Portland, Oregon, is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, and its comprehensive recycling program reflects this dedication. Understanding the specifics of what can and cannot be recycled is essential for residents aiming to minimize waste and contribute to the city's environmental goals. Here's an overview of Portland's recycling guidelines and resources.
Accepted Materials for Mixed Recycling
Portland's curbside recycling program accepts a variety of materials in the blue recycling bin, including:
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Paper Products:
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Newspaper, magazines, and catalogs
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Flattened cardboard and paperboard (e.g., cereal boxes)
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Office paper and mail
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Shredded paper in a secure paper bag
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Plastic Bottles and Containers:
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Rinsed bottles, tubs, and jugs labeled with #1, #2, or #5 plastics
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Metal Cans:
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Aluminum and steel cans
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Glass (Separate Bin):
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Glass bottles and jars must be placed in a separate bin, not mixed with other recyclables.
Items Not Accepted in Curbside Recycling
While Portland’s program is extensive, several items are prohibited from the recycling bin, such as:
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Plastic bags, wraps, and film
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Styrofoam containers
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Disposable coffee cups and food-soiled paper
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Hazardous waste
Recycling Resources for Specialty Items
For items that aren’t accepted curbside, Portland offers alternative disposal options:
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Metro Recycling Information Hotline: Residents can call to locate drop-off sites for items like Styrofoam, electronics, and hazardous materials.
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Community Recycling Depots: Portland hosts depots for specific materials, including plastics that can’t go in the curbside bin.
Looking to Move Away from Single-Use Products?
Portland residents can take sustainability one step further by transitioning to reusable alternatives that eliminate the need for single-use products. Marley's Monsters offers a range of eco-friendly solutions:
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Reusable Facial Rounds from the Facial & Body Care Collection: Replace disposable cotton pads with washable rounds, perfect for removing makeup or applying toner.
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Washable Duster from the Home & Living Collection: An eco-friendly alternative to disposable dusters, ideal for keeping your home clean without adding to the landfill.
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Cloth Wipes from the Baby & Mama Collection: A soft, reusable substitute for disposable wipes, perfect for both parents and babies.
By integrating reusable products into your lifestyle, you can reduce waste at the source and simplify your recycling routine.
Tips for Effective Recycling in Portland
Recycling in Portland is easy when you follow a few simple tips. Always rinse and dry your recyclables before placing them in the bin, as clean materials are critical to successful processing. Glass bottles and jars must be kept separate from other recyclables to prevent contamination—Portland’s program relies on keeping materials sorted correctly. Being mindful of what can and cannot be recycled, such as avoiding items like plastic bags and Styrofoam, ensures the system operates efficiently. By taking these thoughtful steps, you’re contributing to Portland’s reputation as a leader in sustainability.
Contributing to Portland’s Sustainability Goals
Portland’s recycling program is a cornerstone of its sustainability efforts. By following the city’s guidelines and adopting reusable products, residents can take meaningful steps toward reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Sources
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Portland Recycling and Composting Guide: portland.gov
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Metro Recycling Information Hotline: oregonmetro.gov
Take Action
Recycling and reducing waste go hand in hand. Start by following Portland’s recycling guidelines and consider incorporating Marley’s Reusable Facial Rounds, Washable Duster, or Cloth Wipes into your routine. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Portland for future generations.
