In August, the Lynnwood Waste Reduction Team toured the Republic Services Recycling Facility and Community Learning Center in Seattle.
The Seattle Learning Center is designed to educate the community, including children, on proper recycling behaviors and offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look into recycling technology and the process for different materials.
The team learned more about the upcoming Recycling Reform Act and got an inside look at the important work happening behind the scenes. It was a great reminder that recycling doesn’t end at the curb – it takes dedicated people and the right processes to keep materials moving in the right direction!
Each year, the Republic Services Recycling Facility processes 200,000 tons of recyclables. Reuse of these materials has a climate benefit equal to planting 500,000 acres of forest or taking more than 85,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road!
The Seattle Learning Center features interactive educational displays, recycling facts, best practices, and visual demonstrations of the recycling process. Guided tours led by recycling experts help visitors learn how to recycle properly and understand the positive impact recycling has throughout the Puget Sound region.
Recycling Fact:Â Loose plastic bags and bubble wrap slip into machinery gears and break sorting systems, so they belong only at special store drop-off bins.
Want to take a tour?
Free tours of Republic’s Seattle Learning Center, located at 2733 3rd Avenue South, can be scheduled by emailing RecyclePNW@republicservices.com
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
