Seattle has seen significant improvement in recycling six months after crews began enforcing a ban on recyclables in the trash.

The ban is part of Mayor Greg Nickels´ plan to boost the city´s commercial and residential recycling rate to 60 percent by 2010 from a low of 38 percent in 2003. From Jan. 1 to June 30, collection crews have had to leave behind 892 household garbage cans out of some 3.9 million collected for containing more than 10 percent recyclables.

Approximately 95 percent of the apartments and businesses inspected were recycling correctly, according to the city. After 5,252 apartment and condominium inspections, the city gave 297 first-time notices for having too many recyclables in their trash. Twenty-nine of those received second notices.

Only 19 out of 898 businesses inspected received a warning notice, and none have received a second. The city will fine businesses, apartments and condominiums $50 for a third infraction.

"Thanks to the citizens of Seattle, we are recycling more and throwing away less," Nickels said. "This is a key step in becoming a truly sustainable city."

Entire contents copyright 2005 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved.