(The Center Square) – Seattle Public Utilities is continuing to accept glass recycling collection despite recent setbacks to the local glass recycling industry.
The Seattle region’s major glass bottle manufacturer, Ardagh Glass Packaging, shut down its Seattle facility on Nov. 7, citing ongoing pressure from low-priced imports as the primary reason.
This decision follows an earlier production pause in July 2024.
“This recently announced closure has created unprecedented challenges for glass recycling in Seattle and neighboring jurisdictions,” Seattle Public Utilities stated in a press release.
Seattle is still collecting glass despite other jurisdictions in Western Washington halting collection.
In September, the neighboring City of Tacoma announced it was temporarily suspending glass collection due to changes in the international recycling market.
Starting on Oct. 1. Skagit County halted glass recycling at all of its transfer stations for the indefinite future. The county cited Ardagh Glass Packaging’s Seattle facility closing for the move as it created an abrupt decrease in demand for recycled glass.
Despite the current challenges, the department said there is a strong demand for recycled glass nationally. SPU is working with regional partners to support and restore local recycling operations and markets.
Seattle Public Utilities is partnering with King County to sponsor a glass recycling roundtable with regional and national industry partners to determine short and long-term solutions for glass recycling.
The department is also collaborating with local glass processor, Strategic Materials Inc., to stockpile clean glass as it secures new customers. The company is renting temporary storage space from Seattle Public Utilities to continue operations with a new influx of customers.
Lastly, the department is working with the Seattle Office of Economic Development and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to support further collaboration around glass alternative uses.
Seattle Public Utilities said businesses and residents should continue to put glass bottles and containers in their recycling bins, but adds that all recyclables should be empty, clean, and dry. This helps prevent contamination and increases the quality of recyclable materials.
According to Seattle Public Utilities Acting Public Information Officer Brad Wong, approximately 6,000 tons of glass are currently being stockpiled in two bunkers on site.
Wong added that there is a robust network of high-end markets for recycled glass across North America, especially with container and fiberglass insulation producers.
“While it takes time to develop logistical solutions and infrastructure to move recycled glass cullets across greater distances, it is done on a regular basis in North America,” Wong said to The Center Square in an email. “This practice was already underway in Seattle and is now being expanded in response to local market closures.”
