Unalaskans gathered at the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska鈥檚 office to learn about the island鈥檚 only recycling program. The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska started the recycling program about two years ago, sending certain plastics and other materials to recycling centers in Washington State and repurposing glass containers for local use.
At the recent presentation, Shanoy Anderson, environmental director for the tribe, walked community members through a powerpoint presentation about recycling, from 鈥渂in to beyond.鈥� 鈥淩ecycling is the process of gathering and processing materials to create new products,鈥� she said.
The tribe started their recycling program in 2024, collecting glass, No. 1 plastic, aluminum and cardboard. Most of the recyclables get shipped out in containers to the Tacoma area, through a partnership with the barge company Matson. But glass is heavy and takes up too much space. So rather than see it go to waste, the tribe recycles it in-house.