Omar Khalid
Plastic recycling is critical to improving the environment and bettering waste management solutions. In Oregon, the types of plastics that can be recycled vary by region and county. For example, in Portland, plastic containers and tubs that hold six ounces or more of material can be recycled, while plastic lids, styrofoam, and clamshell containers cannot be recycled. In Clackamas County, cardboard boxes, newspaper, magazines, and cartons are accepted for recycling, while compostable plastics, plastic-coated paper, and frozen food boxes are not.
What plastics are recyclable in Oregon?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers and tubs | Recyclable if they hold 6 oz or more of material |
| Plastic bottle lids, jar lids | Not recyclable |
| Plastic bottles | Recyclable |
| Plastic wrap | Not recyclable |
| Plastic bags | Recyclable at some grocery stores |
| Plastic film | Recyclable at some grocery stores |
| Plastic utensils and straws | Not recyclable |
| Plastic cups | Not recyclable |
| Plastic-coated paper | Not recyclable |
| Plastic-coated cardboard | Not recyclable |
| Plastic clamshells | Not recyclable |
| Styrofoam | Not recyclable |
| Polystyrene plastics | Not recyclable as of March 22, 2024 |
| Plastic bubble wrap envelopes | Recyclable if clean and dry |
| Plastic composite materials | Not recyclable |
| Plastic resins with lower numbers | More likely to be recyclable |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers and tubs of a certain volume are recyclable
Plastic containers and tubs that hold six ounces or more of material are recyclable in Portland, Oregon. This includes plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs with a cylindrical base. However, it is important to note that the recycling centers in the region can only process and recycle these specific items. Other plastic items that do not fall into these categories may not be accepted for recycling and could end up in landfills or incinerated.
It is crucial to properly clean and prepare plastic containers before placing them in the recycling bin. Any residual food or liquid can contaminate the recycling stream and cause issues during the recycling process. Contamination may even result in entire loads being tossed into the garbage. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that plastic containers are thoroughly rinsed and cleaned before recycling.
Additionally, certain types of plastic, such as bioplastics, composite plastics, plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate, are not recyclable. These non-recyclable plastics often include materials like cling film and blister packaging. It is important to separate thin plastic bags or films from other recyclables to avoid clogging machines.
While some plastic containers and tubs are recyclable, it is important to check with local guidelines and waste management providers, as accepted materials may vary by region. For example, in Clackamas County, Oregon, cardboard take-out boxes and coffee cups lined with plastic are considered unrecyclable. It is always best to refer to specific guidelines provided by local authorities to ensure proper recycling practices.
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Plastic lids and bottle caps are trash
In Oregon, plastic containers and tubs that hold six ounces or more of material are recyclable. However, plastic lids and bottle caps are considered trash and should not be placed in recycling bins. This is because they are too small or narrow for recycling sorting machines to manage and often end up in landfills or incinerators.
While plastic bottle caps are made from materials that are in high demand for recycling, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), many U.S. cities, including Portland, Oregon, do not have the technology to recycle them effectively. If plastic bottle caps are placed in recycling bins, they may contaminate the recycling stream and cause entire loads to be tossed into the garbage.
To ensure that plastic bottles and their caps are recycled properly, it is recommended to screw the caps back on the bottles before disposal. This practice has been legally mandated in Europe. However, it is important to check with local recycling facilities, as some areas that accept plastic bottle caps prefer to keep the caps on, while others request that they be removed.
The most effective solution to reduce the environmental impact of plastic lids and bottle caps is to transition to reusable cups and lids. Encouraging behavior changes, such as skipping the lid or opting for reusable alternatives, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated.
It is worth noting that some organizations, like Ridwell, offer subscription services that take items that cannot be recycled through municipal programs and find alternative ways to recycle, reuse, or properly dispose of them.
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Cardboard lined with plastic is unrecyclable
In Oregon, plastic bottles, jugs, or tubs with a cylindrical base of at least 6 oz or more in volume are accepted for recycling. However, it is important to note that not all plastic items are recyclable in the region. Items such as plastic lids, styrofoam, and clamshell containers are not accepted for recycling and can contaminate the recycling stream if placed in the recycling bin.
