Showing posts with label recycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recycling. Show all posts

You can recycle plastic bags

Monday, January 2, 2017

From Republic Services
Contrary to what you may think, you can recycle plastic bags.

Part of a category known as "plastic film," which applies to all thin plastic bags and wraps, they can be recycled.

The issue is with individual pieces or bags and the damage it does to the recycling equipment.

According to Recology (Shoreline) 
While the plastic itself is surely recyclable, bags cause major problems for recycling facility machinery. If a plastic bag enters the facility solo, the soft, flexible plastic is easily caught in the disks and grooves meant to help sort materials, eventually causing the machinery to jam and the forcing the facility to halt processing. Because of these complications, single plastic bags should NOT be placed in the recycling bin.

Both Recology and Republic (Lake Forest Park, Kenmore) say that the answer is saving up your plastic film and bundling it into one bag.

Bag plastic bags inside a larger plastic bag, tying the top to secure the bundle, before tossing it in their blue recycle bin. This bundle of bagged bags helps the material to take on a more three dimensional shape, making it less likely to get caught in the machinery.



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Free Christmas tree recycling for LFP residents Jan 7

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Free Christmas tree recycling event at LFP City Hall lower parking lot January 7, 2017 9am to Noon


Lake Forest Park residents: there will be a free Christmas tree collection / recycling event on Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 9am to 12 noon at the City Hall lower parking lot. Republic Services will be on hand collecting for the free recycling.

The Lake Forest Park Youth Council will also be present helping to support the free event and raising money for the Lake Forest Park Police Department Nurturing Trust Program Fund.

Join us to enjoy some free recycling!
  • Bring bare trees and remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments, and no flocked trees.
  • Secure your load and bring proof of address in the form of a valid photo ID.
  • Only passenger vehicles can enter.
Shoreline residents can also recycle Christmas trees on Saturday, January 7, 2017. See previous article



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Shoreline will recycle Christmas trees for the last time this season

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
Christmas Tree recycling, 
Saturday, January 7, 2017
9am to 3pm
Meridian Park Elementary School Parking Lot
17077 Meridian Ave N
Shoreline 98133

This is the LAST year the City is hosting its Christmas Tree Recycling Event before the new solid waste contract begins March 1.

Under the new contract, residents will be able to put Christmas trees of a certain size and type curbside for collection.

Remove all hooks, ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands before bringing your tree to be recycled. Flocked, artificial and garden trees, branches, wreaths, and swags will not be accepted.

If there is snow or ice on the road on event day, call 206-801-2450 for a recorded message of the event’s status.

If the event is cancelled or you cannot make it to the event, other options for disposal of holiday trees in Shoreline include:
  • If you have Recology CleanScapes yard debris collection, recycle your tree curbside. Cut your tree into 4 foot lengths, and place them next to your yard debris container at the curb for collection at no cost. No flocked, tinseled, or artificial trees are accepted; and trees without a yard debris cart next to them will not be collected.
  • If you have a flocked, tinseled or an artificial tree, and you have Recology CleanScapes curbside garbage collection, cut it to fit inside your garbage cart for free collection. If the tree is taller than 4 feet, cut it into 4 ft. sections, and put them next to your garbage cart for a collection cost of $4.56.
  • Recycle your tree for a cost at the Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station at 2300 N 165 St. Call 206-477-4466 for information on rates.
  • Recycle your tree for a fee at Pacific Topsoils in North Seattle, 1212 N 107th St, Seattle, or Kenmore, 7500 NE 175th St, Kenmore. The City of Shoreline does not endorse or guarantee any services.


For questions, contact Tina Kendall, Environmental Program Specialist, at 206-801-2450.



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Next to Last Recyclefest Saturday

Saturday, September 17, 2016


RecycleFest Saturday, 9-17-16, 9am to 3pm, Sears Rear Parking Lot, 15711 Aurora Ave N, 98133

With an expanding variety of local recycling options, and in anticipation of Recology CleanScapes’ customer service storefront that will accept some difficult-to-recycle items, the City of Shoreline will hold only two more RecycleFests—one in fall 2016, and the last event in spring 2017.

