Most Kent customers will see decreased garbage and recycling rates when the city’s new contract begins April 1 with Allied Waste.

The contract includes decreased rates for most customers, allows more items to be recycled, provides yard and food waste service for all single family residents at no additional cost, offers more cart size options and deploys environmentally friendly garbage trucks, according to a city of Kent media release.

“We are very pleased with the benefits the new service will offer, in particular, the lower cost options for our residents and businesses,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke.

According to Kelly Peterson, Kent’s environmental conservation supervisor, 30 percent of household garbage is food-related.

“Tossing this material into the yard and food waste cart can reduce what goes in the garbage by nearly one-third and save customers money,” Peterson said.

Yard and food waste is turned into compost instead of going to the landfill.

“To help further reduce the garbage bill, even more items can be placed in the recycling cart,” Peterson said. “Over half of what is thrown away in the average home is recyclable. Diverting waste to the recycling and the yard and food waste carts extends the life of the landfill and saves energy, and ultimately, money.”

Multi-family complexes and businesses will see reduced prices, be provided free waste audits and have access to education programs to assist in reducing garbage bills. Small businesses with cart service will be eligible for free recycling – a service that is estimated to divert nearly 70 tons of garbage from the landfill each year.

Residents will receive a flyer from Allied Waste where they’ll be asked to choose their level of garbage and recycling service by Jan. 31. New carts will be delivered to single family residences in March.

Additional information is available at www.alliedwastekent.com. Residential customers may call 206-682-9735; multi-family and commercial customers may call 253-872-7220.