Bend, Oregon, is dedicated to environmental stewardship, and its recycling program plays a vital role in promoting sustainability. Understanding what materials can be recycled and how to manage waste properly is essential for residents committed to reducing their environmental footprint. Here's an overview of Bend's recycling guidelines and resources.
Accepted Materials for Commingled Recycling
Bend's curbside recycling program accepts a variety of materials in the blue roll cart:
-
Paper Products:
-
Newspapers, magazines, and catalogs
-
Flattened cardboard and paperboard (e.g., cereal boxes)
-
Office paper and mail
-
Shredded paper (placed in a secure paper bag)
-
Plastic Containers:
-
Plastic bottles and tubs (6 oz. or larger)
-
Rigid plastic containers (such as yogurt and margarine tubs)
-
Rigid plastic plant pots (4” or larger)
-
Plastic buckets (5 gallons or less)
-
Plastic milk jugs
-
Metal Cans:
-
Aluminum and steel cans (labels are okay)
-
Foil, pie tins, and trays
-
Glass:
-
Glass bottles and jars must be placed in a separate bin, not inside the blue roll cart.
It's important to note that certain items are not accepted in curbside recycling bins, including plastic bags, film, foam, bottle and tub lids, clamshell and bakery containers, biodegradable plastics, Styrofoam, frozen food boxes, paper cups, plates, towels, napkins, pet food bags, paper ream wrappers, waxed paper, and candy wrappers or snack food bags.
Recycling Resources for Specialty Items
For items that aren’t accepted curbside, Deschutes County provides additional resources:
-
Knott Landfill Recycling and Transfer Facility: Accepts a wide range of materials, including appliances, electronics, and hazardous waste.
Deschutes County -
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events: Regular events are held to safely dispose of items like paints, chemicals, and other hazardous materials.
Deschutes County
Looking to Move Away from Single-Use Products?
Reducing reliance on single-use products is a significant step toward sustainability. Marley's Monsters offers a variety of reusable alternatives that can help Bend residents minimize waste:
-
UNpaper® Towels from the Home & Living Collection: These reusable cloth towels are a sustainable alternative to disposable paper towels, perfect for cleaning up everyday messes.
-
Washable Duster from the Home & Living Collection: Replace disposable dusters with this eco-friendly, washable option to keep your home clean without waste.
-
Reusable Facial Rounds from the Facial & Body Care Collection: Replace disposable cotton pads with washable rounds, perfect for removing makeup or applying toner.
By incorporating these reusable products into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce waste and contribute to Bend's sustainability efforts.
Tips for Effective Recycling in Bend
Recycling in Bend works best when residents focus on cleanliness and proper sorting. Before recycling, make sure all items are free of food residue and completely dry to prevent contamination. Glass bottles and jars need to be separated from other recyclables and placed in a designated bin, as mixing them with other materials can disrupt the system. Additionally, it’s crucial to only recycle items that are accepted in Bend’s program and to keep non-recyclables like plastic bags or food-soiled containers out of the bin. These practices help Bend maintain an efficient and environmentally friendly recycling process.
Contributing to Bend’s Sustainability Efforts
By adhering to Bend's recycling guidelines and adopting reusable products, residents can play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing landfill waste.
Sources
-
Deschutes County Recycling Information: deschutes.org
-
Republic Services Bend Recycling Guide: republicservices.com
Take Action
Embracing both proper recycling practices and the use of reusable products can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. Start by following Bend's recycling guidelines and consider integrating Marley's Monsters' eco-friendly alternatives into your daily routine. Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment.
