(Photos courtesy of Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste)
When recyclables are set out at the curb or dropped off at recycling depots, have you ever wondered where it goes?
First, it’s important to know what can go in the mixed recycling cart or at recycling depots to help minimize contamination. Recycling Right starts with us, before placing materials in the cart. Get a current recycling guide from your service provider or at deschutes.org/sw. Simple practices like rinsing containers, removing food waste and sorting materials properly help ensure recyclables can be processed effectively.
In Oregon, we recycle plastics based on size and shape. Empty and dry plastic bottles, buckets, jugs, and tubs must be at least 2” by 2” in size. Plastic screw-on caps can stay on plastic bottles and jugs as long as they are securely screwed on. Never place recyclables in a plastic bag – place materials loose in the cart.
Once recyclables are collected, the materials are baled into approximately 2,000-pound bales and loaded onto a truck to transport to a processing facility in Oregon. There is no sorting of materials during this process; any non-recyclable material or other contaminants will remain in the mixed recycling.
The mixed recyclable bales from home and businesses arrive at the processing facility, and are sorted to separate paper, plastics, and metals using conveyor belts, magnets, optical scanners, and manual sorting. Contaminants are removed and disposed of as trash. Contaminants not captured lessen the value of the clean recyclables or cause further contamination issues. Sorted materials are sent to market to be made into new products.
Plastic bags are major contaminants in recycling facilities because they tangle equipment, cause jams, and contaminate other materials. Plastic bags and film must be recycled separately at participating grocery stores or at County Transfer Stations. If collected separately, they can be successfully recycled.
Empty plastic bottles could become a park bench or filling for a winter coat. Yesterday’s newspaper could become next year’s cereal box. An aluminum can recycled today can be back on the shelf as a new one in just 60 days. Shredded paper can be recycled into lower-grade paper products like paper towels, napkins, and egg cartons.
By recycling right, we help create jobs and reduce waste sent to landfills. Manufacturers who use recycled materials conserve energy, protect natural resources, and reduce pollution.
