Submitted by the Town of Friday Harbor

The Town of Friday Harbor staff has re-established its source for processing commingled recyclable materials and the town’s curbside program will not be discontinued on Nov. 22. Lautenbach Industries and the town representative have concluded negotiations with Recology of Seattle and will maintain their existing relationship.

Recology previously halted receipt of comingled recycling from all third-party haulers as it scaled back its Seattle operation in response to China’s decision to discontinue the purchase of most U.S. shipped materials. Upon learning of the significant impact this decision would have on the Friday Harbor community and the recycling program, Recology reached out to town and Lautenbach staff with an offer to re-open their facility for receipt of the materials. Recology noted the town’s relatively small annual tonnage and the high quality of the recycling from town sources as further justification for the decision.

“We are extremely excited and thankful to be able to announce this arrangement,” said Friday Harbor Mayor Carrie Lacher. “Recycling is such an important part of our citizen’s care and concern for the environment. The thought of returning materials to the waste stream was very troubling.”

As a result of this decision, there will be no interruption of curbside recycling services in the town. After Nov. 21, the next recycle week of Dec. 1 through the 6 will occur, then continue thereafter in accordance with the published schedules.

Any questions may be directed to Friday Harbor Town Administrator Duncan Wilson at 360-378-2810.