Understanding Oregon’s Recycling Guidelines: Your December Q&A

We’re excited to launch a monthly blog series featuring some of the questions we’ve received from our community. Each month, we’ll highlight the most common topics about Oregon’s modernized recycling system and the launch of RecycleOn Oregon.

This post provides answers to some recent changes, new guidelines, accepted materials and more. We’ll have a new post every month based on your feedback and questions! To submit a question, visit RecycleOn.org/contact-us/

🔢Plastic Recycling by Number
 Q: Which plastic numbers are accepted for recycling in Oregon, and can I recycle containers with unnumbered or different-numbered lids (such as #1, #2, or #5 tub lids)?

A: Once upon a time, we all squinted at the tiny numbers on the bottom of our yogurt cups and shampoo bottles, trying to crack the secret plastic code. But guess what? The number-hunting days are over! Now, we sort it out by size and shape, not by secret digits. If it’s a plastic bottle, bucket, jug, or tub bigger than 2 inches by 2 inches, it can go in your recycling bin! As for lids, only the screw-on types are invited to the party. Flat lids? Sorry, they’re party poopers and need to go to your nearest RecycleOn Center or into the garbage (see more about why below). The moral of the story: Don’t sweat the numbers, just focus on the shape and size. Happy (and less squinty) recycling!

♻️Plastic Lids & Container Recycling
 Q: Which plastic lids and containers are accepted in recycling, specifically the lids on #5 tubs, yogurt containers, bucket/Tupperware lids, mayonnaise jar lids, and clamshell plastics?

A: When it comes to lids, only screw-on types are accepted, since they’re designed to stay put. Flat lids, like those found on yogurt and sour cream tubs, are too thin and often get mixed up with paper, which can cause problems in recycling. So, screw-on lids can be recycled with their containers, but flat lids should be taken to a RecycleOn Center or placed in the garbage. And don’t forget, clamshell plastics, such as takeout or berry containers, aren’t accepted in curbside recycling and should be thrown away for now. The new approach is simple: pay attention to the shape and lid type, and you’ll be recycling right

♻️ RecycleOn Centers                                                                                                                     Q: What is a RecycleOn Center, how does it differ from BottleDrop, how many locations will there be, and how should materials be separated?

A: Imagine a future where recycling is easier, clearer and more accessible than ever. By the end of 2027, Circular Action Alliance, the non-profit that runs RecycleOn Oregon, plans to open over 140 RecycleOn Centers across Oregon. These Centers are like secret recycling allies, helping keep more materials out of the landfill and giving you a place to bring things like plastic lids, shredded paper, and other materials that can’t go in your recycling bin.

But here’s the twist: RecycleOn Centers aren’t the same as BottleDrop or redemption centers. You won’t get a deposit for beverage containers here, and those bottles should go elsewhere. When you visit, remember to keep all your materials, such as plastic lids, shredded paper, and everything else, separate. It’s a simple step that helps the recycling process run smoothly and keeps Oregon’s recycling story moving forward.

🔋Battery Disposal
Q: If I can’t put batteries in the trash or recycle bin, where do I put them?

A: Batteries are sneaky troublemakers in the recycling system. They hide in greeting cards, old vapes, and gadgets, and if they end up in the recycling or trash, they can spark fires and put workers at risk. So, what’s the rule? Keep batteries out of your recycling and trash bin. Instead, be a recycling hero: gather up those batteries and take them to a safe drop-off spot. Your local solid waste program or Call2Recycle can help you find the right place. By keeping batteries out of the bin, you’re protecting people and the planet!

🥡Clamshell Containers
Q: Clamshell plastics (like takeout or berry containers) are not accepted in curbside recycling and should go in the trash for now, correct?

A: Imagine you’re cleaning up after a delicious meal, staring at that clamshell container from your takeout, salad mix or berry container. It feels like it should be recyclable. After all, it’s plastic, right? But here’s the thing: clamshell containers aren’t accepted in your recycling bin, yet.  We’re working to ensure the equipment is in place to sort them out and find Responsible End Markets for these items to be recycled at. So, for now, the best move is to throw them in the trash. It’s not the ending we’d hope for, but every good story has a lesson, and in this case, it’s about keeping the recycling stream clean and working right.

🛍️Plastic Bag Recycling
Q: Why aren’t plastic bag recycling options available? Also, where are plastic bags with printed images accepted for recycling?

A: These lightweight bags might seem harmless, but in the world of recycling facilities, they’re notorious for causing trouble. They twist and tangle through sorting machines, bringing operations to a halt and making life difficult for workers. That’s why, no matter how many you have, plastic bags don’t belong in your recycling. However, you can take them to your nearest RecycleOn Center or visit https://plasticfilmrecycling.org/ for additional ways to recycle your plastic bags.

Want to see the chaos in action? Check out this social media video that demonstrates exactly why plastic bags can’t go in your recycling.

📚Hardback Book Recycling
Q: Are hardback books recyclable as is, or do the covers need to be removed?

A: Hardback (hardcover) books are not accepted as-is in curbside recycling. The paper pages can be recycled only if the hard cover and spine are removed. Placing the whole book in a recycling bin will just have it take a longer trip to the landfill. Preferably, donate or reuse the book instead.

♻️Pill Bottle Recycling
Q: Are plastic medicine bottles from pharmacies and over-the-counter products recyclable, and if so, what’s the proper way to recycle them?

A: Picture this: you’ve just finished your prescription, and you’re left with that little pill bottle. It seems simple enough to toss it in the recycling, right? But Oregon’s recycling system can’t take everything. If your pill bottle is at least 2 inches by 2 inches, it’s big enough to make it through the sorting machines and can go in your recycling. Many pill bottles, though, are smaller and risk getting lost in the process, so they won’t be recycled and might even cause trouble for the system.

So, what’s the best move? For those tiny bottles, check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer a recycling program. And if your bottle is big enough, give it a second life by recycling it. Every little step helps keep the recycling story going strong in Oregon