Shoreline’s RecycleFest offers residents the opportunity to recycle items, which would otherwise be difficult to recycle. Foam blocks and a variety of construction materials will be accepted, as well as bicycles in any condition, which will be donated to Bike Works.

RecycleFest is free for all Shoreline residents.

Event flyers providing a detailed list of accepted items were mailed to all residents. Bring the event flyer or your driver’s license with a Shoreline address as proof of residence.

Note that only pick-up trucks or smaller vehicles will be allowed to enter.

Trailers needed to be preapproved.

Detailed information here.

Accepted items:
• Concrete, asphalt, and rock (No gravel, painted bricks, fencing or metal posts)
• Plastics (Plastic plant pots, buckets, PVC pipe (white only), and household items such as plastic furniture and laundry baskets)
• Roofing shingles (Asphalt and wood shingles in old and new condition)
• Sheetrock and Porcelain (Only dry sheetrock and porcelain toilets and sinks. Remove all non-porcelain hardware.)
• Carpet and padding (Dry items and no rubber padding)
• Scrap metal (Ovens, stoves, hot water heaters, washers, dryers, dish washers, coated wire, etc. Lawn mowers and barbeques, drain or remove all fuels.)
• Scrap lumber (Stained wood OK. No treated wood, painted wood, or particle board)
• Cardboard (Clean and dry)
• Bicycles (All types, conditions, and parts)
• Foam blocks and packing peanuts (Clean and dry)
Restrictions

Do not bring:
• Hazardous materials (Paint, chemicals, etc.)
• Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units
• Electronics including televisions, computers, and monitors
• Yard debris, stumps, and branches
• Plate glass (Window glass with or without frames)
• Tile and linoleum
• Mattresses and furniture
• Microwaves
• Mirrors
• Hot tubs
• Tires
• Doors, cabinets, and wall paneling
• Items with bees, hornets, or wasps 



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Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling

Sunday, August 14, 2016

The King County Solid Waste Division just released its annual list of businesses and organizations
named as “Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling”.

“King County businesses are doing a lot to lessen the impacts of climate change by reducing waste,” said King County Solid Waste Division Program Manager Karen May.

“We want to ensure businesses get the recognition they deserve for their efforts and inspire others to take action too.”

On the list:
  • City of Shoreline
  • City of Lake Forest Park
  • North City Water District
  • Bastyr University

The organizations on the 2016 Best Workplaces for recycling list implemented innovative ways to reduce waste and increase recycling. Last year, businesses and institutions in King County sent more than 276,000 tons of recyclable materials to the landfill. 

City of Lake Forest Park - second year on the list. 

The City of Lake Forest Park offers recycling at City Hall for electronics, batteries, and CFL lightbulbs so residents can easily drop off their used or unwanted items at a central location.

The City also hosts the Earth Smart Green Fair, where they have educational information on best practices and "how-to's" on recycling, natural yard care, and reducing waste.

They also reduce waste and save money on paper and ink by printing less, using double sided printing, and editing documents via email and on a shared drive.

The City also added compost bins in the eating areas and bathrooms to reduce waste.

City of Shoreline makes the list for the fourth year in a row.

Shoreline continues to expand its recycling program by incorporating recycling opportunities into a new maintenance facility.

Most recently, the City has prevented waste by not allowing pesticide use in its right-of-way maintenance contract, i.e. weeds need to be hand-pulled.

Reducing the amount of irrigation at Shoreline City Hall and various other City locations saved an estimated $35,000 this year.

Additionally, City Hall recycles batteries from employees and community residents.

North City Water District is the only utility on the entire list.

North City Water District (NCWD) is a public water district that serves approximately 25,000 people in parts of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. The NCWD returns to the Best Workplace for Waste Prevention and Recycling list for the third time this year.

