Because both the level of recycling and the resale market drive the number, the market can greatly affect the rate each year. The rate in 1995 was due to unusually high commodity prices. He noted that access to recycling facilities and good education about how and what to recycle are vital to successful recycling efforts. Olympia and Tacoma have educated their citizens about recycling and have made it easy to do. Education seems to be the common link among successful programs, said Eagles.
Rural counties tend to rely on drop-off boxes where residents can leave their recyclables.
Washington counties have some of the best drop-off programs in the country. Urban counties, such as King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane, have well-developed curbside programs that offer greater convenience. The Department of Ecology aids local governments' recycling efforts by collecting data, providing technical assistance, and distributing grant money for waste management planning, program implementation, and outreach activities. The panel will issue recommendations to the state legislature in February 2000. Most recycling programs will accept paper products, glass and metal cans.