Recycling

View the Recycling Flyer to find out what we accept and where to take it. Click the image to open the flyer as a PDF document.  Recycling locations and other info are listed on the backside of the flyer. Call 360-385-9160 if you have questions about recycling.

Jefferson County WA's what to recycle flyer

Residential Curbside Recycling

Inside Port Townsend city limits: City of PT Trash Collection/Recycling page. In Jefferson County, outside Port Townsend city limits, contact Olympic Disposal at 360-452-7278 or 800-422-7854.

Workplace Recycling

Olympic Disposal’s commercial garbage customers within the City of Port Townsend receive recycling services at no extra charge. Contact Olympic Disposal at 360-385-6612 or 1-800-422-7854.

Batteries

Rechargeable (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Ni-Zn), lithium (Li-Ion Primary), and button/coin cell batteries are accepted for recycling at the Transfer Station Environmental Center, Public Works Office, 623 Sheridan St., Port Townsend, Mon. – Fri., 8 am – 5 pm and Quilcene Drop Box (no charge).

Automotive, ‘wet cell’ lead-acid batteries, are accepted at the Transfer Station (tipping floor) during normal operating hours. Standard tipping fees apply.

Alkaline batteries are not accepted for recycling and may be disposed of in the trash after covering the terminal ends with tape or wrapping each battery in plastic.

Paint Recycling

The Department of Ecology has contracted with PaintCare to establish collection points for unused oil-based and latex paints where those products are sold. The PaintCare program launched April 1, 2021 with a single collection point at Peninsula Paint Center located at 315 Decatur St., Port Townsend.  Residents or businesses with large amounts of oil-based or latex paints may be eligible for pick-up service from Paint Care.  For questions about the PaintCare program or to find other retail collection points, please visit: www.paintcare.org/states/washington/ or phone (360) 450-1639. PaintCare Washington Launch Press Release.

The PaintCare program is independent of Jefferson County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program.   Residents may also dispose of oil-based and latex paints at our household hazardous waste collection events.

Other Recycling RESOURCES

 

September 2024

Regional Recycled Glass Markets Closed

Regional outlets for recycled glass have suddenly stopped accepting incoming material. Cheaper imports and a market demand decline is the cause. This has left Puget Sound counties big and small scrambling to find alternative markets for recycling or reuse glass. The few alternative regional markets have quickly reached capacity from the unexpected diversion of material. Counties are now storing materials onsite until an outlet can be found.

Residents should continue to include glass as part of the County’s recycling program as they normally would. We will continue to search for market outlets and will stockpile glass until we reach holding capacity.

Please stay tuned for updates.

Recycling videos

Get answers to common recycling questions and learn about contaminants.

Blue is Recycling, Red is Garbage
by Commissioner Greg Brotherton and Tracy & David Grisman

Is Recycling Worth It Anymore? The Truth Is Complicated. – NPR
Watch this eye-opening video about recycling.

How Big Business Broke Recycling (And Blamed You) – PBS Terra

This video reflects Jefferson County Solid Waste’s experience with recycling. 

Houston plastic recycle program struggles
Houston partnered with ExxonMobil and other companies to perform “advanced recycling,” which they say can handle the recycling of any type of plastic. But critics say “advanced recycling” may not be a viable solution and is a talking point used by the petro-chemical industry to keep consumers buying and using plastic guilt-free.