Letters to the Board: Recycling and Adopt One Block
Some observations and tips from your friendly neighborhood Master Recycler. I live and breathe waste reduction and recycling and see it everywhere, but not everyone does. So to help your garbage hauler, our environment, and the economy, I offer this advice:
- Plastic bags and styrofoam can be recycled, but not via the blue recycle cart. Many grocery stores recycle plastic bags (e.g., New Seasons), and styrofoam can be taken to Agylix in Tigard, which is the closest styrofoam recycler to us. Clamshell containers (e.g., berries, salad) are also accepted by Agylix, which takes any #6 polystyrene (“PS”). Look for “#6 PS” marked on the container. If a clamshell container is not #6—and unfortunately most aren’t—then toss it into the garbage, because curbside service does not sort by number. (Tip: fill up your vehicle to make the Tigard drive worthwhile.)
- Empty, clean, and dry: items for the recycle cart should not have food or liquids on or in them.
- Not sure or want more info? Check out Recycle or Not at www.recycleornot.org or www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/garbage-and-recycling/find-a-recycler or call Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000.
Questions or comments? Send them my way! (elizabeth.ann.erickson@gmail.com)