If you need additional information in regards to business waste prevention, recycling and recycled product purchasing, please contact us by
e-mail or call (425) 587-3812.
NEW!
2009 Business Reuse, Recycle, Conserve Newsletter
See the latest version of our newsletter hot off the presses and chock full of recycling goodness! This edition has an article on how your business can save money by taking advantage of free City business recycling program offerings, information on the upcoming Recycling Collection Event for Businesses, another Ask Rita article, and helpful tips to recycle electronics, batteries, and compact fluorescent lights.
Business Recycling Brochure
See how your business can save money by recycling more. Recycling service is provided at no extra cost in Kirkland! The City of Kirkland offers free desk side containers, recycling presentations, and technical assistance to help your business save. Call us to today at (425) 587-3812.
2009 King County Best Workplaces for Recycling
Nine Kirkland businesses have been named to King County's 2009 Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction list!
Business Recycing Guidelines
Check out this great new Business Recycling Guidelines informational handout from Waste Management.
- Recycling is available at no extra cost! Get a free recycling dumpster (up to 1-1/2 times the size of your Waste Management garbage dumpster).
- "All in One" recycling. All recyclable materials can go in one container - no more separation of glass, plastic, metal, or paper.
- Many recyclable materials are collected. Recyclable materials include: paper (newspapers, mixed paper, mail), cardboard, plastic (bottles, jugs, dairy tubs - no lids or caps), glass (bottles and jars), and metal (aluminum and steel cans).
Here are some resources to reduce waste at your business:
Recycling Assistance (provided by Kirkland Public Works)
- Deskside recycling containers (while supplies last)
- "All in One" stickers for recycling containers
- On-site assistance to improve or start a recycling program. Invite a recycling specialist from the City to your business to conduct a waste assessment.
- On-site staff training or presentations to help boost recycling at your business. A City representative will visit your next staff meeting to promote recycling. Call (425) 587-3812 for more information or to schedule a visit.
Recycling Unusual Items
Many resources are available to help your business recycle unusual or difficult to recycle items.
- The King County Business Recycling and Reuse Database lists sources for recycling and donation of used materials (ex. vendors who accept scrap metal, wood pallets, cell phones, etc for reuse or recycling).
- King County's Take It back Network provides a list of local electronics repair, resale shops, recyclers and nonprofit groups that recycle or reuse electronic equipment and fluorescent bulbs and tubes. Computers, televisions, and fluorescent bulbs are not accepted in the garbage.
- The Industrial Materials Exchange (IMEX) is a King County service designed to match businesses that produce wastes, industrial by-products, or surplus materials with businesses that need them.
- Construction Recycling/Green Building is a King County program designed to ensure that jobsite material is recycled to the greatest extent possible and to provide assistance with green building practices.
Commercial Organics
Commercial organics collection is available at no additional cost. Your business can receive up to two lined 64-gallon cart that are emptied on Monday and Friday. Call (425) 556-2897 to request your outdoor cart(s) and training materials for your staff.
Hazardous Waste
Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County
Hazardous Waste "Yellow Book" lists proper disposal resources for hazardous materials.
King County's LinkUp program is working with businesses to increase the use of recycled materials. It provides free, easy-to-access technical and marketing assistance to selected Puget Sound area businesses that process recyclable materials or use them to manufacture recycled-content products.
Green Business Recognition Programs
- The Kirkland Green Business Program gives Kirkland-based business the recognition that they deserve in six different categories including waste reduction and recycling, water conservation, energy efficiency, green building, transportation, and pollution prevention.
- King County's Workplace Recycling Program recognizes great workplace recycling programs.
- Envirostars is a program that certifies businesses for their efforts in preventing pollution and reducing hazardous waste
Frequently Asked Questions
RECYCLING
How much does recycling service cost?
What is recyclable?
What if materials are contaminated?
Can I put recyclables in black plastic trash bags and place the bags in the recycling dumpster?
I have a recycling dumpster from Waste Management that is labeled "Paper and Cardboard Only." Why can't I recycle more materials?
My recycling dumpster is from a different recycling company, not Waste Management. Can I put the same items in it as Waste Management collects?
