What the Dust?

Community Council to discuss complaints about white dust coming from drywall recycle site

Managed Construction Site Recycling (MCS) executives are scheduled to attend the upcoming Georgetown Community Council meeting to discuss white dust neighbors say is coming from their business in the 7200 block of East Marginal Way S and 8th Avenue S.

CDL Recycle/Drywall Recycling Services was shut down in 2016 due to environmental concerns. In early 2025, new owners under the name MCS came to the Georgetown community and pledged to do better this time around.

In a 2025 Gazette interview, they said they wanted to minimize impact on neighbors and described using nets and misting to control dust.

But in August, nearby neighbors complained that the white gypsum dust was landing on their properties and cars blocks away. Some filed complaints with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

Long-term or repeated exposure to construction dust can cause coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties similar to asthma as well as other long-term lung issues. Georgetown residents live very near industrial companies along with an airport and interstate. A 2013 study found life expectancy in the Duwamish Valley is eight years less than the Seattle average due to air pollution and nearby contaminated waste sites.

CEO Mike Sheldon said in 2025 he understood the company would be held to a higher standard given the previous problems. "We don't have people's trust yet. We have to earn it," he said.

Have they?

The GCC meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept 21 at the Old City Hall building, 6200 13th Ave. S.