MCS Recycle Responds to Dust Complaints After Inspection

MCS Recycle's facility at 7201 E Marginal Way S has increased dust mitigation measures following neighborhood air quality complaints and a recent regulatory inspection. (Photo by Meghan Ross)

Following neighborhood complaints and a surprise inspection by regional clean air regulators, MCS Recycle says it is taking steps to control dust at its South Georgetown facility. Chief Operations Officer Matt Dunyon addressed the mitigation efforts during the Sept. 21 Georgetown Community Council meeting.

Dunyon confirmed that MCS received outreach from Georgetown residents over the summer regarding visible dust particles surrounding MCS Recycle’s South Georgetown facility at 7201 E Marginal Way S. The business takes materials from construction and demolition sites, including drywall, and crushes them creating dust.

Since the June inspection, Dunyon said, MCS has increased its sweeping and misting schedule to reduce dust. He noted that the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) recommended these heightened measures after the inspection and that MCS has complied with all agency recommendations, though he added that additional facility improvements remain underway.

“The hope is that within the next month, we will be compliant,” Dunyon said.

Air quality has been a growing concern for neighbors since the facility opened as MCS Recycle in early 2025. The issues recall similar events from 2015, when dust from another recycling facility on East Marginal Way prompted health complaints until that operation closed amid alleged permit violations.

In the months since the June PSCAA inspection, Georgetown residents have shared accounts in a community Facebook group describing “stinging eyes, burning in nose and throat,” and dust clouds settling blocks away. Some filed complaints with the PSCAA in late July. Residents reiterated those concerns in person at the meeting.

“We just want to move forward and be the best commercial neighbor possible,” Dunyon said.

Residents with concerns can contact MCS Recycle at info@mcsrecycle.com or (206) 556-3199. Complaints regarding air quality can be submitted to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at pscleanair.gov/262/File-a-Complaint, by email at inspection@pscleanair.gov, or by phone at 1 (800) 552-3565.