2018 WRED Events

What’s Happened in 2018: 

February 9, 2018 | Tour of Nucor Steel Seattle
Seattle, WA

March 29, 2018 |  ContaminationFest 2018 – From Consumer to Bin to Truck to MRF
LeMay Pierce County Refuse, Tacoma WA


We kicked off the 2018 event calendar with a sold-out, swim down the commingled recycle stream as we follow the flow of materials from consumer, to bin, to truck and MRF. 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. Attendees took some time to see first-hand, how automated collection works, what comes out of the truck and what sorted bales look like with the help of our hosts, LeMay Pierce County Refuse and Pioneer Recycling Services. Attendees also learned about tagging programs, education and enforcement tactics at the consumer level, as well as how the MRF is looking at reducing contamination. The attendees then participated in a group discussion on how Washington can better message to consumers, and how to focus efforts on communicating and collaboration.

Presentations

Sponsors and Hosts

 

June 28, 2018 | Tour – Repurpose, Reuse and Recycle; the Washington State Surplus Operation
Washington State Surplus | 7511 New Market St SW, Tumwater, WA 98501

 

July 25 & 26th, 2011 | Tour – Sort, Melt, Repeat: How Glass Gets Recycled
Tour of Strategic Materials and Ardagh Group | Seattle, WA

View photos on our Facebook Page and find out more about Ardagh’s products HERE

September 11, 2018 | The Paper Chase – The Ins and Outs of Paper Recycling
Lacey Community Center | Lacey, WA

We continued our 2018 events with an all day forum on the Ins and Outs of Paper Recycling. Over 75 attendees learned about the various types of paper mills located in Washington state, the mechanics of how paper is recycled, the types of paper that are accepted for recycling, and why certain materials are contaminants at one type of paper mill and not at the other.The panel of experts provided an overview of challenges involved with recycling paper, including a description of the regulatory landscape, the impacts of the China National Sword policies, the new economics of paper recycling, and how local mills are adapting to these changes.

Presentations

Sponsors 

 

October 30, 2018 | The Shirt Off Your Back – The State of Textile Recycling, Reuse, and Repair Today
REI Flagship Store | Seattle, WA

Through this joint event of WSRA and Zero Waste Washington, we explored the impact of textiles on the waste stream, consumer behavior related to buying clothing and other products, the reuse and recycling of textiles, as well as looking upstream to designers and brands who are weaving durability and sustainability into their products. 100 attendees heard from a number of experts from local and national leaders in clothing and gear reuse, fast fashion impacts, repair, and innovative design. Hosted by REI Co-Op at their flagship store we heard about the challenges, innovations, and solutions that are available when it comes to the shirt on your back getting another life!

Presentations from the Event:

December 5, 2018 | WSRA Fall Policy Forum
City of Federal Way City Hall | Federal Way, WA

We gathered for our annual forum to hear about policies and legislation, including discussion of the impacts of the China National Sword policy on our state’s recycling infrastructure. The 2019 Washington legislature begins in January, so we heard from industry experts and legislators about bills that will be introduced and the impact they may have on the recycling and solid waste industry.

Presentations from the event:

  • WUTC China Sword Update – Kyle Murphy, Legislative and Policy Advisor, Utilities and Transportation Commission.
  • Sustainable Recycling bill – Julie Robertson, WA State Department of Ecology
  • Recyclable Materials Bill – Vicki Christophersen, Washington Refuse & Recycling Association (WRRA) lobbyist
  • Plastic Bag bill – Representative Strom Peterson
  • Plastic Packaging Stewardship Bill – Representative Strom Peterson, Sego Jackson, Seattle Public Utilities
  • Paint Stewardship bill – Representative Strom Peterson
  • Compostability labeling bill – Michele Riggs, President, Washington Organic Recycling Council (WORC)
  • Litter Tax – Jan Gee, CEO/President, Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA)

Upcoming Events:

WSRA Recompose Tour

Date: September 18, 2023
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Recompose Seattle – 4 S Idaho St, Seattle, WA 98134 (Get Directions)

Register Today

WRED Webinar: Juno Technologies and King County Event

Date: September 26, 2023
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: Online via Zoom

Register Today

WRED Webinar

Date: November 6, 2023
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: Online via Zoom

More information & registration coming soon!

Batteries: The Positives, Negatives, & Everything In-Between!

Our Precious Metal Partners

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