FAQs

FAQs for Recycling Drop-off Program

■ What is a recycling drop-off program?

A recycling drop-off program is a community-based initiative that allows community members to drop off recyclable materials at designated collection sites. This is a great way to recycle when curbside pickup is unavailable.

■ Where can I find the recycling drop-off locations nearest to me?

You can find the Kalispel drop-off location on Pow Wow Park by the Drop box center dumpsters. Right by HeadQuarters 1981 LeClerc Road North Cusick, Washington 99119.

■ Are there specific hours of operation for recycling drop-off locations?

Yes, the drop-off hours at our Kalispel tribe location are Monday - Friday from 9am-4-30pm.

■ What materials can I drop off?

Below is a list of what can be dropped off. Please also visit our webpage  at What to bring! for more information and other program guidelines.

1. Plastic bottles and jugs

2. Aluminum and steel cans

3. Glass bottles and jars

4. Cardboard (flatten) (No Pizza Boxes or used food containers)

5. Newspaper, junk mail, mixed paper – all colors and types.

All containers should be empty, dry and free of all food and food residue. Unclean containers and food can cause odors and attract pests. Remove caps on plastic containers.

■ Do I need to sort my recyclables before dropping them off?

Yes, because our recycling is collected separately in different bins it would be more convenient and quicker for you to sort your recycling before you arrive. Please sort your recyclables by type of material to go in the separate bins at the site.

1. Aluminum

2. Steel Cans

3. Glass ( only bottles and jars)

4. Plastic Jug & Bottles

5. Mixed Paper (No coated or waxed paper)

6. Cardboard

■ Can I drop off materials in plastic bags?

No, recyclables should not be placed in plastic bags inside drop-off containers, as they pose safety, mechanical, and quality concerns at recycling facilities. Use reusable bins for storage and transport. If bags are necessary, empty them into the collection containers and take them with you. All recyclables must be loose in the bin.

■ Can I drop off soiled or dirty materials, like pizza boxes with grease stains?

No, heavily soiled items with food or grease, as well as containers still containing food, should not be dropped off. These can contaminate the recycling stream and attract pests, insects, and rodents.

■ Do I need to remove labels from bottles and containers before recycling them?

No, leave labels on bottles and containers.

■ Can I recycle plastic bags or plastic wrap at the recycling drop-off?

No, plastic bags and wrap can jam recycling facility equipment. Household plastic film—such as grocery bags, drink case wrapping, cling wrap, and bubblewrap—can be recycled at most large retail or grocery stores. Many people collect clean, dry plastic film and drop it off periodically for recycling.

■ Can I recycle shredded paper at the recycling drop-off?

Yes, shredded paper is accepted in the recycling container if placed in a paper bag. This prevents litter at the drop-off site and ensures proper processing.

■ Are there any restrictions on the size or quantity of materials I can drop off?

No, there are no size restrictions; however, space at our drop-off locations is limited, and all materials must fit within designated bins. If you have large items or excessive quantities, please contact the site director to arrange appropriate storage.

■ What happens to the materials I drop off for recycling?

Dropped-off materials are sent to Waste Management. Aluminum might go to a different Spokane company depending on prices.

■ What do I do with items like light bulbs or batteries?

Household Hazardous waste is collected by Pend Oreille County. The county also offers recycling of paper, corrugated cardboard and metal at no charge. They do accept freezers, refrigerators, and a/c units free of charge. They accept TV's, computers, laptops, and computer monitors free of charge.

• 661 Jared Rd Usk, WA 99180 - Open Sunday & Tuesday ONLY 8am – 4 pm, 509-589-0333.

• 9494 Deer Valley Rd. Newport, WA 99156 - Open Thursday-Monday ONLY 8am to 4pm, 509-447-3054.

• 1712 Sullivan Lake Rd Ione, WA 99139 - Open Wednesday & Saturday ONLY 8am- 4pm, 509-442-3051.

■ What should I do with old electronics, such as computers or smartphones?

We are not collecting E-Waste at this time. We can make deliveries of big quantities for the tribe to recyclers in Spokane. Pend Oreille County also accepts TV's, computers, laptops, and computer monitors free of charge.

■ What happens if I mistakenly put non-recyclable items in the recycling bin at a drop-off location?

Placing non-recyclable items in recycling can disrupt processing, create safety hazards, increase labor demands, and raise costs. Please follow posted signage at drop-off locations to know what can and cannot be recycled in that location.

■ Are there any items that are never accepted at recycling drop-off centers?

Yes, items like medical waste, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects are not accepted at our recycling drop-off. These items require specialized disposal methods.

■ What should I do with materials that aren't accepted at the drop-off?

Non-accepted materials, including hazardous waste and large appliances, should be properly disposed of or recycled at designated facilities. For disposal options, contact your local City or County Websites. Spokane Waste to Energy. 2900 S Geiger Blvd, Spokane, WA 99208. Can incinerate Medical waste or private waste. Household Hazardous waste is accepted at Pend Oreille Country transfer stations up to 5 gallons per household per trip. For more information contact Warren Piengkham, Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator, Kalispel Tribe, & Tribal Recycling Alliance (TRA) at wpiengkham@kalispeltribe.com or (509) 671 -5366.