Salem, Oregon, is dedicated to reducing waste and protecting the environment, offering a robust recycling program for residents. Knowing what can and cannot be recycled helps support the city’s sustainability goals. Here’s an overview of Salem’s recycling guidelines and resources.
Accepted Materials for Curbside Recycling
Salem’s curbside recycling program accepts a wide range of materials in the mixed recycling bin:
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Paper Products:
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Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and junk mail
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Flattened cardboard and paperboard (e.g., cereal boxes)
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Office paper
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Plastic Containers:
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Rinsed bottles, jugs, and tubs 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 should be placed in a separate container and not mixed with other recyclables.
Items Not Accepted in Curbside Recycling
Certain items are not accepted in Salem’s recycling bins, including:
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Plastic bags and wraps
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Styrofoam
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Disposable coffee cups and food-soiled paper
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Hazardous materials
Recycling Resources for Specialty Items
For items that cannot go in the curbside bins, Salem provides additional resources:
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Marion County Recycling Center: Drop-off locations are available for items like Styrofoam, electronics, and batteries.
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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events: Held regularly for safe disposal of paints, chemicals, and other hazardous materials.
Looking to Move Away from Single-Use Products?
Reducing single-use items is a powerful way to minimize waste. Marley's Monsters offers reusable alternatives perfect for Salem residents committed to sustainability:
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UNpaper® Towels from the Eco-Friendly Kitchen Collection: A washable, reusable option for cleaning up spills and replacing paper towels.
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Cloth Wipes from the Baby & Mama Collection: Soft, reusable wipes perfect for parents or anyone looking for a sustainable swap.
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Reusable Facial Rounds from the Facial & Body Care Collection: A fantastic alternative to disposable cotton pads for your skincare routine.
By incorporating these products into your daily life, you can significantly reduce waste and simplify your recycling routine.
Tips for Effective Recycling in Salem
Recycling in Salem is straightforward, but a few best practices can make a big difference. Before placing items in your curbside bin, ensure they are clean and dry to avoid contamination. Glass bottles and jars should always be kept separate from other recyclables, as mixing them can disrupt the sorting process. Additionally, it’s important to only include items accepted by Salem’s recycling program, as non-recyclable materials can slow down or damage processing efforts. By taking these small but meaningful steps, you can help make Salem’s recycling efforts more effective and efficient.
Contributing to Salem’s Sustainability Efforts
By following Salem’s recycling guidelines and embracing reusable products, residents can contribute to a cleaner, greener future for their community.
Sources
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Marion County Recycling Information: co.marion.or.us
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Salem Waste Reduction Guide: cityofsalem.net
Take Action
Recycling is a key part of sustainability, but reducing reliance on single-use items takes it a step further. Start by following Salem’s recycling guidelines and integrating Marley’s UNpaper® Towels or Cloth Wipes into your routine. Together, we can make Salem a model of sustainability.
