Alexei Volkov
If you're looking to recycle plastics in Eugene, Oregon, you're in luck—the city offers a range of options for recycling common plastic items and keeping them out of landfills. While Oregon recently passed the Recycling Modernization Act to expand access to recycling services and reduce plastic pollution, certain types of plastic can be tricky to recycle. This includes #5 plastic, which is not accepted in most Lane County recycling bins. However, recycling programs provided by companies like Apex Disposal Services and Sanipac are available to help you recycle plastic items like bottles, jars, and jugs properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic types accepted for recycling | #1 and #2 Plastic Bottles, Jugs and Jars |
| Examples of accepted plastic items | Beverage bottles, shampoo bottles, milk jugs, condiment jars, etc. |
| Plastic types not accepted for recycling | Plastics stamped No. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 |
| Other items not accepted for recycling | Bubble wrap, packaging, plastic blister packs, Styrofoam, plastic straws, etc. |
| Additional recycling information | Rinse out plastic containers before recycling; check local websites for detailed recycling guidelines |
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Curbside recycling
Lane County residents with curbside recycling carts, including those in Eugene, can recycle #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jars, and jugs. This includes beverage and shampoo bottles, milk jugs, and other common product containers. These must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball. Plastics stamped #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are not accepted in most Lane County recycling.
Other acceptable items for curbside recycling in Eugene include cardboard, tinfoil (free of food), paper, and some electronics. It's important to separate prohibited items, as contamination can result in everything in the bin being sent to the landfill.
For plastic containers that can't be recycled, these can be placed in the regular trash as long as they fit in your bin. Empty pill bottles, for example, must be disposed of in the regular trash, not the recycling cart. Hazardous waste, such as leftover medications, should be handled with care and not flushed down the toilet. Contact local pharmacies or waste management for proper disposal options.
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Plastic bags
In 2022, Oregon's legislature passed the Recycling Modernization Act to update the state's recycling system and create more resilient and comprehensive recycling opportunities for Oregon residents. These changes will begin in July 2025 and will expand access to recycling services, upgrade recycling sorting facilities, and reduce plastic pollution.
In the meantime, it is important to note that not all plastics can be recycled in Eugene, Oregon. Only #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jugs, and jars are accepted in the curbside recycling program. These include soda bottles, shampoo bottles, milk jugs, and other common product containers. All containers must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball.
Other plastics, such as #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7, are not accepted in most Lane County recycling bins. This includes plastic bags, which often have a #5 stamp.
It is recommended to check with local recycling options and guidelines, as residential recycling options may vary by location. Additionally, some local shipping stores may accept plastic bags for recycling.
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Plastic bottles
Other plastic containers that are not #1 or #2 plastic, such as blister packaging, plastic bags, and containers smaller than 6 ounces, cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in the regular trash. It is important to note that plastic bottles intended for recycling must be clean and dry, and larger than a tennis ball.
If you have plastic materials that cannot be recycled at home, you can check with local shipping stores or recycling businesses in greater Portland to see if they can be dropped off for recycling. Additionally, Lane County residents with curbside recycle carts, including those in Eugene, can add #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jars, and jugs to their recycling.
To ensure proper recycling of plastic bottles, it is recommended to rinse them out, remove any residue, and separate them from non-recyclable plastic items. It is also worth noting that lids from plastic bottles are often too small or flat to be recycled and can end up contaminating paper during the recycling process.
The City of Eugene provides resources for residents to learn more about proper recycling practices, and local organizations may accept donations of reusable items, such as old kids' books, sweaters, or furniture.
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Plastic containers
It is important to note that not all plastic containers are recyclable in Eugene, Oregon. Plastics stamped with the numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not accepted in most Lane County recycling bins, including Eugene. This means that many plastic containers, such as those for yogurt, margarine, or cottage cheese, cannot be recycled curbside and must be disposed of in the regular trash.
However, there are some alternative options for recycling plastic containers that are not accepted in curbside recycling. One option is to take these items to a recycling business in greater Portland, Oregon. These businesses may accept some plastic materials that cannot be recycled at home. Additionally, some shipping stores may accept plastic packaging, such as bubble wrap, for reuse or recycling.
It is important to properly prepare plastic containers for recycling. This includes ensuring that they are clean and dry, as well as larger than a tennis ball. It is also recommended to separate different types of plastics, such as #1 and #2 plastics, which are commonly accepted for recycling in Eugene.
Finally, it is worth noting that some plastic containers may be reused or donated rather than recycled. For example, old plastic containers can be used to store non-metallic batteries for disposal, and slightly used items such as books, clothing, or furniture may be accepted by local organizations for donation.
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Plastic toys
If you are looking to recycle plastic toys in Eugene, Oregon, you may have to look beyond your curbside recycling bin. While the city and county have made efforts to improve the recycling system and expand access to recycling services, some plastics are still not accepted in most Lane County recycling bins.
According to sources, only #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jugs, and jars are accepted in the commingled recycling bins provided by Apex Recycling. These typically include items like beverage bottles (excluding drink cups), shampoo bottles, milk jugs, and other common product containers. However, plastics stamped with #3, #4, #5, #6, or #7 are not accepted in most Lane County recycling.
For plastic toys and other plastic items that cannot be recycled through your curbside program, you may need to explore other options. One suggestion is to contact local recycling businesses or plastic buyers that specialize in recycling various types of plastics. For instance, scrapmanagement.com buys all grades of plastic in bulk and arranges for the transportation of plastic waste to recycling centers. They specify that they do not accept small quantities and primarily work with companies or individuals who have accumulated large quantities of plastic.
Additionally, some recycling businesses in greater Portland may accept plastic materials that cannot be recycled at home. You can explore options by visiting websites like LaneCountyOR.gov/recycle and eugenerecycles.org for more information on recycling in Lane County and Eugene, respectively.
It is important to note that when recycling plastic items, they should be clean, dry, and free of any food debris or residue. Sorting your recyclables correctly is crucial to ensuring they can be effectively recycled and benefiting the health of Eugene's ecosystem.
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Frequently asked questions
Residents of Eugene, Oregon, can recycle their plastics through Apex Recycling, which serves homes and businesses in the city. Lane County residents with curbside recycle carts can also recycle plastics through their local council.
Only #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jars, and jugs are accepted in Eugene, Oregon. This includes beverage bottles, shampoo bottles, milk jugs, and other common product containers.
Plastic containers that can't be recycled can be placed in your regular trash bin, as long as they fit. If you're looking to recycle other types of plastic, you can check with recycling businesses in greater Portland.
