are looking for from your future waste collection services and take the survey. The deadline has been extended to April 27. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and is only open to single-family households. 

 

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