Help With Recycling

Town asks public to exercise caution when using recycling cans

One of the new recycle cans in Friday Harbor – SJ Update photo

The Town of FH appreciates the ongoing efforts of residents and visitors to maintain the town’s clean and green image by utilizing the recycling cans added to the downtown core last summer. It has been noted that many people are now using the recycling cans on a regular basis, even though it takes a little extra effort to separate their garbage. It’s an easy and rewarding way to protect our island environment–unless the contents of those recycling cans have to go to the landfill.

When any liquid, grease, food remnants or other unrecyclable items are added to a recycling can, the entire can become contaminated and may need to be disposed of as garbage. “A single unfinished cup of coffee, bite of food, or greasy wrapper can defeat the efforts of all those who did the right thing,” says Town Administrator Duncan Wilson. He explained that while the recycling facility will take unsorted recyclables, it will not take wet, dirty or greasy items. That means it’s crucial that our recycling efforts include more diligence in determining what exactly is recyclable and using the trash bin instead of the recycling bin when necessary.

The Town asks that you take a moment before tossing items into the public recycling cans to make sure that those items being discarded are appropriate.

Click here for a list of acceptable recyclables which has been copied from the Town’s website:

These are RECYCLABLE ITEMS:

• Magazines, catalogs, and books
• Newspapers, phone books, paper and mail
• Aluminum, steel, and tin cans (no paint cans)
• Aluminum foil and trays
• Glass and plastic bottles, jugs and jars; lids okay
• Plastic dairy tubs
• Paper food and juice boxes; milk cartons
• Cardboard (ex. packaging, pizza/frozen food boxes)
• Shredded paper (in clear plastic bags)
• Shrink wrap; cellophane

These are NOT RECYCLABLE:

• Prescription vials
• Needles and syringes
• Aerosol cans
• Light bulbs of any kind
• Mirrors or window glass
• Styrofoam
• Rubber, wood, concrete
• Ceramics or dishware
• Knives or scissors
• Clothing
• Toxic containers (ex. oil, antifreeze, pesticides)
• Confetti
• Food compost; dirt/soil
• Disposable diapers or rags

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