When it comes to cardboard lined with plastic, it is generally considered unrecyclable. The recycling process for paper is designed to handle a maximum of 1.5% of non-paper components, including plastic and metal. Cardboard with a higher percentage of plastic lining may be rejected and discarded. Additionally, the plastic lining can contaminate other waste during the recycling process, leading to the final recycled material being rejected.
In some areas, multi-layered packaging, such as cartons and to-go coffee cups, may be accepted for recycling. However, it is always important to check with local guidelines, as these can vary. In the case of cardboard lined with plastic, it is often recommended to separate the materials and recycle them separately, as suggested by some users in Oregon. The metal components can be recycled with metal scrappers, while the plastic-lined cardboard should be disposed of in the trash.
It is worth noting that some private companies, such as Ridwell, offer additional recycling services for items that may not be accepted by municipal recycling programs. These companies may accept items like plastic film, plastic clamshells, and other hard-to-recycle materials. However, it is essential to research and confirm the specific guidelines and capabilities of these companies before utilizing their services.
While recycling practices and technologies continue to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest guidelines in your area. Staying informed helps ensure that you are recycling correctly and reducing your environmental impact. Remember to separate recyclable materials and dispose of non-recyclable items properly to contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Plastic sorted by resin type, colour, or manually
In Oregon, plastic items such as plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs with cylindrical bases of at least 6 oz or more in volume are accepted for recycling. However, it's important to properly sort plastics to increase their value and prevent contamination. Sorting can be done based on resin type, colour, or through manual methods.
Sorting by Resin Type
Each type of plastic has a distinct mix of dyes and additives, and one of the ways to identify the type of resin is through a resin identification code or resin number. These codes are often found on the bottom of plastic products and are surrounded by a triangle of arrows. Common resin codes include PET (or PETE), HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and other resins. Sorting by resin type is crucial as some types of plastic can cause dangerous chemical reactions when mixed. For example, adding one PVC container to 900 lbs of PET bottles can contaminate the entire load, producing harmful acids or toxic dioxin emissions.
If a resin number is not included on an item, there are a few tests to determine the type of plastic. One test involves observing the item's reaction when exposed to fire: if it drips and produces a burnt sugar smell, it is likely PET; if it doesn't catch fire at low temperatures and produces a blue-green flame, it is probably PVC; if it doesn't drip and produces black sooty smoke, it's likely PS.
Sorting by Colour
The colour of plastic is another factor in the sorting process. Near-infrared systems are used to distinguish between different polymer types, and optical detection systems further along the line separate colours. The colour of sorted polymer streams can be influenced by factors such as the time of year, with more plant pots potentially being recycled during the summer.
Manual Sorting
Manual sorting is often employed to correct errors made by automated systems. At Veolia, for instance, operators can remove items by touching them on a screen, ensuring accurate sorting. Additionally, some recycling companies may require data sheets containing technical specifications for the plastic materials, including the resin number, melt flow, extrusion or injection grade, and more. This information helps ensure that the plastic is correctly sorted and recycled.
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Non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics and composite plastic
In Oregon, not all plastics can be recycled through the state's public recycling programs. Non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics and composite plastics.
Bioplastics are plastics derived from biological sources such as corn starch, vegetable fats and oils, straw, woodchips, and sawdust, instead of traditional fossil fuel sources. While bioplastics are often marketed as environmentally friendly due to their biodegradable nature, they are not accepted in Oregon's public recycling programs. This includes products labelled as 'biodegradable', 'compostable', or
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bottles, jugs, or tubs with a cylindrical base of at least 6 oz or more in volume are accepted for recycling in the Portland Metropolitan Region. Other plastic items that are not accepted for recycling in the region, such as plastic lids, styrofoam, and clamshell containers, should be avoided as they contaminate the recycling stream.
Plastic items that are not accepted for recycling in Oregon may end up in landfills or be incinerated. However, it is important to note that burning plastics releases harmful gases, so it is not an eco-friendly solution.
Yes, some plastic items that cannot be recycled in Oregon include bioplastics, composite plastics, plastic-coated wrapping paper, polycarbonate, cling film, and blister packaging. Additionally, compostable plastics are not recyclable into new materials and are not accepted by local compost facilities in Oregon.
Yes, services like Ridwell in Portland take items that cannot be recycled through municipal recycling bins. They collect various plastics, including plastic film, clamshells, and more, for recycling or reuse. Some grocery stores, such as Fred Meyer and Safeway, also have collection barrels for plastic bags.