Recently, the NCWD installed a water bottle filling station in its lobby to encourage the public to drink tap water as opposed to bottled water. This reduces waste and conserves fuel used in the production of plastic bottles.

The lobby also has a collection container for employees and customers to recycle used household batteries.

Advice for others: “We are in the process of transitioning paper files to electronic for many of our old records. Changing old habits is hard but with continued education and reduction of surplus items in the workplace, others are inspired and encouraged to change habits.”

Bastyr University in Kenmore is on the list for the seventh year.

The University’s recycling programs continue to thrive even with a growing student population and increased staff. Materials recycled on campus include mixed paper goods, cardboard, compost, batteries, ballasts, lamps, fluorescent tubes, polystyrene, electronics, and metal.

Each floor has centralized trash and recycling collection to help save can liners and hours of custodial services, while also increasing awareness of recycling programs and compliance.

Since last year, the school reduced the number of compost collection containers by 60 percent by locating them strategically throughout the campus. The school was able to reduce the cost of labor and bin liners while maintaining the same level of compost collection.


All businesses operating in King County outside of the City of Seattle are eligible for the list. To qualify, businesses must meet five basic criteria, as well as 10 additional waste reduction and recycling criteria. Learn more here.



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Ivar’s Restaurants and Cedar Grove® team up to give diners a free bag of compost

Friday, August 5, 2016

Free bag of compost to Ivar's customers
on Tuesday August 16

Ivar’s Restaurants and Cedar Grove are teaming up to provide free bags of compost to all lunchtime customers at Ivar’s Seafood Bar on Aurora Avenue (13448 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133) on August 16 from 11am – 2pm.

Seattle Tilth educator and garden hotline program manager Laura Matter will also be on site to provide free gardening advice, including tips on how to use compost.

The restaurants’ robust food scrap recycling program is part of its overall sustainability program, wherein valuable food scraps are diverted away from the landfill to be transformed into nutrient-rich compost at Cedar Grove facilities.

“As one of the first restaurants in Seattle to compost food waste more than a decade ago, Ivar's has been a leader in reusable packaging, working with the city and county on solutions to compost all packaging and working with suppliers and industry leaders like Cedar Grove to institute best practices,” said Bob Donegan, president of Ivar’s. 

Since 2008, Ivar’s commitment to providing its customers with compostable food service ware and supporting a robust composting program in its restaurants resulted in a diversion of nearly 5,000 tons of food scraps and food packaging materials from the landfill.

In addition, Ivar’s has diverted tons of compostable food waste and materials from landfills through its operations in regional stadium concessions and the Boeing Classic.

Because food scraps in a landfill create methane, one of the most harmful, ozone-layer depleting gases, recycling food scraps is an important first step for restaurants and households to take to positively impact the environment.

In turn, Ivar’s purchases bulk compost for landscaping of its 23 quick-serve Seafood Bars and three full-service restaurants. In essence, re-using much of what they put in.

“Ivar’s commitment to the environment and the Seattle community is real and, through its composting program, it chose to lead the pack as an early adopter of best environmental practices in the restaurant industry,” said Karen Dawson, director of marketing and community relations, Cedar Grove.


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Spring RecycleFest in Shoreline Saturday

Tuesday, May 10, 2016


Spring RecycleFest
Saturday, May 14, 9-3 pm
Sears Back Lot, 15711 Aurora Ave N

Shoreline’s RecycleFest offers residents the opportunity to recycle items, which would otherwise be difficult to recycle. Foam blocks and a variety of construction materials will be accepted, as well as bicycles in any condition, which will be donated to Bike Works.
 
RecycleFest is free for all Shoreline residents.
 
Event flyers providing a detailed list of accepted items will be mailed to all residents closer to the event date. The webpage also has the details about what will be accepted.
 
Bring the event flyer or your driver’s license with a Shoreline address as proof of residence. 

Note that only pick-up trucks or smaller vehicles will be allowed to enter. 

