🌱 Garden & Yard Season: What to Do with Empty Soil Bags, Plant Pots and Fertilizer Containers

Spring is here and that means digging in the dirt, planting flowers and getting gardens ready for the season. But once the planting is done, many people are left wondering: What should I do with all this empty packaging?

Here’s how to handle common garden and yard items the right way, and keep recycling running smoothly. For guidance, you can always check RecycleOn.org/Oregon.

Soil and Mulch Bags

Most soil, compost and mulch bags are made from plastic materials that cannot be recycled curbside.

What to do instead:

• Shake out all remaining dirt and reuse bags for storage or yard projects.
• If reuse isn’t an option, place them in the trash.
• Never put soil bags in curbside recycling, as they can jam sorting equipment.

Plastic Plant Pots and Trays

Plant pots are tricky because they’re made from different types of plastic and not all are recyclable.

What can go in curbside recycling:

• Rigid plastic plant pots (thicker, sturdy plastic that holds its shape) are accepted in curbside recycling. Make sure they’re empty and free of soil.

What does not belong in curbside recycling:

• Thin, crinkly or flimsy plant pots (often very lightweight or easily bendable) are not recyclable curbside. These low-value plastics can’t be sorted properly.

Best alternatives:

• Reuse pots for future planting or seed starting.
• Offer them to neighbors, schools or community gardens.
• Some garden centers accept pots back, although always check first.
• If no reuse option exists, non-rigid pots (the crinkly ones) should go in the trash.

Fertilizer and Pesticide Containers

Never recycle containers used to store pesticides, herbicides or other hazardous materials. These containers need special attention.

Before disposing:

• Make sure containers are completely empty.
• Follow label instructions, as some require rinsing.
• Never recycle containers that still contain chemicals. Take these to a household hazardous waste collection site or event.

Why It Matters

Garden packaging is a common source of recycling contamination. Keeping non-recyclable materials, like thin plastic pots and soil bags, out of the recycling stream helps ensure that bottles, cans and paper can actually be turned into new products.

A little extra care goes a long way this growing season 🌼