Responsible Recycling Task Force

Find information and resources produced by the Responsible Recycling Task Force.

Task Force background

In April 2018, our solid waste advisory committees formed the Responsible Recycling Task Force (Task Force). The Task Force responded to changes in international recycling markets and developed a coordinated approach to improving recycling.

The Task Force was made up of representatives from:

King County
cities within King County
solid waste haulers
recycling stakeholders

Prior to 2018, recycling programs relied on international export to process our materials. When the 2018 "China Sword" international restrictions on recyclable material exports went into effect, our markets for mixed paper and plastics took a hit. The lack of markets for these materials increased recycling contamination. Further, the introduction of difficult-to-recycle packaging materials has challenged the viability of local recycling programs.

The Task Force recommended immediate, mid-term, and long-term actions to address these challenges. Action items were developed by following the "responsible recycling framework" which calls for recycling systems to:

Focus on the quality vs. quantity of recyclables.
Use consistent messaging across the region.
Prioritize domestic processing and markets.
Consider the social and environmental effects of exporting recyclables.
Create domestic demand for recyclables.
Realize that responsible recycling is not free.
Measure real recycling.

Read all the Responsible Recycling Task Force recommendations

Reports and deliverables

Extended producer responsibility studies

December 2021
Prepared for the Northwest Product Stewardship Council. This report outlines the economic, social and environmental impacts of a future Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system compared to Washington’s current recycling system.

Improving Recycling in Washington through Producer Responsibility Policy

March 2020
This report fulfils the requirements of Action Item 1A to "Develop a comprehensive, statewide stewardship policy approach that helps achieve a funded, robust, and harmonized curbside recycling system throughout Washington State". It includes an EPR policy framework and conceptual model for how EPR could be implemented in Washington State.

Full report - EPR Policy Framework and Model for Packaging and Paper Products in Washington
Executive Summary

March 2020
By the Product Stewardship Institute. This report explains how the EPR programs operate in Canada, including a detailed description of the Recycle BC system in British Columbia.

Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products: Policies, Practices, and Performance external link

Container deposit studies

These reports complete the RRTF Action Item 1E: "Develop a feasible model for beverage container stewardship in Washington similar to the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative system."

December 2020

Executive Summary

June 2020

Phase I: Inventory of Existing Deposit Systems

September 2020

Phase II: Qualitative Research and Recommendations on Deposit Return Systems in Washington State

November 2020

Phase III: Costs and Benefits of Residential Packaging and Paper Product Recycling in Washington State

Contract language to improve recycling

This report responds to Action Item 5A and explains how city and county governments can use their hauler contracts to maximize real recycling with minimal social and environmental impacts. It includes sample contract language for ensuring downstream due diligence.

May 2020 Report: Using Contract Language to Improve Recycling