Alexei Volkov
Plastic bags are recyclable in Tacoma, but they need to be combined into one plastic bag and tied closed. Plastic bags can be recycled at the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center, 3510 S Mullen St, and at most Safeways and Fred Meyers. The City of Tacoma offers single-family residents a mixed recycling service, and there are glass drop-off stations located throughout the city. Tacoma's recycling program has recently been affected by high levels of contamination, leading to China stopping the import of recycling from the U.S.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags recyclable? | Yes |
| Plastic bags recycling rules | Plastic bags need to be combined into one plastic bag and tied closed. |
| Plastic bags recycling locations | Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center, 3510 S Mullen St, Fred Meyer on S 19th and Bridgeport, Safeway, Wal-Mart on Union, Home Depot, Lowes |
| Other recyclables | Plastic containers, wrap and film, clamshell-style containers, screw-on lids, clothing hangers, plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, jars, buckets, glass, metal, batteries, hazardous materials |
| Curbside recycling | Curbside glass collection is no longer available. Curbside recycling is available for mixed recyclables, cardboard, and glass for businesses. |
| Recycling contamination | Tacoma has launched a pilot project to reduce contamination in the residential recycling stream. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic bags can be recycled at Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center
- Plastic bags should be placed inside one bag and tied closed
- Plastic bags can be recycled at some Safeway and Fred Meyer stores
- Plastic tubs like yogurt containers are recyclable, but flat lids should be thrown out
- Tacoma has resumed glass recycling at drop-off locations
Plastic bags can be recycled at Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center
Tacoma has been working hard to improve its recycling capabilities and reduce contamination in its recycling streams. The city has partnered with Glass to Glass in Portland, Oregon, to ensure that glass is recycled into new products. There are convenient glass drop-off stations located throughout the city. Tacoma has also launched a two-year pilot project with Prairie Robotics to educate residents about what can and cannot be recycled using smart camera technology to detect contamination.
The city offers single-family residents a mixed-recycling service, and businesses can also take advantage of curbside recycling for mixed recyclables, cardboard, and glass. Tacoma is committed to providing the necessary resources and education to help its residents and businesses effectively manage their waste and reduce their environmental impact.
In addition to the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center, residents can recycle plastic bags at various locations, including some Safeway and Fred Meyer stores. It's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm that a location accepts plastic bags for recycling.
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Plastic bags should be placed inside one bag and tied closed
Plastic bags are a major source of contamination in Tacoma's recycling stream. Plastic bags can be recycled in Tacoma, but they need to be placed inside a single bag and tied closed before being placed in the recycling bin. This is because loose plastic bags can get tangled in recycling equipment.
Tacoma residents can recycle plastic bags from grocery, department stores, and dry cleaning. However, it is important to ensure that these bags are clean, dry, and empty before placing them in the recycling bin.
There are several locations in Tacoma where residents can take their plastic bags for recycling. The Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center on 3510 S Mullen St accepts all thin plastics. Some Safeway stores in Tacoma also have "recycle your plastic bags here" bins inside the entry doors, near the shopping carts. The Fred Meyer stores on S 19th and Bridgeport have containers for plastic bag recycling in the entrance closest to the garden center.
It is important to note that Tacoma's recycling program has faced challenges due to high levels of contamination, which led to China stopping the acceptance of recycling from the United States. The City of Tacoma has implemented initiatives to address this issue, including a pilot project with Prairie Robotics to reduce contamination in the residential recycling stream using smart camera technology.
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Plastic bags can be recycled at some Safeway and Fred Meyer stores
Fred Meyer also has plastic bag recycling bins at the front of their stores. These bins are part of the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste program, which has recycled over 140 million pounds of plastic over three years. The program accepts bubble wrap, plastic overwrap, cereal box liners, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, produce bags, newspaper sleeves, plastic shipping envelopes, clean sandwich bags, and plastic grocery bags. Fred Meyer also offers a mail-in recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle, which accepts plastic packaging from their store brands.
In addition to these options, there are other locations in Tacoma, WA, that accept plastic bags for recycling. For example, 1805 Stewart St accepts all plastics for a fee, and 3510 S Mullen accepts plastic containers, wrap, film, clamshell-style containers, lids, and clothing hangers.
