Key facts about recycling

• WSF operates 22 vessels on 10 routes serving 20 terminals throughout Puget Sound.
• WSF works with 11 vendors (waste haulers) to coordinate recycling services for our 10 routes and 20 terminals.
• Each vendor has different processes for labeling containers and separating recyclables from the general waste stream. Vessels move between routes, so crews must adjust their processes depending on which terminal they are unloading waste and recyclables.

How does recycling work at Colman Dock?

• WSF contracts with Allied Waste Services to manage recycling at Colman Dock.
• WSF recycles 40 cubic yards (or 3,000 pounds) of material every week from Colman Dock.
• Recycling is already separated from trash when it comes off the vessel. All recyclables are placed in a co-mingled container.
• On each ferry the new bins are labeled as general trash, newspaper, and aluminum/plastic bottles.
• Vessels on the Seattle/Bainbridge and Seattle/Bremerton routes are also required to have glass bins to comply with the City of Seattle’s recycling ordinance.
• Galley personnel separate bottles, cardboard and coffee grounds.

History of WSF’s recycling program

• In 1991, WSF began a fleet-wide recycling program for bottles, cans, newspapers and cardboard.
• Over the years, crew injuries caused by emptying the heavy recycling cans and difficulties finding vendors in every community caused the program to founder.
• In 2007, new trash and recycle bins were designed in partnership with a University of Washington mechanical engineering class. Students developed an innovative front loading container designed to avoid back injuries when crew members lift the heavy bags.
• The new bins were deployed to the fleet beginning in November 2007. Full rollout of the program will be complete by November 2008.