Washingtonians are recycling more than ever

The Washington State Department of Ecology announced in a press release today that our state’s recycling rate increased to 49 percent last year – its highest rate ever.  In fact, that puts us within reach of the 50 percent goal set by the legislature in 1989 (the nationwide average was 34 percent in 2010).

In recent years, legislators have passed bills promoting more participation in recycling among local jurisdictions and within state government, and expanding the types of materials that can be recycled in our state.  For example, in 2009 a bill that moved all state agencies toward using 100 percent recycled paper was signed into law. The following year, a product stewardship program for recycling mercury light bulbs cleared the legislature, as well as a bill to give local governments more flexibility to encourage recycling and meet waste-reduction goals in their communities.  It is hoped that these measures can help push our state to the 50 percent – or higher – mark.

Ecology maintains an excellent consumer website with recycling resources and information.  It also staffs a toll-free hotline (1-800-RECYCLE) Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to provide people with information about where to recycle particular items or where the closest recycling facility is located.

To read this story in Spanish, click here.