Recycling can feel confusing, especially with plastic. Many people in Eugene, Oregon want to do the right thing, but aren’t always sure what plastics should go in the recycling bin.
In Eugene, only specific plastics like #1 and #2 bottles, jugs, and jars can be put in the recycling cart.
For example, empty milk jugs, water bottles, and shampoo bottles with the recycling symbol #1 or #2 are accepted. This does not mean all plastics with those numbers are okay—plastic bags, clamshell containers, and most tubs should be kept out.
If Eugene residents recycle right, more items get reused and less ends up in the landfill. Knowing exactly what to recycle helps keep the system running well and reduces waste.
Eugene has clear rules for what plastics can be recycled, so being familiar with them can make a big difference. It’s easy once people remember a few key details about what is accepted in the city’s system, as listed on the Eugene recycling guide.
Overview of Plastic Recycling in Eugene, Oregon
Plastic recycling in Eugene depends on local rules, plastic types, and how recycling is handled by Lane County. Not all plastics are accepted, and items must meet certain guidelines to be collected and processed.
City Recycling Guidelines
The recycling program in Eugene, Oregon, is guided by clear rules about what plastics are accepted. Only containers that are clean, dry, and larger than a tennis ball should go in the bin.
This helps keep the recycling stream free from contamination. Residents must sort their recyclables carefully and remove lids or pumps from bottles and jugs.
Items with leftover food or liquid should be rinsed first. Plastic bags, wrappers, and clamshell packaging are not accepted by the city program.
The main focus is on containers like bottles, jugs, and jars made from certain plastic types. The city expects everyone to follow the guidelines provided by Lane County to keep the recycling process efficient.
Accepted Plastics and Identification Codes
Eugene focuses on plastics that are simple for recycling facilities to handle. The accepted plastics are:
- #1 (PET or PETE): Clear beverage bottles and some food jars
- #2 (HDPE): Milk jugs, detergent bottles, and juice bottles
Shape matters. Only bottles, jugs, and jars with necks, larger than a tennis ball, are accepted.
Lids should be removed before placing items in the bin.
A small table for quick checking:
| Code | Type | Examples | Accepted Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | PET/PETE | Water, soda bottles | Bottles, jars (with neck) |
| #2 | HDPE | Milk, detergent jugs | Bottles, jugs, jars |
Items like yogurt cups, plastic wrap, and clamshells do not qualify. Some recycling drop-off events in Lane County may accept a few more types, like some #4 and #5 containers, but these aren’t broadly included in curbside recycling.
For more, people can check Lane County’s plastics recycling guidelines.
Role of Local Recycling Facilities
Local recycling facilities in Lane County play a key role in sorting and processing plastics that match the city’s program. They separate plastics by resin code and shape before sending them off for further processing.
These facilities do not accept dirty or non-approved forms of plastic because they can contaminate the batch. Workers and machines quickly identify and sort accepted plastics, making the process efficient.
Lane County sometimes hosts community collection events for items not accepted in curbside bins. Residents should watch for announcements about special collection days for extra items.
The region’s rules and infrastructure are designed to keep as much plastic as possible out of landfills while keeping recycling manageable for everyone.
Types of Plastics Accepted for Curbside Recycling
Curbside recycling services in Eugene, Oregon accept specific types of plastic based on their shape, type, and recycling number. Recyclers should pay attention to both the number on the plastic and its form to make sure items go in the correct bin.
Bottles and Jugs
Plastic bottles and jugs with recycling numbers #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) are widely accepted for curbside recycling. These include water bottles, milk jugs, juice bottles, vinegar bottles, and large detergent jugs.
To be recycled, these bottles and jugs should be larger than a tennis ball and have a neck that is smaller than the body. Any lids or caps should be removed and thrown away unless the local recycling program states otherwise.
All items must be clean and dry to avoid contamination. Plastics that are flattened, broken, or not labeled with #1 or #2 should be put in the trash.
Broken or crushed bottles are hard to sort and may not be recycled correctly. More details on what is allowed for recycling in Eugene can be found on the Sanipac residential recycling page.
