Chloe Zhang
Lane County's recycling policy has been a dynamic issue, with changes occurring over the years. In 2017, the county stopped accepting most plastic containers at several locations, including the Glenwood Transfer Station. However, as of 2022, Lane County residents with curbside recycle carts and those using county transfer stations can recycle No. 1 and No. 2 plastics. This expansion in acceptable recyclables is a positive step, but it's important to note that items must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball to be recycled. Curbside recycling services are included in garbage collection costs, making it convenient for residents to recycle. While Lane County is making progress, it's crucial to be mindful of contamination, as items that are not recyclable should not be placed in commingled recycling bins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Recycling in Lane County | No. 1 and No. 2 plastics are accepted for recycling |
| Curbside Recycling | Included in the cost of garbage collection |
| Commingled Recycling | Newspaper, ads, direct mail, magazines, glass, certain plastic containers, and more are accepted |
| Non-Commingled Recycling | Glass, unbroken bottles, and jars are to be placed separately |
| Contamination | Reduces the economy and effectiveness of the recycling system |
| Non-Recyclable Items | Should not be placed in recycling bins to avoid contamination |
| Disposal of Non-Accepted Items | Proper disposal methods should be followed, and non-recyclable items should not be placed in recycling bins |
| Size Requirements | Items must be larger than a tennis ball |
| Cleanliness | Items must be clean and dry |
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What You'll Learn
Lane County's recycling policy changes
Lane County's recycling policy has undergone some changes in recent years, and it's important for residents to stay informed about what can and cannot be recycled. As of June 2022, Lane County residents with curbside recycle carts and those using county transfer stations are allowed to include specific types of plastic in their recycling. This includes No. 1 and No. 2 plastics, which encompass many common plastic containers such as beverage bottles, jugs, and personal care and cleaning product bottles. This is a positive update for residents who, as of October 2017, were unable to recycle plastic containers at the Glenwood Transfer Station and other locations.
It's crucial to prepare recyclables correctly. Lane County requires that all items be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball in size. Additionally, glass must be separated from other materials and placed in a designated glass bin. Only unbroken bottles and jars can be recycled, ensuring that contamination, which reduces the efficiency of the recycling system, is minimised.
Contamination is a significant concern, and residents are advised to avoid placing non-recyclable items in commingled recycling bins. When in doubt about whether an item is recyclable, it's best to find out or throw it out. This cautious approach helps maintain the effectiveness of the recycling process.
Curbside recycling service is included in the cost of garbage collection, making it convenient and accessible for Lane County residents to recycle properly. By following the guidelines and staying informed about policy changes, residents can play a crucial role in reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Curbside recycling service
Lane County residents with curbside recycling carts can now recycle No. 1 and No. 2 plastics. Curbside recycling service is included in the cost of garbage collection. Most materials are commingled, with glass collected in a separate container. To be recycled, items must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball.
The following items can be placed in commingled recycling bins:
- Newspaper, ads and inserts, direct mail, magazines, and catalogues
- Beverage bottles and jugs
- Shampoo, hand soap, and other personal care and cleaning product bottles
- Condiment jars (e.g. peanut butter, mayonnaise)
- Unbroken glass bottles and jars (must be separated from other materials and placed in a separate glass bin)
Used motor oil can be recycled if stored in an unbreakable container with a screw top. Ask your hauler where to place the container.
It is important to note that contamination reduces the economy and effectiveness of the recycling system. Any items that are not recyclable should not be placed in commingled recycling bins. If you are unsure about whether an item can be recycled, find out; if you cannot, throw it out.
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Accepted plastic containers
Lane County, Oregon, has changed its recycling policy and now accepts No. 1 and No. 2 plastics in curbside recycle carts and at all county transfer stations. This means that residents can now recycle certain plastic containers, providing they are clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball.
The following plastic containers are accepted in Lane County's commingled recycling bins:
- Beverage bottles and jugs
- Shampoo bottles
- Hand soap bottles
- Bottles from other personal care and cleaning products
- Condiment jars (e.g. peanut butter, mayonnaise)
Glass bottles and jars can also be recycled but must be placed in a separate glass bin and be unbroken.
It is important to note that not all plastics are accepted for recycling in Lane County. Previously, the county did not accept most plastic containers at the Glenwood Transfer Station and other locations. Additionally, items that are not accepted into the commingled recycling bins include margarine tubs and milk cartons.
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Recycling contamination
Lane County, Oregon, allows residents with curbside recycle carts and customers at all county transfer stations to recycle No. 1 and No. 2 plastics. However, it is unclear whether the county is still accepting these plastics, as contamination can lead to entire batches of recyclables being sent to landfills.
There are many types of recycling contamination, including plastic, food waste, and "tanglers" such as plastic bags, wires, clothing, and string lights that get tangled in sorting equipment. Food and liquid contaminants cause mould, which eats away at the fibres in paper and cardboard, lowering their value and making them unsafe for people who work with the materials. Other contaminants include electronics, which contain hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, and are harmful to human health and the environment when improperly disposed of. Yard waste is also considered a contaminant, as it is often soiled with food, drink, and other contaminants that diminish its quality.
To avoid recycling contamination, only put clean, common recyclables in your recycling bin. If an item is dirty and cannot be cleaned, put it in the garbage/landfill. It is better to throw away one item than to contaminate an entire truckload of recyclables!
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Proper disposal of non-recyclable items
Lane County, Oregon, has made changes to its recycling policy, now accepting No. 1 and No. 2 plastics for recycling. This includes common plastic containers, such as beverage bottles and jugs, shampoo and soap bottles, condiment jars, and other personal care and cleaning product containers. However, it's important to ensure that these items are clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball to be eligible for recycling.
For items that are not recyclable, it is important to properly dispose of them to reduce contamination in the recycling system. Non-recyclable items should not be placed in commingled recycling bins. Instead, these items should be put in the trash. This includes items such as margarine tubs and milk cartons, which are no longer accepted in commingled recycling.
When disposing of non-recyclable items, it is crucial to separate them by type and material whenever possible. For example, certain types of plastic, such as plastic bags and film plastics, may need to be returned to designated drop-off locations at stores or recycling centres. Some items, like electronics, batteries, and lightbulbs, may have specific disposal guidelines and drop-off locations due to their hazardous nature.
Additionally, certain materials, such as construction waste, organic waste, or large items like furniture, may require special pick-up services or drop-off at designated locations. It is important to check with your local waste management guidelines to understand the proper procedures for disposing of these items.
When in doubt about whether an item is recyclable or not, it is always best to find out before disposing of it. This can be done by checking with your local waste management guidelines or recycling centres, which often provide detailed information on their websites or through customer service. By properly disposing of non-recyclable items, we can help maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of our recycling systems and reduce our environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lane County is still recycling plastic. Residents with curbside recycle carts and customers at all county transfer stations can recycle No. 1 and No. 2 plastics.
Plastic containers such as beverage bottles, shampoo bottles, condiment jars, and cleaning product bottles are accepted.
Yes, items must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball to be recycled.
