Republic Services, Inc. opened the Seattle region’s first and only recycling education center at the company’s recycling facility in Seattle. The Seattle Learning Center is designed to educate the community, including children, on proper recycling behaviors and offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look into recycling technology and the process for different materials.
“Republic Services shares the Puget Sound region’s strong commitment to sustainability and the environment,” said Ryan Lawler, area president. “Education plays a critical role in the effectiveness of recycling programs, and we’re proud to share our expertise through the Seattle Learning Center to increase the amount of recyclable materials collected in our community.”
The Learning Center’s educational displays showcase recycling facts and best practices, and visually display the recycling process. Guided tours by recycling experts will help visitors learn how to properly recycle materials and the positive impact recycling has on the Puget Sound region. Visitors can climb into the cab of a Republic Services recycling truck, and tours conclude with a virtual view of the recycling center’s operations. Free tours of Republic’s Seattle Learning Center, located at 2733 3rd Avenue South, can be scheduled by emailing [email protected].
Republic’s Seattle Recycling Facility, located within Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, is one of the company’s largest, contributing to the region’s circular economy. Each year, the facility processes 200,000 tons of recyclables. Reuse of these materials has a climate benefit equal to planting 544444400,000 acres of forest or taking more than 85,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road.