Woodinville un-corks recycling program | Environment

Got cork? Woodinville wants you.

Last week we spotted a cork-recycling bin in winery-rich Woodinville, put there by ReCork. The program recycles natural cork into SOLE footwear products, among other things.

"[Cork is] 100% natural, biodegradable and renewable. There is no reason natural wine corks should end up as garbage when recycled cork can become flooring tiles, building insulation, automotive gaskets, craft materials, soil conditioner and sports equipment," the company's website says.

ReCork has collected more than 10 million corks, which are then sent to storage facilities in Napa, California, and Great Falls, Montana, and then sent to Asia for use in products and packaging. The recycled cork is incorporated into footwear which sells at Seattle-based retailer REI and others.

We spotted the above recycling bin in the tasting room for DeLille Cellars, but there are recycling locations throughout the greater Seattle area. To find one near you, click here.