If you are hauling items on behalf of a neighbor or want to bring a trailer to the event, you must call 206-801-2455 for approval prior to the event.



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Republic Services expands recycling options in LFP

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Photo by Anton Fomkin

Beginning April 4, 2016, Republic Services will collect household batteries and used cooking oil from Lake Forest Park residents.

For single family residential customers only, place household batteries (alkaline, button cell, and rechargeable batteries) in a clear plastic bag (such as a ziplock) on top of the recycling container (not inside the recycling container).

Used cooking oil, free of large solid material, should be placed in a clean/clear, screw top, one gallon jug. The container must be labeled with your name and address and placed next to your recycle container. There is a limit of three oil containers per collection, with no more than 10 per year. 

For additional information view the special handling guide here.



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Shoreline tree recycling

Monday, December 28, 2015

Shoreline hosts a one day Christmas Tree Recycling Event to help Shoreline residents recycle their holiday trees. Please remove all hooks, ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands. Do not bring flocked, artificial or garden trees, branches, wreaths, or swags.

Saturday, January 9, 9 - 3pm at the Meridian Park Elementary School parking lot; 17077 Meridian Ave N. Trees will be recycled by Recology CleanScapes, but they won’t be chipped on-site at the event.

If there is snow or ice on the road on event day, January 9, call 206-801-2450 for a recorded message of the event’s status.

Other options for disposal of holiday trees in Shoreline include:

  • If you have Recology CleanScapes yard debris collection, recycle your tree curbside. Cut your tree into 4 foot lengths, and place them next to your yard debris container at the curb for collection at no cost. No flocked, tinseled, or artificial trees are accepted; and trees without a yard debris cart next to them will not be collected.
  • If you have a flocked, tinseled or an artificial tree, and you have Recology CleanScapes curbside garbage collection, cut it to fit inside your garbage cart for free collection. If the tree is taller than 4 feet, cut it into 4 ft. sections, and put them next to your garbage cart for a collection cost of $4.10.
  • Recycle your tree for a cost at the Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station at 2300 N 165 St Call 206-477-4466 for information on rates.
  • Recycle your tree for a fee at Pacific Topsoils in North Seattle, 1212 N 107th St, Seattle or Kenmore (7500 NE 175th St, Kenmore).
  • If you live in a neighborhood served by Scout troops, follow the instructions on the envelope left at your door.



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Free storm debris and Christmas Tree recycling event for LFP residents Jan 9

Friday, December 25, 2015

There will be a free storm debris and Christmas tree collection/recycling event for LFP residents on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 9am – 12pm at the City Hall lower parking lot. Republic Services will be on hand collecting for the free recycling.

The Lake Forest Park Youth Council will be present helping to support the free event and raise funds for the Lake Forest Park Police Department Nurturing Trust Program Fund.

Bring bare trees and remove all tinsel, lights, and ornaments. No flocked trees. Secure your loads and bring proof of address in the form of a valid photo ID. Only passenger vehicles may enter.

Here is the Traffic Control Plan to help guide you through the event.




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Recycling efforts earn Lake Forest Park Blue Planet Award

Friday, May 22, 2015

Republic Services has once again recognized Lake Forest Park residents for achieving an outstanding 65 percent residential and commercial recycling rate.

At its May 14 meeting, the City Council was presented Republic Services’ prestigious Blue Planet Award for earning Class A Recycling City status.

This award is reserved for cities that reach a 60 percent or higher residential recycling rate. The state average is near 50 percent.



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Lake Forest Park diverts landfill waste at twice the national average

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Lake Forest Park remains one of the best recycling cities in King County and the State of Washington.

Last year, residents recycled and composted two thirds of its curbside-collected material (the national average is 30 percent; LFP recycles more than twice the national average at 65 percent).

“We are excited by the trend,” said Aaron Halverson Environmental Programs Manager. “We continue to encourage recycling and have set 70 percent as our citywide residential recycling goal.”