FOOD RECYCLING
What is food recycling?
How much does food recycling through the City of Kirkland cost?
What types of food are acceptable for this program?
What happens to collected organic material?
Why should my business participate in food recycling?
Who do I call to set up commercial organics service?
How much does recycling service cost?
Recycling service is included at no additional cost for businesses that have garbage collection service through Waste Management.
Businesses are eligible for free recycling at a volume of up to 150% the size of their weekly garbage collection. For instance, if your business has a 4-cubic yard garbage dumpster, you’re entitled to receive 6-cubic yards of recycling at no extra cost!
What is recyclable?
Check out our Business Recycling Guidelines here.
Lots of materials are now recyclable. Items include:
Paper: Magazines, office paper, newspaper, cardboard (no food soiled paper or tissues)
Plastics: Plastic bottles, dairy tubs, jugs only (no lids)
Glass: Glass bottles and jars
Metal: Aluminum cans and steel cans
Shredded paper: Place in a clear, tied-off plastic bag
In Kirkland, you do not have to separate your recyclables - all recyclables go into one container! |
What if materials are contaminated?
If most of the material collected for recycling is incorrect, it will be disposed of as trash.
Can I put recyclables in black plastic trash bags and place the bags in the recycling dumpster?
No. The driver will not be able to tell if this is garbage or recycling. Materials need to be loose in the recycling dumpster.
I have a recycling dumpster from Waste Management that is labeled "Paper and Cardboard Only." Why can't I recycle more materials?
If you have service through Waste Management and the sticker on your dumpster says “Paper and Cardboard Only” you have an outdated sticker.
Call Waste Management at (800) 592-9995 and ask for an “All-in-One Recycling” dumpster sticker.
My recycling dumpster is from a different recycling company, not Waste Management. Can I put the same items in it as Waste Management collects?
No. Check with your recycling company directly to find out what materials are accepted in their program.
What is food recycling?
The City of Kirkland offers free collection of food scraps and food-soiled paper from businesses (up to two carts, collected twice a week).
How much does food recycling through the City of Kirkland cost?
Businesses within the City limits of Kirkland are eligible for collection of up to two carts picked up twice a week for no additional cost. Any amount over two carts will have a charge.
What types of food are acceptable for this program?
All food and food scraps - meat, dairy, grains, bread, pasta, vegetables and fruit. No soups or liquids. No metals, plastics or glass.
What happens to collected organic material?
Materials are sent to Cedar Grove Composting where they are shredded, placed in large piles and covered with a sheet of Gore-Tex. After nine weeks, items are broken down into soil amendment and are ready for landscaping.
Why should my business participate in food recycling?
Food recycling can save your business money by reducing your garbage volume (and cost). Food recycling is also more environmentally-friendly than throwing materials in the trash. It reduces the amount of materials going to local landfills and turns food scraps into a valuable new product- compost!
Who do I call to set up commercial organics service?
Contact the City of Kirkland’s recycling specialist at (425) 587-3878. You will receive help with setting up an interior collection system, receive free posters listing what can and cannot be composted, and the recycling specialist will arrange for the delivery of your outdoor carts.
Other Resources
Waste Management Customer Service, (800) 592-9995
Solid Waste Collection and Recycling service sign-up and information.
City of Kirkland Commercial (Business) Utility Rates & Billing Questions
King County Construction Works Program
Tools and assistance to help you recycle construction, demolition, and deconstruction materials during your building project.
King County Business Waste Line (206) 263-8899
Call for information on types of hazardous waste, proper disposal options, and waste reduction.
King County Solid Waste Division Website dedicated to business recycling services to include workplace recycling, recycling information for property managers, and waste prevention activities.
The National Recycling Coalition
A national non-profit advocacy group dedicated to eliminating waste and promoting sustainable economies through sound resource management practices.
Recycling Hotline (Dept. of Ecology), (800)-RECYCLE
Statewide waste reduction and recycling information.
http://1800recycle.wa.gov/ or www.wa.gov/ecology
US EPA's Campaigning Against Waste
A comprehensive site with information environmental issues, recycling, and waste reduction.
Washington State Recycling Association