Washington’s recycling database gets a remodel

So, you’re waking up from winter hibernation, and spring cleaning has left you with some outdated items to toss out? Give those old odds and ends new life with our redesigned recycling service finder, the 1-800-RECYCLE database.

Type in your location and material type. Our upgraded database will find nearby services that accept them. Ecology isn’t a recycling service, but we have a great tool to connect you to the right one.

Along with a clean new look, our redesign focused on making
1-800-RECYCLE easy to use and easy to understand.

Recycling database remodel

Along with a clean new look, our redesign focused on making 1-800-RECYCLE easy to use and easy to understand. And since increasingly more people visit our website with their mobile phones, our new database is designed for easy searching on your mobile devices.

“This updated application will make our database of recycling services more transparent and accessible to the public," said Laurie Davies, Solid Waste Management program director. “It brings the system into the 21st century.

“The public is deeply interested in local recycling opportunities. This new application not only helps the program respond to that interest, it provides easier access to the information people need to recycle right."

The RECYCLE hotline goes digital

In 1976, 1-800-RECYCLE started as a traditional 1-800 hotline. But we went digital for the information age, putting our list of collectors at the public's fingertips. In 2017, our database logged nearly 80,000 searches, and the phone kept ringing with 3,375 calls.

How to use 1-800-RECYCLE

Start by selecting your material type, then use your zip code to find nearby collectors.

Our database includes 1,578 Washington recycling services and more than 70 material types. Many material categories include a range of items: “large appliances" includes dishwashers, water heaters, stoves, washing machines, and dryers.

You can also search for drop-off services or for collectors who will pick up from your location.
1-800-RECYCLE will give you their address, phone number, business hours, website, and Google Maps location, along with a full list of acceptable materials.

Free recycling through E-Cycle and LightRecycle

We’ve connected our product stewardship programs to the 1-800-RECYCLE database to help you find free recycling opportunities.

If you have old electronics, like computers, monitors, or tablets, you can find collectors who accept them for free through our electronics-recycling program E-Cycle Washington. Likewise, if you have mercury lights, you can find free recycling locations through our LightRecycle Washington program.

Look for the E-Cycle and LightRecycle logos to find participating collectors.

The phone still works, too

Don't worry if digital isn't your thing. You can still talk to a real person by calling 1-800-RECYCLE, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays. Don't be afraid to call about those items that you’re not sure what to do with. Our staff will help you find recycling options so we can all build more sustainable communities.