Why can we not recycle glass in Yakima County?
It’s important to think of recycling as a business, because that helps you understand why certain materials are in higher demand. Glass has two things going against it in the recycling game: weight and flexibility. Glass bottles weigh more than plastic and metal, and heavier products cost more to ship. Plus, you can crush and bale a load of aluminum cans or plastic bottles, which reduces space needed in a truck that would otherwise be filled by air.

These 2 factors often make it more expensive to transport glass for recycling, resulting in a lower resale value. There is currently not a close enough market to Yakima to ship glass. Hauling long distances to recycle glass is not cost effective or environmentally responsible.

Show All Answers

1. Is curbside recycling available to me?
2. Why can't we recycle glass in our curbside program?
3. Why can we not recycle glass in Yakima County?
4. How do I recycle my CFL’s and fluorescent tubes?
5. Where do I recycle an old TV?
6. Where do I recycle an old computer?
7. Can I recycle shredded paper?
8. Do the labels need to come off when I recycle my bottles and steel/tin cans?
9. Do I need to remove the caps from my soda bottles and milk jugs?
10. Does Yakima County sell compost?
11. I was charged an Unsecured Load Fee at my last trip to the landfill, what is this?