Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station

Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station is a local recycling center in south Seattle used by residents looking to divert household recyclables and yard waste from the landfill. Neighbors, landscapers, and people doing seasonal cleanups bring loads here for sorting and drop-off. The site works within Washington’s emphasis on separating yard debris and recyclables, so expect to separate materials before getting out of the vehicle.

Drive up to an entrance booth and be prepared to stop; a scale is typically on site so vehicles often stop again on the way out. Recycling bins and roll-off containers are usually grouped by material types like cardboard, mixed paper, glass, metals, certain plastics and yard waste. The site is open and industrial-looking - concrete pads, piles or containers, and traffic lanes for backing up to drop-off points. Many centers in the state also run special collection programs for things like electronics, batteries, or paint, so look for signage or program information when pulling in.