Recycling centers in Yakima, Washington

Central Washington Recycling, operated in partnership with Michelsen Packaging Company, provides a vital recycling service for residents and businesses throughout Yakima and Central Washington. Conveniently located at 202 North Second Avenue in Yakima, WA, the center offers an easy drop-off option for corrugated cardboard, office paper, newspapers, and other clean paper products. As part of Michelsen Packaging’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, the recycling facility plays an important role in keeping valuable materials out of landfills and supporting the reuse of paper fibers in new packaging. This helps serve not just Yakima’s agricultural community, but households and local businesses that want to make responsible waste management decisions. Visitors will find clearly marked bins inside the gated lot, with staff available during business hours to answer questions and provide assistance. The center asks that all cardboard be flattened and free of food waste or contaminants to ensure quality recycling. While the facility currently accepts only paper-based materials, it remains a critical option for Yakima residents, especially at a time when local recycling opportunities are limited. By dropping off your cardboard and paper here, you’re directly helping reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and support a greener community.

Rocky Top Environmental in Yakima, WA, formerly known as Anderson Rock Demolition Pits, is a full-service recycling and disposal site serving the Yakima Valley and broader Pacific Northwest. Their operations include a free public recycling drop-off site for local residents, material recovery and diversion services to reduce landfill waste, container rentals for construction and demolition debris, and a limited-purpose landfill compliant with Washington Administrative Code 173-350. They accept materials such as wood, metal, cardboard, concrete, and asphalt, while prohibiting items like household waste, tires, hazardous materials, and asbestos. The facility features a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to sort and process recyclables, and a composite liner system in the landfill to prevent contamination. Additionally, they support the Yakima community by creating local jobs and partnering with businesses and nonprofits in the area.

The Solid Waste Division in Yakima County aims to offer an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient waste management system to all residents. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) holds monthly meetings during the update to the Solid Waste Management Plan, with the schedule determined by the SWAC chairperson. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings. Yakima County landfills are closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. Visitors can access online permits and forms through the Citizen's Access Portal on the County Homepage.

Wesley United Methodist Church in Yakima County operates the largest private recycling center in the area, open from Monday to Saturday, with potential early closures on Saturdays if the cardboard bins are full. The center recycles cardboard, paperboard, paper, aluminum cans, and tin cans, emphasizing the removal of paper labels from aluminum pet food cans and craft beverage cans before recycling. They do not accept plastic, glass, Styrofoam, batteries, bulbs, E-waste, or organic matter. Volunteers dedicate over 50 hours weekly to maintain the program, resulting in over 800 thousand pounds recycled annually. Additionally, the church's Green Team, active for over 15 years, meets monthly to plan environmental initiatives, and the church has been on a Solar Journey since 2010, culminating in a 56-panel solar system dedicated on Earth Day in 2016, supported by a Pacific Power Blue Sky Grant.

The Yakima County Solid Waste Division is a government department in Yakima County, Washington, responsible for providing solid waste management and disposal services to the county's residents. It operates a waste management system that includes waste collection, recycling programs, landfill operations, and the management of moderate risk and special wastes. Key features and functions include: Operation of two landfill sites: Terrace Heights Landfill and Cheyne Landfill. Management of transfer stations and a Household Hazardous Waste and Small Business Waste Collection facility. Implementation of an integrated waste management strategy that is environmentally sound, cost-effective, and efficient. Provision of recycling programs and waste reduction efforts to minimize landfill use and promote sustainable resource recovery. Coordination and planning for disaster debris management and special waste handling. Regular meetings with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) to update management plans and engage the public. Adherence to state laws regarding solid and hazardous waste management with an emphasis on protecting public health and environmental quality. The division aims to provide reliable, affordable, and convenient services while focusing on waste reduction, recovery of marketable resources, and reducing environmental impacts. It serves Yakima County through various facilities and programs promoting responsible waste handling and recycling. Located at 7151 Roza Hill Drive, Yakima, WA, the division maintains landfill hours generally from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.