City Council Creates New Incentives for Solid Waste Businesses to Recycle More Materials

The Tacoma City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing local recycling efforts by approving a tiered recycling tax deduction for solid waste businesses, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to encourage these businesses to recycle more materials, thereby contributing to a healthier environment and supporting the city's Climate Action Plan. With an estimated annual revenue of $975,000 expected from this new policy, the total contribution to the General Fund for the 2025-2026 biennium will be around $1,950,000. The General Fund plays a crucial role in financing essential community services such as police, fire, and library operations. Deputy Mayor John Hines noted the importance of engaging with recycling industry leaders through roundtable discussions, which informed the development of this policy and addressed issues related to sham recycling practices.

The collaborative approach highlights the city’s commitment to working with the community to create effective solutions. By implementing this tiered tax deduction system, Tacoma sets a precedent that could inspire similar initiatives in other cities across the state. Ultimately, this ordinance represents a proactive measure to enhance recycling and protect the local environment.