Save money and make the most of your foods
Did you know each household here in Oregon tosses $1,600 worth of food a year on average?

Find our favorite tips to prevent food waste, save money and unnecessary trips to the grocery store on Facebook and YouTube.

You can also visit our Eat Smart, Waste Less website for guides, downloadable tools and easy, effective ideas, like:

  • Puree and freeze sad spinach in an ice cube tray to use in stews or smoothies later.
  • Shop the bulk section at the store so you can get the exact amount you need and not more.
  • Next time you open the fridge, pull the food that needs to be eaten soon to the front; or put it in a bin labeled ‘Eat this first’.
  • After you write your grocery list, shop your kitchen first.

From a 2-minute check of your refrigerator’s temperature to learning a few key kitchen skills, each idea that you put into action in your daily life will help save food and save money.
Take our survey to inform a new
recycling collection service
An additional recycling collection service is being considered for Beaverton, Hillsboro and unincorporated Washington County. This new service would include select items that aren’t allowed in our glass recycling or mixed recycling bins. These additional items could include such things as batteries, plastic bags, take-out containers, compact fluorescent bulbs and more. Items will be selected that meet community demand and have a viable recovery or reuse market.  

Customers wishing to participate in the additional collection service would subscribe for an additional monthly fee. Materials would be collected once or twice monthly.  

We want to know what you think! Are you interested in the service we've described? If not, why? If so, what should be included?

Share your thoughts by December 19th! 

Want to learn more?
Keep wires, hoses, chains and electric cords
out of the recycling bin
Help the environment by throwing them away when they are broken and can’t be fixed.

Wires, hoses, chains and electric cords help keep our lives running smoothly. But when they stop working and it's time to get rid of them, it can be confusing to know what to throw away and what to recycle.

Anything long and stringy like chains, charging cables, headphones and holiday lights should go in the trash at home and work. When these items end up in the recycling bin, they get tangled in the sorting equipment, causing delays and creating hazards for the workers who run the equipment.

It might feel wrong, but remember, you are protecting the environment by learning how to recycle right and keeping trash out of the recycling bin.

To reduce waste, use wires, hoses, chains and electric cords until they are broken. You can also try repairing them before replacing them or donating items that are still in good condition.

For more answers on your recycling questions, follow @recycleornot on Instagram and visit RecycleOrNot.org. For Spanish, follow @reciclarono on Instagram and visit ReciclarONo.org.
Don't get left out in the cold on garbage day
Winter weather and holiday schedules can leave you wondering if your garbage or recycling collection will be delayed. When you use the Garbage and Recycling Day tool on our website you can sign up for service alerts and collection schedule reminders.

You can also use the What to Recycle and Where tool on our website to find out how to properly recycle or dispose of thousands of items, including Christmas trees, wrapping paper, batteries, Styrofoam and more!

You can also download the app to access both tools. Go to Google Play or download on the App Store.
Just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have interacted with Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling. Don't forget to add recycle@co.washington.or.us to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!