Please read this special recycling notice about changes to local dropoff sites for recycling and what you can do to ensure you are recycling right!

Important updates about recycling market disruptions
Recent changes to global recycling markets are affecting U.S. recycling programs, with significant impacts in Oregon. This disruption is due to an announcement from China that starting in 2018, they will no longer accept certain materials, such as plastic "clamshells" and plastic bags, shipped from the U.S. for recycling. Until recently, China has been the world's largest importer of recycled paper and plastics.
Changes you should know about:
  • Far West Recycling is no longer accepting plastics, except #1 and #2 bottles, at its public recycling depots (more info)
     
  • Far West Recycling public recycling depots are now charging $5 per car to accept drop-off recycling
     
  • Aloha Garbage Company will be closing its public recycling depot effective December 1, 2017
     
  • New Seasons Market is no longer accepting public recycling, including plastic bags and clamshells (more info)
There have been no changes to mixed recycling collected at the curb at this time. Please remember that plastic grocery bags, plastic film and plastic "clamshells" are not accepted in your mixed recycling container. 


For a refresher on what is accepted in your mixed recycling container, download our Waste Prevention and Recycling Guide.

What you can do:
  • If you were collecting and dropping off plastic grocery bags and plastic film, use our What to Recycle and Where tool to find drop-off locations that are still accepting them
  • If you were collecting and dropping off "non-curbside" plastics like clamshells and plastic lids, please place them in the garbage for now.
  • Try reducing or avoiding waste as much as possible. Use durable items instead of disposable ones, such as grocery bags and dishware.
  • Check Oregon DEQ's website, which will provide updates about the situation and how it might affect recycling in our state.
  • Download the Garbage and Recycling Day app on either the Apple App Store or Google Play. The Garbage and Recycling Day app will our most up-to-date information on where items can be recycled and any potential changes to the recycling system due to the disruptions.



City of Beaverton begins new residential compost program

Starting October 30, 2017, Beaverton residents can compost food scraps

The day before Halloween, the City of Beaverton launched a new single-family residential composting program. Food scraps can now be included in yard debris roll carts in Beaverton, similar to Forest Grove. If you are uncertain whether your address is within the city limits of Beaverton or Forest Grove, please visit Metro Map, type in your address and view the info listed for Jurisdiction.

If you do not live in Beaverton or Forest Grove, please do not include food in your yard debris roll cart. Yard debris collected from surrounding communities is not delivered to facilities that are properly permitted to accept food waste from residents.

Learn more