Alexei Volkov
Lane County, Oregon, offers its residents several options for recycling plastic. The county's Waste Management department has a Community Collector Program that mobilizes volunteers to collect plastic, and its transfer stations and garbage companies accept #1 and #2 plastic containers. Additionally, curbside recycling services are included in the cost of garbage collection, and certain plastic containers are accepted, such as beverage bottles, shampoo bottles, and condiment jars. However, it's important to separate glass and ensure that items placed in recycling bins are clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball to avoid contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Lane County, Oregon |
| Acceptable Plastic Types | #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jars, and jugs |
| Other Acceptable Materials | Beverage bottles, shampoo bottles, milk jugs, condiment jars, glass bottles and jars, used motor oil |
| Unacceptable Materials | Plastics stamped #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7, margarine tubs, milk cartons |
| Additional Requirements | Items must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball |
| Curbside Recycling Service | Included in the cost of garbage collection |
| Contamination Guidelines | Only place items that are clearly listed as acceptable in recycling bins |
| Volunteer Programs | Community Collector Program with 300 volunteers |
| Website | LaneCountyOR.gov/recycle and eugenerecycles.org |
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What You'll Learn
Lane County accepts #1 and #2 plastic for recycling
Lane County, Oregon, accepts #1 and #2 plastic for recycling. This includes plastic bottles, jars, and jugs, which must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball. #1 and #2 plastics typically include items such as beverage and shampoo bottles, as well as milk jugs and other common product containers. These can be recycled through curbside recycle carts or at county transfer stations in Lane County, including in the cities of Eugene and Springfield.
The acceptance of #1 and #2 plastics for recycling in Lane County is a recent development. Since 2018, these types of plastics had been excluded from allowable recyclables in local bins due to changes in recycling laws and the decision by China to stop buying American recycling. However, local material recovery facilities (MRFs) have invested in additional machinery and advanced technology to improve the sorting and cleaning of recycled materials. This has enabled Lane County to once again accept #1 and #2 plastics for recycling.
It is important to note that not all types of plastic are accepted for recycling in Lane County. Plastics stamped with #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are still not accepted in most Lane County recycling bins. To ensure the effectiveness of the recycling system, it is crucial to only place acceptable items in the recycling bins and keep them free from contamination. Any items that are not clearly recyclable should be disposed of in the trash.
Residents of Lane County can refer to resources such as LaneCountyOR.gov/recycle and eugenerecycles.org for detailed information on what items are included in the area's recycling program. Additionally, the County's Community Collector Program, in collaboration with Denton Plastics, a family-owned recycling center, has mobilized volunteers to collect plastic and other recyclables from the community. These initiatives empower Lane County residents to recycle properly and contribute to the county's waste reduction efforts.
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Curbside recycling is included in garbage collection costs
Lane County, Oregon, offers its residents several options for recycling plastic. One of the most convenient methods is through curbside recycling, which is included in the cost of garbage collection. This service is provided by the county's waste management department and offers a simple and efficient way to recycle plastic and other materials.
Curbside recycling in Lane County has undergone some changes in recent years, but as of 2022, residents can once again recycle common plastic containers marked with a #1 or #2. This includes plastic bottles, jars, and jugs from various products, such as soda, shampoo, and milk. These items must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball to be accepted.
To use curbside recycling, Lane County residents with recycle carts can simply place their acceptable plastic items in the cart along with other recyclables. Glass is an exception and must be placed in a separate container. It's important to note that not all plastics are accepted in the curbside program. Plastics marked with #3, #4, #5, #6, or #7 are not suitable for most Lane County recycling bins and should be disposed of separately.
The inclusion of curbside recycling in garbage collection costs provides a convenient and cost-effective way for residents to reduce their environmental impact. By sorting their waste and placing recyclable materials in the correct bins, community members can ensure that their plastic waste is properly recycled and diverted from landfills. This service promotes environmental sustainability and encourages residents to play an active role in protecting the planet.
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Plastic containers must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball
If you are recycling plastic in Lane County, Oregon, it is important to know that only certain plastic containers are accepted. These include beverage bottles and jugs, shampoo bottles, and condiment jars, which must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball. This is because recycling in Lane County only includes No. 1 and No. 2 plastics, which are usually items such as soda bottles, shampoo bottles, and milk jugs. These containers should be placed in the recycling bins provided by the county, either through curbside recycle carts or at county transfer stations.
