FAN Plastics Recycling Update
Edited by FAN Sustainability Team, from the article Recycle Right in 2023, by Susan Kittleson
Recycling is a significant component in our efforts to address climate change and protect our planet, but recycling can be confusing! To help you recycle right in 2023, let's explore more about plastic recycling, clarify what can go into your co-mingled bins, and identify additional ways you can prevent plastic from entering the landfill.
If you would like to join our FAN team and help with this work, please let us know! We would like to create a network of trained community plastics collectors and Master Recyclers in FAN. We aim to have regular community collection events, starting with the summer FAN picnic.
Mixed Recycling: What goes in my bins? Starting June 1, 2022, most Lane County residents with curbside recycling carts and customers at ALL Lane County transfer stations can add #1 and #2 bottles, jars, and jugs (items with a seam running through them) to their recycling. Items must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball. Be sure to check the shape and number.
So what do I do with all of my other plastic? #2 tubs, #4 & #5 plastics do NOT go in your blue comingle bins. Lane County Waste Management offers plastic collection for #2, #4, and #5 plastics to "registered" community collectors. Only #2, #4, and #5 tubs, bottles, and jugs are accepted and must be sorted, clean and dry (you no longer have to remove adhesive labels or plastic film). To find a volunteer community collector near you or to register to become a community collector, please email [email protected] with your name and complete address, including your zip code.
• Other numbers (3, 6, & 7, etc.) are trash.
Lane County's FREE "WasteWise Lane County" app allows users to easily and quickly determine whether materials can be reused, repaired, or recycled—or if they should be thrown away. The app is free in the Android and Apple stores and available in English and Spanish. Residents can also use the tool to schedule household hazardous waste appointments and report illegal dumping. Visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise for more information.
Recycling is a significant component in our efforts to address climate change and protect our planet, but recycling can be confusing! To help you recycle right in 2023, let's explore more about plastic recycling, clarify what can go into your co-mingled bins, and identify additional ways you can prevent plastic from entering the landfill.
If you would like to join our FAN team and help with this work, please let us know! We would like to create a network of trained community plastics collectors and Master Recyclers in FAN. We aim to have regular community collection events, starting with the summer FAN picnic.
Mixed Recycling: What goes in my bins? Starting June 1, 2022, most Lane County residents with curbside recycling carts and customers at ALL Lane County transfer stations can add #1 and #2 bottles, jars, and jugs (items with a seam running through them) to their recycling. Items must be clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball. Be sure to check the shape and number.
So what do I do with all of my other plastic? #2 tubs, #4 & #5 plastics do NOT go in your blue comingle bins. Lane County Waste Management offers plastic collection for #2, #4, and #5 plastics to "registered" community collectors. Only #2, #4, and #5 tubs, bottles, and jugs are accepted and must be sorted, clean and dry (you no longer have to remove adhesive labels or plastic film). To find a volunteer community collector near you or to register to become a community collector, please email [email protected] with your name and complete address, including your zip code.
• Other numbers (3, 6, & 7, etc.) are trash.
Lane County's FREE "WasteWise Lane County" app allows users to easily and quickly determine whether materials can be reused, repaired, or recycled—or if they should be thrown away. The app is free in the Android and Apple stores and available in English and Spanish. Residents can also use the tool to schedule household hazardous waste appointments and report illegal dumping. Visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise for more information.