China’s “National Sword” Policy or Blue Skies 2018

WSRA is committed to monitoring and sharing as much information as possible in regards to China’s recent restrictions on imported recyclable materials and the resulting disruptions in recycling markets. These restrictions and changes in the markets having significant impacts on Washington state’s residential and commercial recycling programs, and our membership. We’ve compiled and will continue to update this page with relevant information on this situation.

WSRA Events In Response:

2018 Annual Conference – Our 38th Annual Conference and Trade Show was held at Semiahmoo Resort, May 20-23. Our theme this year was “Navigating the Waves of Change” threading the changes the industry is seeing currently throughout our programming. You can view presentations HERE.
ContaminationFest WRED Event – In the wake of China’s National Sword, we explored the reality of recycling contamination, how bad it is, and potential solutions to clean our act up. You can find the presentations and resources HERE
WSRA Fall Policy Forum Wrap Up – Thank you to those that joined us for our Fall Policy Forum on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, to hear more about the impacts of the China National Sword policy on our state’s recycling infrastructure. Here are the related speaker presentations from that event:

- Chinese Import Policies – Holly Chisa, WA Lobbyist, Ethan Zinck, WA Legislative Committee Co-Chair, ISRI
- City Perspective on 2017 Recycling Markets – Hans Van Dusen, Contracts Manager, Seattle Public Utilities

Washington State Department of Ecology:

Statement from Ecology – “Ecology is expanding the work and scope of our commingled improvement recycling project. Working with partners from local governments, processers, collectors, exporters and end users we are strategizing on both the short and long term.

In Washington, recycling regulations are set by local governments. Ecology is advising local governments to be flexible as our state’s recycling system adapts to these new regulations.”

Impacts of export restrictions on recyclables
Improving commingled recycling in Washington
The WA State Dept. of Ecology has recently released a focus sheet of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for commingled residential recycling. This document is a product of the Commingled Education Workgroup and the result of collaboration between partners from the solid waste industry and local governments across Washington. Find the Focus Sheet (PDF) HERE.
Ecology encourages residents and businesses to continue recycling whenever and whatever is possible. Recycling is still the right thing to do – it saves energy, resources, and reduces greenhouse gases. Just keep these best practices in mind:

- Ensure your recyclables are clean and dry. Food residue is a contaminant. Water gets paper wet and decreases its value.
- Pay attention to instructions from your local city, county, or recycling service. These instructions can change over time with changes in markets.
- When in doubt, throw it out. If an item is not clearly listed as an accepted material for collection, err on the side of throwing it away. Non-recyclable items decrease the effectiveness o/f the system and can reduce the value of other recyclable materials.

Many materials are still being recycled. Aluminum cans, cardboard, plastic water and soda bottles and milk jugs (#1 and #2 bottles) are all in demand by domestic processors as recyclable commodities.

WSRA Member Responses & Resources:

Methow Recycles FAQs
Joint News Release from City of Vancouver Public Works Department’s Solid Waste & Recycling Program and the Clark County Health Department’s Solid Waste Program
Clark County Green Blog – Uncertainty in Recycling Markets – What Does it Mean for Residents?
City of Kirkland, Kirkland Conserves Blog Post – Rumor has it… that your recyclable plastics are being thrown away
Recology CleanScapes – China Tightens Recycling Import Rules

Washington Refuse and Recycling Association (WRRA):

WRRA has been following the National Sword policy closely and has listed the following resources on their website.

China National Sword Policy Whitepaper – Updated 9/10/2018
FAQ’s

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (OR DEQ):

Department of Environmental Quality- Recycling Markets
To receive Recycling Markets updates from DEQ you can sign up for their email list HERE

Washington Association of County Solid Waste Managers

Visit their website HERE
Unmarketable Recyclables – Disposal Waiver Guidance
- Sample Letter of Approval
- Supplemental Information Form

National Waste News Sources:

Resource Recycling has been covering this in great depth.
- Charting the changes in recycling market turmoil
- China roundup: CCIC update, intense inspections and more – 6/12

WasteDive
- Ongoing update of what’s happening across the U.S. with China’s import policies: “What Chinese import policies mean for all 50 states”
- One Year Later: How China has reshaped US recycling
Waste360:
- List of major news articles regarding the China Restrictions can be found HERE.
- White paper,”“China’s Changing Import Regulations—What Does It All Mean?” available for download HERE.