Updated: DTG Recycle forced to scale back operations in Snohomish County, Washington

A hearing examiner in Snohomish County, Washington, issued a ruling last month that has forced DTG Recycle to scale back its operations at a nearby facility near Maltby.

The decision comes following complaints from neighboring residents, who have reported issues with noise, dust and traffic, specifically regarding tub grinders used to process wood debris. According to the ruling, the company can only accept mineral and wood waste on specific parcels at its 18827 Yew Way location.

DTG acquired the Yew Way site from United Recycling last year, as previously reported by Construction & Demolition Recycling. When DTG took over, the company accepted violations related to buildings constructed under prior ownership that did not follow county protocol.

The Everett Daily Herald reports that County Hearing Examiner Peter Camp had previously required DTG to halt recycling operations by July 15 and to remove stockpile materials by spring 2026, which would have prevented DTG from accepting materials, effectively halting its operations.

DTG submitted a request for the decision to be reconsidered, and Camp extended the deadline for the company to reach compliance with the county code.

With the extension, DTG has two years to remove equipment and stockpiles of materials. The company must also remove or submit permits for unpermitted buildings by winter. 

In a statement to Recycling Today Media Group, a DTG spokesperson said:

"We respect the hearing examiner's ruling and are working to meet the requirements and achieve full compliance as soon as possible. We are committed to providing recycling services across Snohomish County and working closely with communities throughout the region. We will also remain closely engaged with [the] Snohomish County Solid Waste [Department] to advance our shared goal of increasing the amount of recyclable materials that [are] kept out of landfills. We will continue to work to be a trusted community partner."

The company affirms that it has discontinued the use of its large sorting machine and has completed a permit application to remove a hoop structure along the sorting machine. DTG has also redirected tons previously processed at the Snohomish facility to another site in Maltby, about three miles away. 

Editor's note: This article was updated Sept. 13 to include comments from DTG Recycle.