What Can I Recycle?

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.