Sofia Martinez
Plastic recycling in Portland is based on the size and shape of the item, rather than the numbers or chasing arrows often found on plastic products. The allowed plastics are bottles, tubs, buckets, and jugs, which are the right shapes to be successfully sorted and are the types of plastic that recycling companies want to buy. Plastic bags, plastic film, plastic lids, and plastic takeout containers are not allowed in Portland's recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basis of recycling | Size and shape of the item |
| Recyclable items | Plastic bottles, tubs, buckets, jugs, jars, round containers, plastic bottle caps, plastic bags, batteries, polystyrene, paper cartons with plastic components, plastic film |
| Non-recyclable items | Plastic bags at the curb, plastic lids, styrofoam, clamshell containers, plastic takeout containers, disposable plates, cups, and cutlery |
| Additional information | Plastic items should be rinsed and dried before being placed in the recycling bin |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bottles, tubs, buckets, and jugs are allowed
Plastic bottles with a threaded neck for a screw-on lid or a neck narrower than the base can be recycled. This includes bottles that previously held cleaning products, shampoo, or laundry soap. Round plastic containers with a wider rim than the base that can hold 6 ounces or more are also allowed. These typically hold products like salsa, margarine, cottage cheese, or hummus. Plastic jars with a neck that are 6 ounces or larger can be recycled, but lids are too small to be sorted from other recyclables and should be thrown away.
Planting or nursery pots made of rigid plastic that are larger than 4 inches in diameter can be recycled, while thin, crinkly plastic pots are not accepted. Buckets that are 5 gallons or smaller can be recycled, but plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb. Plastic bags can be returned to stores or dropped off at recycling centers, where they are collected separately from other plastics.
It is important to rinse containers before placing them in the recycling bin, but they do not need to be perfectly clean. Items should be dry and free of food residue.
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Plastic bags, film, and six-pack rings are not allowed
Plastic bags, plastic film, and six-pack rings are not allowed in Portland's recycling bins. This includes pallet wrap, bubble wrap, and stretch wrap. Plastic bags and plastic film can be recycled, but not at the curb. They can be taken back to stores or dropped off at recycling centres, where they are collected separately from other plastics.
Plastic bags are a serious problem for recycling facilities as they get caught in the machinery, causing costly shutdowns of sorting lines to cut the bags out of the equipment.
Plastic six-pack rings, including those made of rigid plastic, are also not allowed in Portland's recycling bins. These should be avoided as they can cause harm to wildlife.
Other items that are not allowed in Portland's recycling bins include plastic lids, plastic take-out food containers, disposable plates, cups, and cutlery, and Styrofoam or clamshell containers.
It is important to note that Portland's recycling system is based on the shape of the item rather than the type of plastic. Only plastic bottles, tubs, buckets, and jugs are allowed as they are the right shapes to be successfully sorted and are the types of plastic that recycling companies want to buy.
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Plastic lids and caps are not allowed in bins
Plastic lids and caps are not allowed in recycling bins in Portland. This is because they are too small and flat to be sorted out from other recyclables, and they often end up at paper mills, where they contaminate the paper.
In Portland, recycling is based on the size and shape of the item. The only plastics that should be put in recycling containers are bottles, tubs (6oz or larger), buckets, and jugs. These are the right shapes to be successfully sorted, and they are the types of plastic that recycling companies want to buy.
Other items that should not be placed in recycling bins in Portland include plastic bags, plastic film, plastic takeout containers, disposable plates, cups, and cutlery, and plastic bags or liners. Plastic bags, in particular, are a serious problem for recycling facilities as they get caught in the machinery, causing costly shutdowns.
If you are unsure about whether an item can be recycled, it is recommended to check with your local city or county government for specific guidelines. It is important to remember that just because a material is theoretically recyclable, it does not mean that local recycling facilities can handle it.
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Plastic plant pots can be recycled if they're rigid and over 4 in diameter
Plastic plant pots can be recycled in Portland if they are rigid and over 4 inches in diameter. In addition to plant pots, the following plastics can be recycled in Portland: bottles, tubs, buckets, and jugs. These are the right shapes to be successfully sorted, and they are the types of plastic that recycling companies want to buy.
When sorting your plastics, ignore the recycle symbol and number. Plastics recycling in Portland is based on the size and shape of the item. Please rinse containers before placing them in your recycling bin. They do not need to be perfectly clean, but they should be free of food residue and dry.
In addition to the above, plastic bags can be recycled but not at the curb. Plastic bags cause serious problems for recycling facilities as they get caught in machinery, causing costly shut-downs of sorting lines to cut the bags out of the equipment. Take plastic bags back to stores or drop them off at recycling centers where they are collected separately from other plastics.
Other items that can be recycled in Portland include paper, metal, and glass. Paper products include office paper, newspapers, magazines, phone books, and junk mail. Metal items include aluminum, tin, and steel food cans, as well as empty aerosol cans and empty and dry metal paint cans. Glass should always be collected separately from other recyclables.
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Plastic bottles that held hazardous materials are not allowed
Plastic bottles, tubs, buckets, and jugs are allowed in Portland's recycling bins. However, it is important to ensure that these items are empty, dry, and free of food residue before placing them in the bin. It is also worth noting that lids, caps, and other small items should not be included in the recycling as they can contaminate the recycling process and are too small to be properly sorted.
When it comes to plastic bottles, it is crucial to pay attention to the contents they previously held. Plastic bottles that have been used for hazardous materials, such as motor oil, pesticides, herbicides, or other toxic substances, are strictly prohibited from being recycled in Portland. These bottles must be disposed of separately from regular recyclables to ensure the safety of the recycling process and the protection of the environment.
Hazardous materials can pose significant risks if not handled and disposed of correctly. Motor oil, for example, can contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment. Pesticides and herbicides are also dangerous, as they are designed to kill or control pests and unwanted vegetation. Improper disposal of these substances can lead to contamination of soil, water sources, and ecosystems, causing long-term damage to the environment and potentially harming human and animal health.
Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when recycling plastic bottles and ensure that those containing hazardous materials are excluded from the recycling bin. By following these guidelines, residents of Portland can play a vital role in protecting the environment and supporting sustainable practices in their community.
It is worth noting that Portland's recycling system is primarily based on the shape of the item, which can be a source of confusion for residents. While certain plastics may be theoretically recyclable, the local recycling facilities might not have the capacity or economic feasibility to process all types of plastics. This highlights the importance of staying informed about the specific guidelines and restrictions in your area to ensure proper waste disposal and recycling practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bottles, tubs, buckets, and jugs are allowed. Plastic bags and plastic film (pallet wrap, bubble wrap, stretch wrap) are not allowed.
Containers should be free of food residue and dry before they go in the bin. They do not need to be perfectly clean.
The plastic waste stays within the Portland Metro Region and gets recycled.
Plastic bottle caps cannot be put in your recycling bin. However, they can be recycled at some locations in the Portland area, such as Preserve, which accepts any bottle caps or container lids.
Recycling in Portland is based on the size and shape of the item. Ignore the recycle symbol and number on the plastic.