It is worth noting that plastics stamped No. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are still not accepted in most Lane County recycling bins. This is due in large part to China's decision to stop buying American recycling in 2018 due to high contamination levels. However, #2, #4, and #5 plastics can be recycled through the Community Collector Program, which has recycled thousands of pounds of plastic in collaboration with Denton Plastics, a family-owned recycling center.
To ensure your plastic containers are properly recycled, make sure they are empty and rinsed clean of any residual products. They should also be completely dry before placing them in the recycling bin. This helps reduce contamination and maintains the effectiveness of the recycling system. Any items that are not clearly listed as acceptable for recycling should be thrown in the trash. You can refer to the Recycling Flyer provided by the county or visit LaneCountyOR.gov/recycle and eugenerecycles.org for more detailed information.
In addition to plastic containers, Lane County also accepts unbroken glass bottles and jars, which must be separated from other materials and placed in a designated glass bin. Used motor oil can also be recycled if stored in an unbreakable container with a screw top. Always check with your local hauler for specific guidelines and restrictions on recycling in your area.
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Glass must be separated and unbroken
When recycling glass in Lane County, Oregon, it is important to separate glass from other materials. Glass must be placed in a separate container for collection or recycling drop-off. This is because glass can contaminate other materials, reducing the economy and effectiveness of the recycling system. Glass items must also be unbroken before placing them in the glass bin. This means that broken glass and glass mixed with other materials should be disposed of in the trash, not in the recycling bins.
Lane County's recycling guidelines specify that only certain plastic containers are accepted for recycling. These include beverage bottles and jugs, shampoo bottles, hand soap containers, and other personal care and cleaning product bottles. Condiment jars, such as peanut butter and mayonnaise jars, are also accepted. However, it is important to check that the plastic is stamped with a number 1 or number 2, as these are the only types of plastic currently accepted in Lane County recycling bins and carts.
The accepted plastics must be clean and dry before placing them in the recycling. This means rinsing out any remaining product and ensuring that the container is not contaminated with food or liquid. Additionally, the size of the plastic item must be larger than a tennis ball. This is to ensure that the plastic is large enough to be properly sorted and processed by the recycling machinery.
It is important to note that not all plastic containers are recyclable in Lane County. Plastics stamped with numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 are not accepted in most Lane County recycling bins and carts. For these non-accepted plastics and any other non-recyclable materials, it is essential to dispose of them properly in the trash. Mixing non-recyclable items with recyclable ones can contaminate the entire batch, reducing the effectiveness and value of the recycled materials.
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Non-recyclable items should not be placed in recycling bins
It is important to ensure that only recyclable items are placed in recycling bins. Non-recyclable items can contaminate a whole load of recyclables, causing them to be rejected and sent to landfills, which raises costs for the facility. This contamination can also damage recycling equipment. Therefore, it is crucial to separate non-recyclable items from recyclable ones and dispose of them properly.
In Lane County, Oregon, recycling practices have changed over the years. As of 2022, Lane County residents with curbside recycle carts, including those in Eugene and Springfield, can recycle No. 1 and No. 2 plastic bottles, jars, and jugs. These typically include items like soda bottles, shampoo bottles, and milk jugs. However, plastics stamped with No. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are still not accepted in most Lane County recycling bins.
It is important to check with local recycling programs and providers to confirm what specific materials are recyclable in your area. For example, some areas may have different rules regarding glass recycling. While some communities accept all glass colors and types mixed together, others may have specific requirements. Additionally, certain items, such as electronics, plastic bags, and textiles, are generally not accepted in curbside recycling bins, but there may be alternative options for recycling or donating these items.
Some common non-recyclable items that should never be placed in recycling bins include animal waste, personal protective equipment (PPE), broken drinking glasses, and ovenware. These items should be disposed of in general rubbish bins or compost heaps, depending on the item. Other non-recyclable items include nappies, which some councils offer separate collection for, and batteries, which are highly flammable and should be kept separate from other materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Lane County, Oregon, accepts #1 and #2 plastic for recycling. This includes bottles, jars, and jugs. However, the items must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball.
Lane County Waste Management has implemented a Community Collector Program with around 300 volunteers to collect plastic. Lane County transfer stations and garbage companies operating in the county can accept #1 and #2 plastic.
In addition to plastic, Lane County recycles glass, beverage bottles, condiment jars, and motor oil. Most materials are commingled, but glass must be collected separately.
It is important to note that any items that are not accepted into the recycling bins should not be placed in commingled recycling. These items should be disposed of in the trash. You can refer to the Eugene, OR, website or contact your local waste management authority for detailed guidelines and proper disposal methods.
