### Meeting Overview The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee met on November 4, 2024, with Committee Chair Hannah Stone and members Lisa Anderson and Michael Lilliquist. The committee received updates on two major city initiatives: the implementation of recycling and single-use plastics regulations, and the progress of the Eldridge Avenue Non-Motorized Pilot Project, which removed street parking to install bike lanes. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Single Stream Recycling:** A system where all recyclable materials go into one container instead of being separated, making recycling more convenient for residents while reducing truck traffic by 50%. **Food Plus:** The organics management service offered by Sanitary Services Company (SSC) that collects food scraps and organic waste for composting instead of landfill disposal. **Single-Use Plastic Ordinance:** Bellingham's 2022 law requiring restaurants and businesses to use compostable alternatives to plastic utensils, cups, and containers, with in-house dining establishments required to use durable dishware. **Greenwashing:** When products are falsely marketed as environmentally friendly, particularly compostable alternatives that contain harmful chemicals like PFAS or aren't actually accepted by local composting facilities. **PFAS:** Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, toxic "forever chemicals" found in some compostable food service products that can contaminate soil and water when composted. **Non-Motorized Infrastructure:** Bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and other transportation features designed for pedestrians and cyclists rather than cars. **85th Percentile Speed:** A traffic engineering measurement showing the speed that 85% of drivers travel at or below on a given street. **Buffered Bike Lanes:** Bicycle lanes with physical barriers or painted buffers separating them from vehicle traffic for increased safety. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Hannah Stone | Committee Chair, First Ward Council Member | | Lisa Anderson | Committee Member, Fifth Ward Council Member | | Michael Lilliquist | Committee Member, Sixth Ward Council Member | | Sean O'Neill | Sanitation and Solid Waste Manager | | Joel Pfundt | Interim Public Works Co-Director | | Jessica Bennett | Project Engineer, Public Works | | Dan Hammill | Council Member (not on committee, participated in discussion) | ### Background Context These initiatives represent Bellingham's commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. The single-use plastics ordinance positions Bellingham as a leader in reducing plastic waste, while the mandatory organics management helps the city meet state requirements under House Bill 1799. The Eldridge Avenue project implements the city's 2014 Bicycle Master Plan to create safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists. All three programs faced initial resistance but show promising results after implementation. The recycling and waste reduction efforts directly support Whatcom County's goal to reduce landfill waste, with organic materials representing 36% of the current waste stream. The non-motorized infrastructure supports the city's climate goals by encouraging alternatives to car travel. ### What Happened — The Short Version Sean O'Neill reported strong progress on waste reduction initiatives. Single-stream recycling is 70% complete with high customer satisfaction and minimal contamination. Mandatory organics management (Food Plus) will expand to all residential customers starting January 2025, potentially adding 11,000-12,000 households. The single-use plastic ordinance shows 43% business compliance overall, with full-service restaurants at 72% compliance but hotels/motels lagging at 36%. Major barriers include cost, greenwashing, and supply chain issues. Jessica Bennett presented data from the Eldridge Avenue bike lane pilot project. The project successfully increased bicycle use by 31% and pedestrian use by 28% compared to pre-construction levels. Vehicle speeds remained essentially unchanged at 29-30 mph average, addressing community concerns about increased speeding. The pilot will continue until spring 2025 when staff will present final recommendations. ### What to Watch Next - Final Eldridge Avenue pilot results and recommendations in spring 2025 - Full rollout of mandatory Food Plus organics service by May 2025 - Quarterly Department of Ecology meetings on plastic ordinance oversight starting early 2025 - Potential state legislation to close the plastic bag "thickness loophole" ---