It is important to note that not all plastic items can be recycled, and it is recommended to check with local recycling programs about accepted materials and how to prepare them for recycling.
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Plastic tubs like yogurt containers are recyclable, but flat lids should be thrown out
Plastic tubs, such as yogurt containers, are generally accepted for recycling in Tacoma, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that the containers are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. This is important because any food residue can contaminate the recycling process. Additionally, it is recommended to snap the lids back onto the containers securely. This is because flat lids can fall through the cracks of the recycling machines and will likely be treated as trash. Hence, it is best to throw out these flat lids separately and only recycle the plastic tubs.
It is worth noting that some curbside recycling programs might not accept polypropylene plastic, which is commonly used for yogurt containers. This is due to the low recyclable value of this type of plastic. However, there are alternative options available. For example, you can check if there is a nearby collection program specifically for polypropylene plastic using resources like Recycle More Plastic's map. Alternatively, some stores, such as Whole Foods, have collection bins for plastic tubs like yogurt containers, providing another avenue for responsible recycling.
In Tacoma, there are specific locations that accept plastic containers, wrap, and film for recycling. These locations also accept plastic grocery bags, newspaper bags, and dry cleaning bags, among other plastic items. Therefore, it is important to refer to the guidelines provided by your local waste management services to understand the specific rules and drop-off locations for recycling plastic items, including tubs, containers, and bags, in your area.
While recycling plastic tubs and containers is a positive step towards sustainability, it is also crucial to consider reducing plastic consumption in the first place. This can be achieved by opting for reusable containers and bags whenever possible, thus minimizing the environmental impact of plastic waste. By following the correct recycling guidelines and reducing plastic usage, we can collectively contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
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Tacoma has resumed glass recycling at drop-off locations
As of January 2, 2025, Tacoma has resumed glass recycling at drop-off locations. The City of Tacoma's Environmental Services Department made this decision after conducting a thorough environmental and economic analysis, partnering with Glass to Glass in Portland, Oregon, to ensure that the city's glass is recycled into new products. This resumption of glass recycling is a positive step towards Tacoma's commitment to waste reduction and reuse, with the transition to glass drop-off locations helping to reduce contamination, manage rising recycling costs, and maintain the effectiveness and sustainability of the city's recycling program.
Previously, Tacoma residents experienced disruptions in glass recycling services. In September 2024, the city temporarily halted glass recycling due to unforeseen changes in the international glass market, which caused the previous glass processor to cease accepting glass for recycling. During this interruption, glass collected at drop-off sites was sent to landfills, and the city worked diligently to find a lasting and environmentally friendly solution.
Now, with the resumption of glass recycling at drop-off locations, Tacoma residents can play a crucial role in reducing waste and conserving resources. There are five designated glass drop-off locations throughout Tacoma, including the Recycle Center at the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center, located at 3510 South Mullen Street. These drop-off stations are strategically placed for easy access, enabling residents to conveniently recycle glass jars and bottles.
In addition to glass recycling, the City of Tacoma offers a range of recycling services for its residents. Curbside recycling collection is available for residential, multifamily, and commercial customers, as well as mixed recycling services for single-family residents. Tacoma also provides recycling education materials and support for property managers and HOA boards to promote a culture of environmental responsibility.
It is important to note that Tacoma's recycling guidelines may vary from those of other cities. To ensure proper recycling practices, residents can refer to the City of Tacoma's official websites and resources, such as the Recycle Coach "What Goes Where" tool, which helps residents manage their waste effectively. By staying informed and engaged, Tacoma residents can actively contribute to the city's goal of creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic bags are recyclable in Tacoma. However, they need to be combined into one plastic bag and tied closed. You can recycle plastic bags at Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center, 3510 S Mullen St, or at most Safeways and Fred Meyer stores.
You can recycle plastic bottles, tubs, containers, wrap and film, clamshell-style containers, screw-on lids, and clothing hangers.
The City of Tacoma's website has information about recycling in the city, including a list of glass recycling drop-off stations. The website also has a Recycle Coach "What Goes Where" tool to help residents manage their waste.
Keep your recyclables clean, dry, and empty. Due to high levels of contamination in the recycling stream, it is important to only recycle items that are accepted in Tacoma's recycling program. If in doubt, throw it out.
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