Closing the loop in Seattle

LinkUp, a program sponsored by the Washington-area King County Commission for Marketing Recyclable Materials, was launched last year to encourage businesses and manufacturers to incorporate more recycled materials into their products. The program offers free information resources, technical expertise

and promotional assistance to eligible businesses throughout the Puget Sound area. While not quite a year since its inception, LinkUp has already partnered with seven local businesses, the most recent being Y.K. Products, a company that produces a dry, odorless compound containing up to 70 percent recycled asphalt for patching potholes and other concrete repair.

According to program coordinator Erv Sandlin, stimulating demand for recycled content materials and feedstocks has been the most challenging aspect of "closing the loop" through recycling. "Our partner companies have access to recycled materials and the technology to incorporate recycled content into their products; however, they need help creating markets, part of which comes through increasing public and industry awareness."

To date, approximately $235,000 in funds have been appropriated. Businesses that are interested in learning more about LinkUp and other programs sponsored by the King County Commission for Marketing Recyclable Materials should contact Erv Sandlin at (206) 296-- 0233 or visit http://dnr.metrokc.gov/ market/linkup.