Glass recycling at BMS second Saturdays through Oct

DAYTON – Residents and businesses in Dayton and Waitsburg will have the opportunity to participate in a glass recycling program with monthly collections at Blue Mountain Station. The initiative, spearheaded by local organizations and supported by community grants, aims to divert glass waste from landfills and transform it into new bottles and jars.

The initial collection date at BMS is Saturday, May 11. Businesses and residents are encouraged to bring rinsed glass containers with everything removed except the labels, to the event at the Port of Columbia’s artisan food center in Dayton.

Glass will be accepted between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 700 Artisan Way, Dayton, Wash., and is free for all local participants. Glass collection for the program will continue to be held on the second Saturday of each month through October at the same times and site.

“We are thrilled to launch this glass recycling initiative for Dayton and Waitsburg, offering residents and businesses a convenient way to dispose of their glass waste in an environmentally friendly manner,” said Chris Lueck, Founder and President of BIG Recyclers from Walla Walla. “By recycling clean food, beverage, and cosmetic glass, we are not only reducing landfill waste but also contributing to the creation of new bottles and jars, conserving resources, and promoting a true circular economy.”

The initiative follows a hub and spoke model, where clean glass collected at Blue Mountain Station will be transported to glass manufacturers in Seattle or Portland to be repurposed into new products. This model ensures that glass collected locally contributes directly to the regional economy and sustainability effort.

Baker Boyer Bank and the Blue Mountain Community Foundation provided community foundation grants for the initiative. Donations from participants are welcomed and appreciated to support the program’s ongoing success.

“We are grateful for the support of our community partners and funders who have made this initiative possible,” Lueck added. “Together, we can make a significant impact on reducing glass waste and promoting sustainable practices in Dayton and Waitsburg.”

For more information about the glass recycling initiative and upcoming collection events, please contact Lueck at vtwineguy@gmail.com.