Recycling in Alaska
While the majority of recycled material coming out of Alaska is from the Anchorage area, most communities throughout the state participate in some form of recycling. The recycling effort has many positive aspects for the community: a portion of the waste destined for the landfill is diverted; companies can save money by recycling material; carbon footprints are reduced; and new businesses are developed locally that rely on recycled material.
Recycling in Alaska had been gaining momentum as energy costs and the price of raw materials continued to rise. A curbside recycling program in Anchorage helped to raise awareness of recycling and to increase the amount of recycled material being brought in. The economic downturn has put a crimp in the recycling efforts throughout the state. The speed at which markets and prices for recycled materials bounces back, and the cost of shipping to deliver these goods to market, will have an impact with the recycling industry.
Recycling Programs Throughout the State:
Alaskans for Litter Prevention & Recycling (ALPAR) - Flying Cans Program
Auto Cat Direct - Purchases Junk Cars, Brass, Copper, Lead-Acid Batteries, and More
Borough/City of Juneau - Recycling Resources
Kenai Peninsula Borough - Recycling Locations
Kodiak Island Borough - Recycling Services
Municipality of Anchorage - Recycling at Solid Waste Services
Northern Alaska Environmental Center - Fairbanks Recycling
Recycling Our Area's Resources - Glennallen
Total Reclaim - Electronic, Appliance/HVAC, Lamp, and More
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions - Recycling in the Mat-Su Valley
*Baled Cardboard for Recycling
*Baled #2 Plastic for Recycling