King County Bans Plastic Bags From Recycling, Starting Next Year

SEATTLE, WA — Starting on New Year's Day plastic bags and thin wrapping materials will not be accepted in curbside recycling in Seattle and King County. Seattle Public Utilities says the new restrictions are part of an ongoing effort to keep dirty items out of the mix and help streamline the sorting process.

Thin plastics, like Zip-Loc bags or cling wrap, can get caught up in the recycling equipment and jam the machines. Waste workers say plastic packaging often has food waste on it, contaminating other items and causing good recycling to be thrown out.

Those who want to continue recycling plastic bags or wrapping material can take them to a drop-off location. If that's not feasible, SPU says it's better to throw items in the regular trash than risk contaminating good recycling. They also recommend using less plastic overall.

SPU'S Top 5 Things To Recycle

• Paper items, like newspapers and magazines.
• Cardboard and corrugated boxes.
• Plastic bottles, containers or tubs.
• Glass bottles and jars.
• Metals like aluminium, tin and steel cans.