Community-wide Recycling
Recycling Centers
Community Recycling Centers are drop-off locations around Anchorage that accept a wide variety of recyclable materials. These sites are monitored for cleanliness and safety, and containers are emptied on a regular basis.
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Anchorage Recycling Center
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Location: 6161 Rosewood Street, Anchorage
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Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; regular weekday business hours for redemption of aluminum cans
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Accepts: Aluminum cans, steel cans, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, newspaper, #1 PET plastic bottles, #2 HDPE plastic jugs, plastic bags and film
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Anchorage Regional Landfill Recycling Area
- Location: Hiland Road, Eagle River
- Hours: During regular landfill hours; Mon.-Fri. 7:30am - 5pm, Sat. 8am - 5pm. Sun closed.
- Accepts: Aluminum cans, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, newspaper, #1 PET plastic bottles, #2 HDPE plastic jugs
The Municipality is evaluating the need to establish additional community recycling centers, potentially on the east side of Anchorage and Girdwood.
Other drop-off locations for specific items exist throughout Anchorage.
School Recycling
Recognizing its critical role in setting an example of responsible stewardship of the environment to its students, staff, and community, the Anchorage School District (ASD) administration began a sustainable recycling program during the 2008-2009 school year. ASD implemented mixed paper and cardboard recycling in each of its 95 schools and five administrative buildings. ASD hired a recycling coordinator to oversee its recycling program. The coordinator is working closely with each site to increase participation and decrease contamination.
For school recycling updates, contact Andre Camara at 348-5151 or camara_andre@asdk12.org or visit the ASD recycling program website.
Public Space Recycling
While residential and commercial recycling activities generate the bulk of the materials through a comprehensive recycling program, public space recycling also is a key part of any municipal recycling program. Public space recycling is the face of recycling in Anchorage, showcasing our activities and enhancing Anchorage’s image with visitors to the City.
Tourism is the second largest sector of Alaska's economy. Visitors come from across the country and around the world to visit our State and Anchorage is a major hub for travelers accessing the rest of the State. Anchorage itself is a destination as visitors come to attend events, as well as numerous business conferences and conventions. The impression that Anchorage makes on visitors is the impression that thousands of people take away from Alaska.
The Municipality is assisting public spaces such as sporting arenas, convention centers, museums, and the airport, as well as City Hall, Town Square Park, and other outdoor locations, to assess recycling needs and implement successful programs.
Composting
The Anchorage Regional Compost Facility at Point Woronzof is no longer operational; however, there are several other composting and organics management options for Anchorage residents.
Backyard Composting Tips
Yard Waste Drop-off Locations
Anchorage Woodlot (seasonal)
Eagle River and Girdwood Woodlots (seasonal)
Recycling Industry Development
The Municipality is assisting local businesses to increase local recycling activity through education and outreach, seminars, and grants. Below are helpful resources.
State of Alaska Product Preference & Recycled Content Preference
Buy Alaska
Made in Alaska
Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (AMEP)
AMEP Glass Report
Small Business Assistance Center (SBAC)
**A Note About Glass Recycling**
We at SWS understand residents’ desire to recycle glass and we have been working behind the scenes to build a sustainable local infrastructure for glass recycling as part of our ongoing assistance efforts in the area of recycling industry development.
Glass recycling was one of the first things to suffer when the economy started its downturn in 2008. The private sector was wary of the inherent risks associated with reinvesting in glass recycling so SWS has been working to help reduce the obstacles.
In 2009, SWS contracted with the Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Inc. (AMEP) to research and identify potential products that could be manufactured locally. The resulting "white paper" (www.ak-mep.org/papers.html), published in February 2010, discusses the background, issues, and challenges associated with recycling glass in Alaska as well as the potential for using glass in the State. It also includes large appendices of technical resources that are available from the department.
In 2011, SWS issued two Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for recycling infrastructure development. A project to recycle glass (as well as construction and demolition debris) was just one of the projects funded through these grants. A local company has installed equipment and is testing material for production in spring 2012.
Glacierstone, a small local company, also is using small amounts of glass to make its concrete/glass countertops. The company currenlty has a sufficient supply of glass.
Long-term support likely to continue for the collection and SWS is working to re-establish a collection program by spring of 2012. Until then there are no local outlets for recycling glass, despite several rumors to the contrary. Local stores collecting small quantities of glass generated through in-store use are not equipped to operate as a community recycling program, nor is backhauling to the Lower 48 viable on a large scale for these businesses.
Public Outreach
An effective community-wide recycling program requires an effective public outreach and education campaign. Residents and businesses alike need to know both the HOWs and WHYs of recycling. Look for enhanced recycling information coming to your home as well as more detailed information in the Anchorage to Zero Watse Guides.