SEATTLE -- Starting later this month, recycling and yard waste will be picked up every week instead of every other week.

The city, hoping to encourage more recycling and contributing while also cutting back on contributions to landfills, has come up with a new recycling plan set to take effect on March 30.

Waste Management crews have been delivering thousands of new yard waste bins. Starting on March 30, residents will able to throw meat, fish and dairy scraps, as well as shells and bones into those bins.

The idea: why waste a good thing? All those scraps can become compost.

But resident Sharon Victor worries the change will bring about unwanted guests.

"There are a few rats around here, and lots of crows. And sometimes those things get tipped over," she said.

Not to worry, says Waste Management, the design of the new bins will keep waste in and unwanted guests out.

"It has a heavy lid that's attached, and it also has a latch that can close so the container can be sealed," said Rita Smith of Waste Management.

And what was once considered garbage won't be soon. Things like aluminum foil and foil trays, plastic and paper cups, lids and plastic containers will be acceptable in the recycling bin.

It's all a part of the city's aim to convert 60 percent of its trash to recycling or composting within the next three years. The city currently converts 48 percent of its waste.

"It's maybe 15 years late, but better late than never," said Smith.

Residents will have to pay a little extra for the service. For example, a house with a 32-gallon bin will pay about $4 more.

Some residents may have a different pickup day for recycling and yard waste.