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Recycling

September 24, 2024: Temporary Change in Glass Recycling
Due to unexpected changes in the international glass market, Tacoma's glass recycling vendor has stopped accepting glass, effective immediately. As a result, Solid Waste Management (SWM) is temporarily sending all collected glass to the landfill to ensure uninterrupted waste services.
 
This is a temporary measure while we actively work on identifying alternative recycling solutions. SWM is committed to sustainable waste management practices, and we are exploring long-term options with regional partners.
 
We will continue to collect glass at all glass drop-off sites and through our commercial recycling program. Please continue to use these facilities. We will keep the community informed as we make progress toward resuming regular glass recycling. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

What Goes Where? 

Residential customers can learn how to responsibly manage their waste using our Recycle Coach "What Goes Where" tool! Use the search bar below to quickly and easily access disposal instructions and resources for thousands of items here in Tacoma.

 


Recycling Guides

The following recycling guides are available to view, print, or download:

 

Residential Recycling Guide

Recycle RightEnglish (8.5"x11")  -  English (11"x17")

Spanish (8.5"x11")  -  Spanish (11"x17")

Korean (8.5"x11")  -  Korean (11"x17")

Vietnamese (8.5"x11")  -  Vietnamese (11"x17")

Khmer (8.5"x11")  -  Khmer (11"x17")

Russian (8.5"x11")  -  Russian (11"x17")

  

  

Multifamily Recycling Guide

Multifamily RecyclingEnglish (11"x17")

Spanish (11"x17")

Korean (11"x17")

Vietnamese (11"x"17")

Khmer (11"x17")

Russian (11"x17")

 

Multifamily Cardboard & Glass Only Recycling Guides are also available to download in English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Khmer and Russian.  

 

Commercial Recycling Guide

Commercial GuideEnglish (8.5"x11") - English (11"x17")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recycle Center and Household Hazardous Waste Guide

Recycle Center GuideEnglish (11"17")

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

NEW Recycling Resources

 

Sort the Sound Game Glass Drop Off Multifamily Recycling Toolkit


I live in a single-family home or duplex

The City of Tacoma offers single-family residents mixed recycling service as part of our commitment to creating a clean and healthy environment.


New Service: Contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or solidwaste@cityoftacoma.org to set up your residential recycling service.

 

Rates: Mixed recycling service is included as part of your monthly garbage bill. Visit our rates page to learn more.

 

Collection Schedule: Download the Recycle Coach mobile app, or visit our Collection Schedule web page to learn when to set out your bin.

 

Setout Guidelines:

  • Set out your bin by 7 AM on your scheduled collection day.
  • Place your bin's wheels toward the curb.
  • Position your bin at least four feet from any obstructions such as other bins, vehicles, telephone poles, fences, and buildings.
  • Remove your bin from the curb once the contents are collected.

DO NOT: 

  • Overfill your bin.
  • Set items outside of your bin.

 

Call a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 if your recycle bin is not picked up.

 

I live in a multifamily home (triplex or larger)

The City of Tacoma offers multifamily properties commercial mixed, cardboard and glass curbside recycling as part of our commitment to creating a clean and healthy environment.

 

Click to download recycling resources:

How to Recycle Right

Moving Guide

Solid Waste Resources for Residents

 

My building does not offer curbside recycling: Start the conversation! Talk to your property manager or HOA board on why recycling is important to you. They can set up a recycling program by contacting a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or solidwaste@cityoftacoma.org.

 

My building needs help with our existing recycling program: We’re here to help! Your property manager or HOA board can contact Solid Waste for education support on your property's recycling program. Education support includes:  

  • Recycling education materials for staff and residents  
  • Recycling presentations from City staff 
  • Free recycling tote bags

I manage a multifamily property (triplex or larger)

The City of Tacoma offers multi-family properties commercial mixed recycling, commingle cardboard, and glass curbside recycling as a part of our commitment to creating a clean and healthy environment. Contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or solidwaste@cityoftacoma.org to set up a recycling program or request technical support. 

