We’re excited to share that curbside recycling cart delivery is expected to begin the week of June 21, with service planned to start July 6. Customers will receive their cart, pickup calendar, and recycling information, and we’ll share more details soon so everyone feels prepared to help answer questions and support a smooth rollout.
Curbside Recycling – Customer FAQ (Answers)
1. What can I put in my recycling cart?
You can recycle paper, cardboard, plastic containers, metal cans, and some new items like cartons (milk, juice, soup boxes) and certain plastics. See attached acceptance list.
- Includes: cardboard, paper, bottles, tubs, cans
- All items must be empty, clean, and dry
👉 Good rule: If it’s clean packaging, it likely goes in the cart.
2. What can’t go in the recycling cart?
Keep these out:
- Plastic bags and shrink wrap
- Styrofoam
- Food waste or dirty containers
- Batteries, electronics, hazardous items
- Glass recycling drop off is at your local recycling depot.
These items cause contamination and may result in materials being sent to the landfill instead.
3. Do I need to clean my recyclables?
Yes — quick rinse is enough.
- Empty containers
- Rinse out food/liquid
- Let dry if possible
👉 Doesn’t need to be perfect—just no food or liquid inside.
4. Why are recycling rules changing?
Oregon is improving recycling statewide to make it:
- Simpler (same list everywhere)
- More consistent
- Better funded (companies help pay for it)
This comes from the Recycling Modernization Act, which is upgrading the system across Oregon.
5. How often will recycling be picked up?
- Every other week (bi-weekly) for recycling
👉 Your exact pickup day will depend on your route—customers will receive a schedule.
6. What size cart will I get?
Customers will receive a large recycling cart (95-gallon).
- Designed to hold 2 weeks of recycling
7. Why can I recycle more things now?
The program is expanding what’s accepted statewide.
- New additions to the list are in the works
👉 The goal is to make recycling easier and reduce confusion.
8. What happens to my recycling after pickup?
Your recycling is:
- Taken to a sorting facility
- Separated by material
- Sent to manufacturers to be made into new products
The new system requires better tracking to ensure materials are actually recycled responsibly.
9. What if I put the wrong item in the cart?
If contamination happens:
- Your cart may be tagged or not emptied
- Repeated issues could lead to additional actions
👉 Best advice: When in doubt, leave it out.
10. What about things that don’t go in the cart?
Some items need special drop-off locations, such as: Recycle On Container at the Transfer Station.
- Beverage package handles made of HDPE (#2)
- Polyethylene bags and wrap
- Buckets and pails made of HDPE (#2)
- Aluminum foil and pressed foil products (including lids if snapped on securely)
- Lids made of HDPE (#2)
- Shredded paper and PP (#5) Place in paper bags. NO PLASTIC!