Waste Reduction and Recycling

Waste Reduction

Beyond Waste is the state plan for managing hazardous and solid waste. This 30-year plan has a clear and simple goal: eliminate wastes and toxics whenever we can and use the remaining wastes as resources. Go to the website for information on how we can reduce waste through the plan initiatives.

FREE Business Assistance - Ecology's Technical Resources for Engineering Efficiency (TREE) Team offers assistance to businesses and industries to engineer efficiency into their operations -- reducing wastes, water and energy use.

Reusable Materials Exchange - Find reusable building materials and a variety of household items on.

Washington's Lean and Environment program provides information and assistance on lean manufacturing practices, which can reduce the impact of waste, pollution and toxicity in work environments and help the bottom line.

Toward a Sustainable Washington shows some of the steps that the Department of Ecology is taking to foster sustainable communities and natural resources within our state.

A Pocket Guide to Sustainability explains sustainability, with examples, and provides a checklist of activities that anyone could easily incorporate into their daily lives. (Spanish version: Breve Guía Sobre Sustentabilidad)

Toxic Free Tips - Resources for a safer and healthier home, school, workplace, and community.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) - Provides an overview, benefits, product fact sheets, and "how to" of EPP, also known as green or responsible purchasing.

Natural Yard Care - Department of Ecology website and brochure with tools and ideas for maintaining your yard, naturally.

Composting - Learn how to reduce and recycle organic wastes.

Green Building - Reduce waste through green building. This site provides links to organizations and resources on green building in Washington State.

Recycling

1-800-Recycle (Searchable Website and Information Line) - Discover options for recycling materials in your county.

Event Recycling - Focus on Washington's regulations and resources for recycling at official gatherings and sports facilities.

Managing Food Scraps at Institutions and Agencies - Tips and techniques on starting a food scrap management program at institutions and agencies.

E-Cycle Washington - Environmentally responsible recycling program for computers, monitors, laptops and televisions.

Recycling Rate Press Release - The latest news on Washington's recycling, diversion and waste generation rates.

Focus on the Benefits of Recycling - Recycling is more than a way to manage wastes. It is an important way to reduce the harmful environmental effects of industrial activities, and a thriving recycling system creates jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Recycling - Twenty questions and answers about recycling various materials.

City, County Recycling Web Pages - Recycling and solid waste links and contact information for all 39 Washington counties and more than 20 cities.

Other Resources & Links - Recycling tools and links to other environmental agencies and associations.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Data

Solid Waste Information Clearinghouse - This site is designed to help local government professionals share their experiences, information and resources about solid waste programs and activities around the state:

Access to Residential Recycling in Washington State (Map) - This map shows access to residential recycling in Washington, including curbside programs, drop-off locations and buy-back centers.

Waste 2 Resources Program Data - Find details on the management of Washington's waste streams, including data on solid waste generation, disposal, recycling, waste diversion, waste composition, and bioenergy inventory.

Solid Waste in Washington State (Annual Waste 2 Resources Program Status Report) - An overview of the solid waste infrastructure in the state, the implementation of solid waste activities through various programs including grants to local governments, litter collection efforts, and information on waste generation, disposal, recycling and diversion.

Beyond Waste Progress Report - A series of sixteen indicators that track progress toward Beyond Waste goals.

Facility Report Forms

Recycling Annual Report Form
Compost Annual Report Form
Recycling Survey Form
Other Solid Waste Facility Report Forms
Exemptions from Solid Waste Permitting
Local Health Jurisdictions in Washington - Contact information for local health departments.

Please contact the Waste 2 Resources webmaster if you have questions or comments.