If glass can be recycled infinitely, why have many communities (including our own) lost access to the curbside collection of this resource? As part of the Wenatchee River Institute’s Red Barn series, join us to learn more about the complexities of glass recycling and discuss exciting new initiatives around recycling and reuse alongside Washington-based start-up, ZEWA.

This is a FREE event with a donation basket at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase. The presentation will start at 7:00pm.

Waste Loop has been diverting glass from the landfill since 2019 and is currently working to strengthen and expand its collection and hauling capacity through piloting a human/bicycle powered glass recycling collection service within the downtown core. Through surveys, engagement with city officials, and circulating ideas such as incorporating consumer paid bottle- tax programs, Waste Loop is hopeful they can make this program easily accessible.

ZEWA's mission is to revolutionize waste management through a dynamic marketplace and reverse logistics network, in which glass that has been traditionally disposed of via landfilling or recycling can instead be reused. Their goal is to foster a community-driven shift towards a sustainable and circular economy, creating a positive impact on the environment and redefining waste as a valuable resource. Currently, ZEWA is concentrating on the rollout of its pilot residential glass upcycling service in Tacoma and Seattle. They are currently assessing support for a similar service in the Wenatchee Valley, particularly focused on engaging wineries in the region, thus addressing the significant carbon pollution associated with their single-use heavy glass packaging.

Streaming link: https://youtube.com/live/LtsLjeEFi8E?feature=share