New restrictions by the Chinese government on what recyclables may be imported into their country are having a significant impact on Washington’s recycling programs and industry. China has been the primary market for paper and plastic recyclable commodities from our state – and many others.

China began quality restrictions five years ago, setting initial standards for contamination in bales of recyclables. Starting in March this year, China stepped up that approach to a large-scale ban on certain materials – it will no longer allow the importation of low-grade plastics and unsorted paper. How each city is fairing without China as an end-market for its recyclable materials depends largely on the contracts they have in place. This is a problem with no quick solution.

This is a problem with no quick solution.

Listen to how other cities and counties are handling the change and lend your voice to the solution by joining the Department of Ecology’s Improving Recycling in Washington stakeholder group. The group has met twice and are scheduled to meet June 6, July 19, and August 15 from 1-3 pm. Attend meetings in person or via webinar. All meeting materials are posted here.

For more information on this issue, the Washington State Recycling Association has a comprehensive, dedicated webpage with presentation materials representing the impacts across the industry, and state and national resources.