Changes to Olympia’s recycling program took effect Jan. 1 and it means glass bottles and jars must be thrown in the trash instead of the recycle.

The new guidelines remove glass, aseptic containers (soy milk cartons), and poly-coated containers (milk/juice cartons, frozen food boxes) from the list of materials the city deems recyclable.

The glass must now be thrown away or taken to a processing plant by hand. Other non-recyclables cannot be taken elsewhere and must be thrown directly into the garbage.

These changes are a direct result of China’s policy changes in 2018 that have halted the processing of recyclables like glass. Glass is notoriously difficult to recycle, as the material must be clean enough to make it through factory machinery and profitable to the business. These items often end up in landfills anyway.

Officials encourage residents to continue recycling what they are able and follow guidelines as closely as they can.

Education and information will be available to inform residents of the change. Monitors will also examine levels of glass. If consumers continue to recycle high levels of glass, their bins may be taken away. No other disciplinary actions are expected at this time.