Glass will no longer be accepted for recycling at all Skagit County Transfer Stations for the indefinite future starting October 1. Due to a closure of a glass manufacturing facility in Seattle, there is no longer any facility in the area that will take our recycled glass.
Glass from households was previously accepted by residential drop-off at all three transfer stations in the County: Skagit County Recycling and Transfer Station on Ovenell, Clear Lake Compactor Site, and the Sauk Transfer Station. Customers are now advised to dispose of glass containers with household garbage. Glass that has been currently accepted for recycling at the transfer stations will be disposed of in the landfill.
This is a regional issue affecting many counties in our state. A regional bottle manufacturer in Seattle went out of business unexpectedly over the summer, leading to an abrupt decrease in demand for recycled glass. Typically, recycled glass is remade into glass wine and beer bottles. Industry groups have reported a decline in demand for bottles, which has led to less demand for recycled glass material.
This is not currently affecting curbside recycling customers within Skagit County. If you have any questions, please reach out to Margo Gillaspy, Solid Waste Division Manager, at [email protected].
