Circular economy: plastic

Creating a more circular economy

King County is committed to achieving a zero waste of resources goal by 2030. Read more about our commitments, outlined in:

• King County Code (KCC 10.14.020)
• Strategic Climate Action Plan
• Re+ Strategic Plan
• 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan

Only about 9% of plastic is recycled into new products. The remaining waste often pollutes land and waterways. This poses a significant threat to natural resources and wildlife, especially marine life. By reusing or recycling plastics, we can reduce the need for new materials and lower greenhouse gas emissions from producing new goods.

Plastic Market Development
King County, excluding Seattle, recycles about 21,000 tons of plastic each year. However, 113,000 tons of plastic still end up in the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill. To address this, we need to reduce life cycle environmental impacts and manage plastic materials better.

King County is committed to improving recycling and finding new markets for plastics. We’re exploring programs that take a comprehensive approach to domestic plastic management. The county is part of the U.S. Plastics Pact and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition to support sustainable plastic use and recycling.

Natural Resource Extraction
If recycled materials aren't used, virgin material will need to be extracted. Plastics are made from raw materials like natural gas, oil or plants.

Manufacturing
Some recycled plastics are made into fleece clothing, carpets, plastic lumber for decking and outdoor furniture and recycling bins. Others are used to make new containers such as detergent and shampoo bottles. Plastic is a lightweight material, which is why it is preferred for packaging.

Consumption
Roughly 50% of the plastic products that are produced are intended for single use.

Reuse
Before tossing your plastic in your recycling bin, consider reusing it to avoid producing more waste!

Collection
Check your local recycling guidelines to ensure you're recycling right. Use our recycling guide for a quick overview.

Transportation
Find your recycling company and other information on our residential recycling page.

End of Life Management
Plastic makes up about 10% of the material that gets disposed of at King County's Cedar Hills Regional landfill.

Sorting
After arriving at the material recovery facilities, plastic products are sorted into different categories. Each category is baled separately and shipped off to reprocessors.

Reprocessing

Once recycled materials arrive at the reprocessing facility, they are sorted by resin type, ground into flakes or pellets and sold to product manufacturers.

General plastic resources

Sustainable Packaging Coalition
A membership-based collaboration dedicated to making packaging more sustainable through innovation and shared best practices.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation
A leading organization that develops and promotes the concept of a circular economy, working closely with businesses, academia, policymakers, and institutions to drive systemic change.

U.S. Plastics Pact
A collaborative initiative led by The Recycling Partnership and the World Wildlife Fund, part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's global Plastics Pact network, aiming to create a circular economy for plastics in the United States.

Washington State Department of Ecology's Plastics Study
A comprehensive study on the management of plastic packaging in Washington State, offering insights and recommendations for improved practices.

Responsible Recycling Task Force (RRTF)
RRTF was created by the King County’s solid waste advisory committees to respond to changes in international recycling markets and develop a coordinated approach to improving recycling in the region.