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 and Whole Foods are 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 Business Recycling Guide.