No agricultural plastics recycling events this year in San Juan County

Published 2:54 pm Friday, November 4, 2011

Update from San Juan County hazardous waste coordinator Helen Venada.

San Juan County farmers, nurseries, and gardeners have recycled over 33 tons of “agricultural plastics” over the last four years through collection events on each island. Public Works and partners, WSU Master Gardeners/Ag Program, San Juan Islands Conservation District, and the Agricultural Resources Committee will not be sponsoring collections this year because there is no grant funding to help cover costs.

Generators of clean, dry, and sorted drip tape, plastic/nylon strapping, twine, nursery pots/flats, and plant labels can self-haul these materials to Skagit River Steel and Recycling in Burlington at a current recycling fee of $.03/pound. There are no regional markets at this time for plastic hay bale wrap, tarps, reemay row cover or PVC pipe, but Skagit River Steel & Recycling (800-869-7097 x227)) may have information on changing market conditions in the future.

Recycled agricultural plastics are used in the manufacture of truck bed liners, decking, black plastic landscape supplies, drain pipe, plastic lumber for benches, posts and pilings, pallets, automotive components, tool handles and black trash bags. Purchasing new materials made from recycled content can help to stimulate recycling markets.

Please remember: Burning plastics is not a disposal option! It is illegal and creates highly toxic fumes that are especially harmful to people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory/cardiac problems.

Thank you for recycling!

For more information, contact Venada at 370-0503.