This summer, the cities of Bothell, Kirkland, and Redmond are partnering with Waste Management to bring their residents a new waste reduction program called Waste Watchers.

To participate, residents can take the Waste Watchers online pledge (www.getcartsmart.com) where they can commit to taking a variety of activities to increase recycling and reduce waste. In exchange, a Waste Management representative will follow up with each participant to discuss how reducing the size of their garbage cart can save them money on their garbage bill.

Everything that goes in the garbage reaches the landfill. Reducing garbage and reusing and recycling as much as possible can have a positive impact on the environment.

The Waste Watchers pledge encourages residents to make changes around the home that will keep items out of the garbage, such as bringing a reusable bag when shopping and opting out of unwanted junk mail and catalogs.

For questions on the Waste Watchers program, contact the Kirkland Recycling Hotline at 425-587-3812 or recycle@kirklandwa.gov.