West Seattle Recycling Rules Explained
With the increasing awareness about environmental issues, more and more people have started to recycle. The government makes it easy, by having programs that facilitate the process and even offer incentives. West Seattle City Light, for example, will give you a $30 rebate if you recycle your fridge. You can put out used cooking and motor oil for free pick-up and recycling. There are many more!
Now, we know many of you want to help the environment and do your part, but it’s difficult when you don’t know how. So in this blog we will discuss how to recycle some common objects at home. We’ll also go over the West Seattle recycling rules, and what you can do about objects you cannot recycle at home. Like fridges and used oil, you’ll find there are lots of things you can recycle really easily! Let’s see how.
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How To Textiles
Consider donating clothing in usable condition to a local thrift store.
The West Seattle Transfer Station accepts clothing, boots, shoes, curtains, fabric, linens and blankets, stuffed animals, and throw rugs (max. size of 3ft. x 4ft.) in any condition except wet, mildewed, or contaminated with hazardous materials. There is no fee for disposal.
How To Recycle Electronics
Many precious and hard-to-get resources are used to make electronics. It is important to reclaim these resources to minimize the environmental impact of mining, as well as reduce toxic leeching of metals in to the environment from landfills.
If your e-waste is smaller than 2 feet in any direction and less than 60lbs, schedule a Special Item Recycling pickup from Recology. If otherwise, E-Cycle Washington is a free program that allows Washington residents to easily recycle electronic waste.
The Recology Store also accepts small appliances (smaller than 2ft. in any direction) for drop-off recycling.
How To Plastic bag and films
Plastic film, such as plastic bags, stretchy thin plastic sheets, and clean zip-top food storage bags are recyclable, but cannot go in your curbside bin. They can clog sorting machines and cause shutdowns at recycling facilities. These need to be collected separately to be sorted and processed.
Ensure your pieces are clean and dry, and find drop-off locations near you at bagandfilmrecycling.org. You may also drop these off at the West Seattle Transfer Station.
Reduce your impact
The Washington State Department of Ecology reported recently that Washingtonians use over 2 billion single-use plastic bags a year. They contribute to roadside litter and leeching of toxic chemicals.
Use reusable totes when shopping. Fabric bags last longer and have a less of a long-term environmental impact compared to single-use plastic bags. If you have trouble remembering to bring your reusable bags with you, try stashing them in your car, or invest in a lightweight, foldable one to keep with you.
How To Recycle Appliances
We wrote about appliance recycling and disposal in a recent blog, but we’ll take you through the basics once again quickly:
- Working appliances can be sold or donated
- Appliances that no longer work can be recycled – you’ll need to do some disassembly if taking them to the city dump, but they take them for free
- Action Junk Hauling can help you get rid of your appliances for a small fee – we’ll haul it, disassemble it, and drop it off at the right place
How To Recycle Hazardous Materials
Many substances – mostly chemicals, or items containing chemicals, such as auto parts or fire extinguishers – need to be taken to the hazardous waste facility. However, something you need to know is that not everything is accepted at a hazardous waste site. Generally, chemicals can be taken to the facility, and containers and electronics cannot. However, here’s a list of what not to take to a hazardous waste site:
- Empty containers (including aerosol cans)
- Bullets, ammunition, gunpowder
- Electronics
- Contaminated soil
- Explosives and fireworks (flares are accepted, however)
- Latex paint
- Light bulbs
- Garbage
- Medical waste – medicines, sharps, or anything else
- Tires
- Radioactive waste
Containers over 5 gallons are also not permitted. You can take smaller containers, and the limit is 50 gallons per customer per day.
How To Recycle Glass
Glass bottles and jars of all colors and sizes can be recycled as long as they are not broken. If they are broken, however, they need to be treated as junk Removal. Mirrors, window glass, ceramic dishes and bulbs cannot be recycled – put them in the garbage bin.
Clean, separate, and remove labels of glass. Then take the glass to a designated bin in your area, or your curbside recycling bin.
Checkout our glass recycling guide.
What to Throw Out
Not everything can be recycled. If you want to help, it’s just as important to know what can’t be recycled, so you can make sure you aren’t putting it in the recycling bin. Here are a few examples of items the city doesn’t recycle:
- Used tissues and paper towels with cleaning solutions (nail polish or make-up removal pads, for example)
- Styrofoam and packaging peanuts (although these can be reused)
- Mirrors, window glass, and broken glass
- Takeout containers, caps and lids (see more in our section on Plastic above)
- Disposable diapers, ribbons or foil wrapping paper, wax and plastic-coated cardboard, soiled paper and food-soiled food boxes
- Garden hoses, pet waste and litter
- Sharp or greasy metal, small appliances (blender, toaster, microwave)
- Latex paint containers
- Oil containers
City of West Seattle Recycling Information & Resources
- What is the West Seattle recycling schedule? The West Seattle recycling schedule changes by address. Click to see your collection schedule.
- Where does West Seattle recycling go? 28% is recycled in West Seattle, 38% is recycled in the Northwest and North America, and 34% is recycled in Asia.
No Time? No Problem!
If you need cleanup services or need to get rid of a bulky item such as an old stove, contact Action Junk Hauling for an easy solution. No need to waste time researching, or to haul and lift heavy appliances. Just tell us what you need done and when would be a convenient time, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Our services are efficient, affordable and reliable. We’re an environmentally conscious company, and we’ll make sure your recyclables are taken to the right place and the rest is disposed of in a responsible manner. For more info on what we take and what services we offer, check out our website.
Recycling Guide
Glass Recycling
Recycling Guide
Appliance Recycling
Recycling Guide
Plastic Recycling
Recycling Guide
Construction Debris
Can you recycle old carpet? Where do you take old brick and concrete? Is it worth hiring a company to throw out demolished construction materials? Get answers and decide for yourself
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