In the Evergreen State, we all recognize nature’s beauty and the importance of protecting our environment. Everyone wants to do their part. Unfortunately, though, it can get confusing–what can be recycled in Tacoma? Which materials go in which bin?
This blog post will serve as your guide to Tacoma recycling. We’ll discuss what to recycle and where, and how Sutter Metals can fill in the gaps with recycling services for e-scrap, vehicles, construction site waste, and more.
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What Can Be Recycled in Tacoma
Almost all of us have access to those blue recycling bins, which are taken to the city’s recycling facilities. Different cities and counties have different rules for what can go into those bins. Some recycling facilities have the resources and equipment to handle various types of materials, others can only take specific recyclables like glass or metal.
For Tacoma recycling, let’s take a look at what can go in that blue bin at your home or business, what you can take to a drop-off facility, and what might qualify for other recycling options.
In Your Blue Recycling Bin
This bin is where the majority of recycling happens. It’s important to take advantage of it, as it’s the foundation of the recycling efforts each of us can make individually. But, it’s equally important not to misuse it–putting the wrong materials in your bin can contaminate the recycling stream or damage equipment.
Here’s what can go into blue recycling bins in Tacoma:
- Plastic bottles without caps, like soda bottles
- Plastic jugs without lids, like laundry detergent jugs
- Plastic tubs without lids, like yogurt containers
- Mixed paper, including envelopes with plastic windows
- Paperboard, like cereal boxes and toilet paper tubes
- Flattened cardboard
- Aluminum cans
- Metal cans, without loose lids
Before putting any plastic or metal containers in your recycling bin, be sure to rinse off any food or debris. Additionally, here are some common items that are not accepted in Tacoma recycling bins:
- Pizza boxes
- Frozen food boxes
- Cartons
- Plastic clamshell containers
- Aluminum foil
- Styrofoam
- Prescription bottles
- Shredded paper
At a Drop-Off Facility
Plastic bags, including grocery bags, zipper bags, and some packaging, can be dropped off at various stores. These should never be put into recycling bins.
Several types of household hazardous waste can be dropped off at the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center. Examples include household cleaners, glues, antifreeze, fluorescent bulbs, insecticides, and more. You can also drop off empty glass bottles and jars without lids, styrofoam blocks, batteries, appliances, and various other items at the facility.
Other Tacoma Recycling Options
The City of Tacoma also offers curbside collection for food and yard waste to be composted. Sadly, 30-40% of food is wasted, and food waste is the largest category of material in landfills. This makes it essential to consider ways you can reduce your food waste and divert as much of it as possible from the garbage.
Your One-Stop Depot for Tacoma Recycling: Sutter Metals
As a local, family-owned company, Sutter Metals is committed to helping keep our beautiful state green. Recycling is what we do. Our various recycling services in Tacoma can fill in the gaps for what city bins can’t do. Not to mention, we make recycling not just eco-friendly but wallet-friendly by paying you for your scrap metal.
We uphold all state and federal regulations and offer convenient, specialized services to make recycling in Tacoma easy, effective, and advantageous.
Construction Site Waste and Commercial Recycling
Commercial properties and construction sites often want to do their part by recycling, but can’t afford to disrupt operations or compromise on efficiency to do so. With Sutter Metals, we make it easy with personalized service, convenient drop-off bins, and mobile bailing and crushing.
We start with a one-on-one consultation to understand your needs and find the right solution. A drop bin at your project site makes it easy for workers to collect recyclable materials without interrupting operations. If you’re a builder or contractor looking for practical recycling solutions at your demolition or construction site, we’d love to work with you.
Vehicle Recycling
The majority of a car’s materials can be recycled and reused. Vehicle recycling is a sustainable choice that can also benefit your budget. We collaborate with regional scrapping facilities to offer competitive prices for your junk vehicle, and convenient pick-up or drop-off options. You can bring your old car to us, or we can come get it.
Recycling for Individuals
It’s our goal to make recycling accessible and worthwhile to everyone, and we want to make sure everything that can get recycled does get recycled. Sutter Metals recycles various types of scrap metal and electronics. From aluminum cans, shell brass, or copper wire to laptops and stainless steel appliances, we’ve got you covered.
We understand that you need quick, convenient recycling solutions to fit into your busy schedule, and that’s exactly what we offer. Feel free to call us ahead of time with any questions and to get a quote for your scrap metal.
Learn More at Sutter Metals Today
There are a lot of ways people can help keep our natural world clean and healthy, and recycling is one of the easiest places to start. Make sure you’re taking advantage of Tacoma recycling resources. For metal that doesn’t go in the bin, larger materials at construction sites, vehicles, and more, Sutter Metals is your one-stop depot for recycling.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or get a quote for your scrap metal. Let’s work together to keep Tacoma beautiful!