“We continue to invest in our recycling processing facility to further expand recyclable items,” Janet Prichard of Republic Services said. Republic Services is the City’s environmental partner and operates the largest recycling processing facility in the Northwest.


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Earth Smart Green Fair Saturday

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

The 12th annual Earth Smart Green Fair is taking place on Saturday, March 14, 2015, 10:00am  – 2:00pm at Third Place Commons on the upper level of Town Center in Lake Forest Park at the intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Ways.

Over 20 exhibitors signed up this year to provide education on topics like reducing your waste, recycling, and safe yard care practices.

Janet Prichard from Republic Services will be giving a presentation on better recycling practices from 10:30 to 11:15am.

The City will be providing giveaways through the EQC and Youth Council booth like reusable grocery bags, kitchen compost containers, and vegetable seeds.



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Compact Fluorescent Lightbulb (CFL) recycling offered at LFP City Hall

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Help divert hazardous waste from landfills by bringing your used compact fluorescent light bulbs to City Hall for recycling. CFLs contain mercury, which is a hazardous substance if disposed of improperly. Never place them in your curbside garbage or recycling containers.

The City of Lake Forest Park applies for local hazardous waste grant funding from King County every year to pay for residents to recycle used batteries and electronics. This year the City is adding CFL recycling to the mix as well.

Here are websites to help you find where and how to recycle objects that do not go in your curbside recycling or offered at City Hall:

Lake Forest Park residents - take the City survey on recycling


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Christmas Tree and storm debris recycling at Lake Forest Park City Hall Jan 10

Friday, January 2, 2015

Traffic plan for tree recycling event
in Lake Forest Park January 10

There will be a free collection event for Lake Forest Park residents on Saturday, January 10, 2015 from 9am-12pm at the City Hall lower parking lot. Allied Waste/ Republic Services will be on hand collecting storm debris and Christmas trees for free recycling.

Please bring bare trees and remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments, and no flocked trees.

Secure your loads and bring proof of address in the form of a valid photo ID. Only passenger vehicles can enter.



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Statewide electronics recycling collected 250 million pounds of electronics

Here's what to do with the old computer

E-Cycle Washington reached a milestone in November as Washington’s statewide electronics recycling program passed 250 million pounds of TVs, computers and other electronics collected since starting in 2009.

Over the past six years, Washington residents have turned in more than 5.4 million electronic devices. Electronic items contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, and should not go to a landfill.

The Washington Department of Ecology estimates the E-Cycle program has prevented 23 million pounds of lead from ending up in the trash.

“Computers and electronics are essential to our society, and so is a clean environment.” said Maia Bellon, Ecology’s director. “It’s programs like these that make a profound difference for all us right now and for future generations.”

E-Cycle accepts computers, monitors, laptops, tablet computers, televisions, portable DVD players and e-readers at no cost to consumers. Manufacturers pay for the program under a 2006 Washington law.

There are 340 E-Cycle drop-off sites across the state. Search for the site nearest you.

Recycling is provided free of charge to households, small businesses, school districts, small governments and charities at authorized collection sites. 


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Successful plastic film recycling challenge in LFP reaches goal early

Thursday, January 1, 2015

LFP film recycling was so successful
it is finishing early

Since it began on August 1, 2014, the plastic film recycling challenge hosted by the City of Lake Forest Park has collected over 950 pounds of plastic film.

The challenge included Grocery bags, Bread bags, Dry cleaning bags, Newspaper sleeves, Ice bags, Wood pellet bags, Ziploc and other reclosable bags, Produce bags, Bubble wrap, Salt bags, and Cereal bags

The amount collected was nearly double the volume needed to qualify for a free Trex recycled bench for Whispering Willow Park

The community’s overwhelming response has also resulted in the need to conclude the challenge earlier than previously advertised. The program is officially ending on January 1, 2015 and all bins will be removed.

Thank you to the volunteers on the Environmental Quality Commission for collecting, transporting, and tabulating plastic collection totals!

