What You Recycle Matters – Help Oregon Do It Right

Every item you correctly recycle helps create a cleaner, more circular economy for Oregon. Together, we can make a real impact by recycling right.

What Can I Recycle?

Recycling only the items accepted by your community helps keep the system running smoothly, reduces the cost of recycling, and ensures that more materials are turned into new products.

Below is the base list that most Oregon communities recycle. Learn what items your community recycles using the Local Recycling Directory tool, and recycle with confidence:

Plastic

plastic bottles, jugs, jars
must be 2 inches by 2 inches or larger
Metal

aluminum and steel cans
empty and dry
Cardboard & Cartons

flattened cardboard, packaging boxes
no food residue or frozen food boxes
Paper

newspaper, magazines, mail, bags
no paper towels or napkins

All items must be empty and dry
Pour liquids down the drain and, if possible, compost food waste.
No Bagged Recyclables
Place recyclables directly into the bin, do not pre-bag.

Browse the Local Recycling Directory to find what you can recycle in your community, and to check which items go in your recycling bin and which don’t.

What Can’t I Recycle?

Not sure what goes in your bin? Don’t guess—check with your local recycling program for clear guidance. When the wrong items end up in the recycling, they can damage equipment and ruin other recyclables.

Below are items that should not go in your recycling bin:

Plastic bags and stretchy plastics

These items tangle in recycling equipment. Find options for recycling these at Plasticfilmrecycling.org
Batteries

Batteries can start fires at garbage and recycling facilities. Never put batteries inside your garbage or recycling bin.
Food and liquids

Dirty and wet containers can spoil other recyclables. Pour liquids down the drain and, if possible, compost food waste.
Hoses, cords and wires

Items like these get caught in recycling machinery.
Non-recyclable plastics

Not all plastics can be recycled. Plastic utensils, straws, and clamshell containers are not accepted in your recycling bin.
Frozen food boxes

These boxes have a coating to protect them in the freezer that also reduces their recyclability.
Electronics

These items create safety hazards and need special handling. Visit Oregon E-Cycles to find recycling options near you.
Clothing

Clothing should not be placed in your recycling bin as it can jam sorting equipment. Consider donating them.
Diapers and medical waste

These items create unsafe conditions for recycling workers and should never be recycled.