Here are a few common recycling questions answered before shipping and packing season really gets going:
Can I recycle Styrofoam?
No and yes. No at the curb. Styrofoam does NOT go in the blue bin; it is garbage and NOT recyclable at home. You have to put it into your garbage can if you can fit it in. This is a common mistake and a good reason for your blue bin to get ‘tagged’ and rejected by your garbage hauler. Rigid block styrofoam can, however, be dropped for free recycling at Total Reclaim on NE 59th Place at Columbia Blvd. For more resources, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000. Packing peanuts (clean/dry/bagged) can be given to a shipping store for reuse. They do not get recycled because they are impossible to contain, as we know.
What should I do with an old television or computer?
These two electronics are covered by the Oregon E-Cycle program and can be dropped for free recycling at any Goodwill site, working or not. Various other sites also participate in the program. Call Metro for other ideas or other electronics: 503-234-3000.
Is scrap lumber OK in my green yard waste bin?
No. No dimensional lumber is allowed in the green bin. It can go in the garbage can.
Is bubble wrap OK with the plastic bags I recycle at the grocery store?
No, bubble wrap can be reused by some shipping stores if unpopped or it goes in your garbage.
What about all the plastic containers that don’t go in the blue bin?
Check Far West Fibers for recycling options and their current list of accepted items such as lawn chairs, clamshell containers, etc. farwestfibers.com, with three locations on the east side.
Happy recycling for the holidays!