Residents may continue to recycle plastic bags by filling a single bag with many, tying a knot at the top, and placing the bundle of bags in the mixed recycling tote bin.

Click on the Link to Recycling Survey to take a survey on recycling and help the City identify areas needing additional recycling education. 


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What to do with the Christmas Tree?

Wednesday, December 31, 2014


The tree should still be good and you can enjoy it for another week. But for those who like to plan ahead - here are the local ways to dispose of your Christmas tree.


Scouts

If you are fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood served by a Boy Scout or Girl Scout Troop, you will have found an envelope at your door with instructions about what day to put your tree at curbside for pick up by your local scout troop. The envelope is for your donation for troop activities. If you did not get an envelope, you are not in the service area.


City of Shoreline Recycling Event - Saturday, January 10, 8-4pm

Meridian Park School parking lot, 17077 Meridian Ave N

The City hosts a one day Christmas Tree Recycling Event to help Shoreline residents recycle their holiday trees. Remove all hooks, ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands. Do not bring flocked, artificial or garden trees, branches, wreaths, or swags.

Trees will be recycled by Recology CleanScapes, but they won’t be chipped on-site at the event. If there is snow or ice on the road on event day, January 10, call 206-801-2450 for a recorded message of the event’s status.


Recology CleanScapes yard waste collection - Shoreline 

If you have Recology CleanScapes yard debris collection, recycle your tree curbside. Cut your tree into 4 foot lengths, and place them next to your yard debris container at the curb for collection at no cost. No flocked, tinseled, or artificial trees are accepted; and trees without a yard debris cart next to them will not be collected.

Recology CleanScapes garbage collection - Shoreline
If you have a flocked, tinseled or an artificial tree, and you have Recology CleanScapes curbside garbage collection, cut it to fit inside your garbage cart for free collection. If the tree is taller than 4 feet, cut it into 4 ft. sections, and put them next to your garbage cart for a collection cost of $4.08.

Recycling and Transfer Station - all residents
Recycle your tree for a cost at the Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station at 2300 N. 165 St. Please call (206) 477-4466 for information on rates.

Pacific Topsoils - North Seattle and Kenmore
Recycle your tree for $3 at Pacific Topsoils in North Seattle (1212 N 107th St, Seattle) or Kenmore (7500 NE 175th St, Kenmore). 



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Plastic film recycling project in Lake Forest Park

Sunday, November 16, 2014

From "Bag it: The Movie"
The City of Lake Forest Park is hosting a plastic film recycling challenge for six months. The project, which started on August 1, looks to collect plastic materials not usually recycled locally.
  • Grocery bags
  • Bread bags
  • Case overwrap
  • Dry cleaning bags
  • Newspaper sleeves
  • Ice bags
  • Wood pellet bags
  • Ziploc and other reclosable bags
  • Produce bags
  • Bubble wrap
  • Salt bags and Cereal bags.
All materials must be clean. Two bins are located outside of City Hall for collection of these plastic materials. 

If the City recycles enough plastic film, a free recycled bench by Trex will be donated for Whispering Willow Park. Volunteers on the Environmental Quality Commission are collecting, transporting and tabulating plastic collections totals.


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Clean the garage - it's time for RecycleFest in Shoreline

Monday, September 8, 2014

2014 Fall Residential RecycleFest
Saturday, Sept. 13, 9:00am to 3:00pm
Sears Rear Parking Lot - enter from N 160th
15711 Aurora Avenue North

Shoreline's RecycleFest offers residents the opportunity to recycle items which would otherwise be difficult to recycle.

Styrofoam, plate glass and a variety of construction materials will be accepted, as well as bicycles in any condition, which will be donated to Bike Works.

Sponsored by City of Shoreline in cooperation with the King County Solid Waste Division and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Event flyers with full details were mailed to all households in Shoreline. To attend the event, place the event flyer on your dashboard or provide your driver’s license showing Shoreline residency.

Or call 206-801-2455 for more info.


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