Residential Recycling In Lincoln County
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E-Cycle Washington is a new program that provides responsible recycling of computers, monitors and TVs in our state. As of January 2009, electronics manufacturers in Washington will take responsibility for recycling these products. |
What to Recycle? Reduce then Recycle.pdf
Aluminum Cans
Drain all liquids from cans
Do not mix with steel or tin cans
Steel or Tin Cans
Food and drink cans only
Rinse and remove labels. Lids and bottoms of cans may be left on.
Do not mix with aluminum cans.
Glass Bottles and Jars
No longer accepted free of charge.
Mixed Paper no longer accepted.
Newsprint and Magazines
Newsprint and Magazines ONLY
Can be bundled or in bags
White paper
#1 PETE Plastics
Pop, water, juice bottles.
#2 HDPE Plastics
Milk, water, juice, and pop bottles.
Please drain ALL liquids, rinse, and discard lids from both #1 and #2 plastics
Corrugated Cardboard
Two-ply cardboard with a wavy center / Broken down and Flattened
Moderate Risk Waste (AKA Household Hazardous Waste)
Household cleaners
Paints
Pesticides
Antifreeze
Used Oil Collection Site
No antifreeze in the oil please
Recycling Drop-Off Locations
Fort Spokane
*Harrington*
*Odessa*
Reardan
*Transfer Station*
*Indicates that this site also has a container for corrugated cardboard collection*
Washington State Recycling Hotline: 1-800-RECYCLE
Residents who recycle not only help the environment by conserving natural resources, they also help Lincoln County meet Washington State waste reduction mandates by keeping materials out of the landfills. All cities and counties within the state are required to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Recycling, with source separation of recyclable materials, is the preferred method of waste reduction. In 1989, the Waste Not Washington Act established a 50 percent recycling goal for the state. The highest level achieved, so far, was 40 percent in 1995. Last year the statewide recycling rate was at 35 percent, up from 32 percent the year before. By contrast, the national recycling average is 28 percent.
Lincoln County, in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington and the Washington State Department of Ecology, has developed a Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. In this document, the utilization of environmentally sound waste reduction strategies and recycling techniques has been outlined. All of the incorporated cities and towns within the county entered into agreement with the plan and adopted resolutions in the best interests of the public. Lincoln County has followed through and implemented the recycling program it now hosts for the citizens within its borders. Thus, the placement of recycling bins in several communities around the county and the Recycling Center at the Transfer Station.
The material that we accept in our recycle bins has been based upon the market for recycled commodities. The recycled plastics market is growing, but far from steady. This is the reason we do not accept all plastics in our program at this time. The market for natural HDPE plastic (milk jugs) has remained the strongest market for plastics over the course of time and is why we have chosen to only accept this type of plastic in our program. The types of products that can be made from this type of recycled plastic are quite expansive. The effort to conserve natural resources has made this particular market a strong one.
The mixed paper we accept in our recycling program is taken to the paper mill and then recycled into the Spokesman Review. The Spokesman Review is made from 25 to 40 percent post-consumer recycled paper. Any product that contains “post” consumer content is something that you or I have used already. Instead of placing it into the refuse container, we have chosen to place it in the recycling bin to be made into something new. The integrity of the initial product moves on to another generation of use. As conscientious consumers this is the type of manufacture and packaging we should be looking for in the products we buy. It is marked clearly on all product packaging and is usually located by the “complete the circle” recycling arrows.
Since the initiation of our recycling program in 1997, the citizens of the county have recycled 1278.42 tons of material. This equates to 2,556,840.00 pounds of material diverted from the waste stream. This is a consumer savings of $89,829.55 that would have been paid in tipping fees had the same material been landfilled.
We are very proud of our recycling program and the benefits that it has reaped. As a whole, the program is well respected within the communities where the bins have been placed. But, over the course of the last year, there has been a tremendous amount of illegal dumping of refuse in and around the recycling containers. Numerous articles have been published in regards to this dilemma to no avail. The problem is still persisting and it is jeopardizing the program. Not only do the sites look less than desirable, the cost for sorting out the refuse from the recyclable material is costly and could result in removal of the bin or bins. Each bin is clearly marked as to what should go into it. If you take your recyclables to the bin site and they are full, please take them back home with you until the full bin is replaced with an empty one. We are very prompt in delivering an empty bin once we are notified that it is full. And please do not put your refuse in these bins, put it in your garbage cans at home or bring it to the Transfer Station. We do not accept vehicle tires, yard wastes, household hazardous wastes, vehicle batteries, animal carcasses, or any other such item at any of the bin sites. The cooperation of all citizens is needed to allow our program to continue to be a success.
To find out what materials we recycle and where the bin site location is nearest you, you may call the Washington State Recycling Hotline at 1-800-RECYCLE or visit their website at http://1800recycle.wa.gov. Or you may call the Lincoln County Public Works office at 509-725-7041 and ask for the Recycling Coordinator.