 

Make your recycling program a success by following the Multifamily Recycling Toolkit - available in English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Khmer and Russian.

 

The toolkit includes: 

Recycling Program Checklist

Solid Waste Resources for Property Managers

New Resident Welcome Letter

New Recycling Program Letter

How to Recycle Right

Moving Guide

 

Click to download reminders for your residents:


No Bags Graphic Empty Clean Dry Graphic No Pizza Boxes Graphic Multilingual Graphic No Batteries Graphic Call2Haul Graphic

 

Contact Solid Waste for education support on your property’s recycling program. Education support includes:  

  • Recycling education materials for staff and residents  
  • Recycling presentations from City staff 
  • Free recycling tote bags

Rates: Visit cityoftacoma.org/SWMRates to learn about commercial recycling, garbage, and yard and food waste rates.

 

Collection Schedule: Multifamily collection schedules vary by location and recycling service. Contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or solidwaste@cityoftacoma.org to learn about your collection schedule.  

 

Setout Guidelines: 

  • Set out your bin by 6 AM on your scheduled collection day.
  • Set the bin's wheels toward the curb.
  • Position your bin at least four feet from any obstructions, such as other bins, vehicles, telephone poles, fences, and buildings.
  • Remove your bin from the curb once the contents are collected.

DO NOT: 

  • Overfill your bin.
  • Place items outside of your bin.

Call a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 if your recycle bin is not picked up. 

I manage a commercial property (business)

The City of Tacoma offers businesses commercial mixed, cardboard and glass curbside recycling as part of our commitment to creating a clean and healthy environment.  Contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or solidwaste@cityoftacoma.org to set up a recycling program or request technical support.

 

Rates: Visit cityoftacoma.org/SWMRates to learn about commercial recycling, garbage, and yard and food waste rates. 

 

Collection Schedule: Commercial collection schedules varies by your location and recycling service. Contact a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 or solidwaste@cityoftacoma.org to learn about your collection schedule. 

 

Setout Guidelines: 

  • Set out your bin by 6 AM on your scheduled collection day.
  • Set the bin's wheels toward the curb.
  • Position your bin at least four feet from any obstructions, such as other bins, vehicles, telephone poles, fences, and buildings.
  • Remove your bin from the curb once the contents are collected.

DO NOT: 

  • Overfill your bin.
  • Place items outside of your bin.

Call a Solid Waste representative at (253) 502-2100 if your recycle bin is not picked up.

 

The Tacoma Recycle Center and Household Hazardous Waste Facility


Recycle Center PhotoDrop-off recycling is available to residents for free at the Tacoma Recycle Center. You can drop off any recyclable items, including those that cannot be recycled in curbside bins due to size or type of material. All recyclables must be separated.

Download the Recycle Center and Household Hazardous Waste Facility Customer Guide

 

 

 

 Service Update

The Styrofoam processing machine located at the Tacoma Recycle Center is currently inoperable. Visit TacomaRecycles.org/Styrofoam for updates and alternative disposal options. 

 

Location

Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center
3510 S. Mullen St.
Tacoma, WA 98402

 

Hours

Tacoma Recycle Center 
OPEN: Seven days a week, 8 AM-5:30 PM 
CLOSED: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day 

 

Household Hazardous Waste Facility 
OPEN: Friday – Monday; 8 AM – 5:30 PM 
CLOSED: Tuesday–Thursday; New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day 

 

Frequently Asked Recycling Questions

 

Where Does Our Recycling Go?

Commingled recycling collected by the City of Tacoma is sorted at JMK Fibers. This facility, located in the Tacoma Tideflats, uses both state-of-the art equipment and people to sort items and remove any garbage. Once sorted, the recyclables are baled, sold, and turned into new products. JMK Fibers is owned and operated by Waste Management, Inc. Recyclables that are collected at the Tacoma Recycle Center are pre-sorted as they are placed into the bins there. Then, the items are baled, sold, and turned into new products. 


Who do I contact for questions about recycling in Tacoma?
 Contact Solid Waste Management at (253) 502-2100 or solidwaste@cityoftacoma.org.



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