Recycling News August 2025



August 4, 2025
  Uncategorized

Recycling act goes into effect: small changes now, more to come

In 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. It went into effect on July 1. In the short term, it brings some changes to what can be included in recycling bins. The longer term and first-in-the-nation change is in making packaging producers responsible for the consequences of their choice of materials. Companies whose packaging and food service ware is sold or used in Oregon will pay fees based on the type and quantity of material. The less recyclable, the higher the fee. Over time this should cut down on wasteful practices and overuse of plastic and other hard-to-recycle materials. The program is implemented by the Circular Action Alliance. “Extended producer responsibility” laws already apply to electronics in the state (Oregon E-Cycles).

Additionally, the law will bring recycling to areas of the state that don’t have easy access. While it is easy to recycle in the Portland Metro area, there are many communities with few or no opportunities. Over time, more Oregonians will be able to recycle.

For now, recycling will stay mostly the same for people in greater Portland. But there are some changes to what you can put in your home and work recycling bins:

  • Plastic screw-on caps are allowed as long as they are securely screwed onto plastic bottles, jars, buckets and jugs. Loose caps go in the garbage. Note: screw-on caps are not the same as lids. The lids that press onto plastic containers still go in the garbage.
  • Pizza boxes are allowed as long as there are no leftover food scraps and grease residue is minimal. Paper liners from pizza boxes go in the garbage.
  • Paperback books are allowed, though we recommend donating them instead!
  • Plastic bottles, tubs, round containers and jugs must be at least 2 inches by 2 inches in size (so most prescription containers are not allowed).
  • Scrap metal must be less than 18 inches long and weigh less than 10 pounds.

For the most up to date information on how to recycle at home and at work, refer to your local city or county recycling guides. You can also Ask Metro. Call 503-234-300 or ask your question online. 

Saturday at the James Recycling Depot

Saturday, August 30, 10 am-1 pm, $3/grocery bag of sorted recycling and $10/45-gallon bag of styrofoam, 5541 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Portland.

The James Recycling Depot will be collecting non-curbside #1 PET (clear and without color), and #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, #5 PP, #6 PS plastics (these can be any color and don’t need to be clear), as well as plastic caps, straws, and utensils.

Green Century Recycling will be on-site collecting styrofoam, styrofoam products, polyethylene foam (“squishy foam”), appliances, and electronics.

James Recycling is a non-profit organization founded by a young man on the autism spectrum. Their mission is to help recycle difficult-to-recycle plastic as well as provide employment opportunities to adults with different abilities. All of the material collected is sent to local, responsible end-markets. See more information on their website www.jamesrecycling.com.