Dive Brief:
- CDL Recycle, a Seattle construction recycling facility, has chosen to shut down after a number of complaints and violations. An accident which affected the stability of the property's main building was the ultimate reason for closing.
- Residents in the surrounding Georgetown neighborhood have been complaining about potentially toxic dust from the facility for more than a year and the city removed CDL from its list of approved recyclers because the company lacked proper permits.
- City officials say that business could reopen if permits are obtained and structural issues are fixed, though CDL has yet to make its intentions known.
Dive Insight:
CDL is part of Drywall Recycling Services, a Wyoming corporation based in Washington with three locations. According to the company's website, their goal is to "become one of the largest construction waste recycling companies in America and be recognized as a leader in the recycling community."
Residents began complaining about dust they believe was coming from drywall at the site as early as 2014. The issue picked up attention in early 2015 and the company said it was fully cooperating with local government agencies. In May, CDL's president was quoted by OPB FM as saying his company had already invested at least $250,000 for dust suppression equipment that year alone. Soon after, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency told CDL it had to submit a dust control plan within 30 days.
It's always been challenging for waste-related facilities to coexist with residents in industrial areas, especially when concerns about health effects aren't fully addressed. Minnesota recently took the rare step of revoking air permits for a Minneapolis metal recycling facility that had been a cause of concern for the neighborhood.