Tubs and Containers
Plastic tubs and containers are more limited in what can be recycled curbside. Only certain types are accepted.
In Eugene, tubs and containers made from #2, #4, or #5 plastics may be taken at special collection events but are often not accepted in regular curbside bins. Common examples include yogurt containers, butter tubs, and some larger food storage tubs.
These must be labeled with the correct number and separated by type and shape if taken to a collection site instead of placed curbside. All tubs and containers should be rinsed clean and dried before recycling.
If there is any food or product left inside, it can cause contamination and lead to the entire batch being thrown away. Check local rules before placing these types of plastic with your other recycling, as curbside acceptance is much more strict compared to bottles and jugs.
Lane County provides more information on this process in their Community Plastics Collection guidelines.
Plastics Not Accepted in Curbside Bins
Eugene’s recycling rules are strict about what cannot go into curbside bins. Some plastics are not allowed because they cause contamination or are hard to process.
Plastic Bags and Film
Plastic bags, plastic film, bubble wrap, and other soft plastics are not accepted in curbside recycling. These items often get tangled in sorting equipment at recycling centers, leading to costly delays and broken machines.
Even clean and dry plastic bags do not belong in your blue bin in Eugene. Grocery bags, bread bags, and shrink wrap are in this category.
Such materials can instead be brought to specific collection points at some local grocery stores if you want them recycled. Putting plastic bags or film in curbside recycling increases contamination rates, and may lead to more recyclables being sent to the landfill.
Do not bag your recyclables in plastic. Empty and loose is the rule for curbside bins.
Learn more about what not to put in your bin at the City of Eugene’s official recycling guide.
Polystyrene Foam and Styrofoam
Polystyrene foam (often called Styrofoam) is not accepted in Eugene’s curbside recycling program. This includes foam packing blocks, takeout clamshells, foam plates, and cups.
The technology to recycle these materials locally does not exist, and polystyrene can break into small pieces that contaminate recycling loads. Items such as egg cartons, meat trays, and foam coolers belong in the trash unless you find a special drop-off program.
Many single-use plastics that look or feel like foam are actually made from polystyrene. Don’t place these in any curbside bin, as they will be sent to the landfill and may ruin the recycling of other plastics.
More details are available from Eugene’s recycling information site.
PPE and Disposable Plastics
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and face shields are not recyclable in Eugene’s curbside program. These items are made of mixed materials and may be contaminated with germs or chemicals.
Disposable plastic utensils, plates, cups, straws, and other single-use plastics are also not allowed in curbside recycling bins. This includes black plastic food containers and small lids, which sorting centers cannot process.
If you have leftover PPE or disposable plastics, place them in the garbage. Never try to recycle these items in your blue bin, as they contribute to contamination and can cause loads of recyclables to be rejected.
For a full list, check Sanipac’s disposal guide.
Drop-Off and Special Collection Programs
Not all plastics go in curbside bins in Eugene, Oregon. Some plastics need to be taken to special places or dropped off at certain times to get recycled the right way.
Locations for Non-Curbside Plastics
Some types of plastic that can’t be placed in standard curbside recycling, such as certain tubs and bulky items, can still find a recycling home at drop-off centers. Lane County’s Community Plastics Collection program is an example.
They take #2, #4, and #5 tubs, bottles, and jugs that are clean, dry, and presorted by shape and number. Before visiting, residents should make sure their plastics are labeled and sorted as required.
Only plastics with the correct numbers and shapes are accepted. Mixing different types can lead to the batch being rejected.
Find out more about accepted items and sorting rules from the Lane County plastics collection.
Some local stores or recycling centers also offer collection points for items like plastic bags and film, which cannot go in standard recycling. It is important to check location-specific rules before dropping anything off.
Events for Hard-to-Recycle Materials
Special collection events take place across Lane County for plastics that are not accepted at curbside bins or drop-off locations. These events focus on hard-to-recycle plastics such as lids, caps, and non-bottle packaging.
Community recycling events are scheduled a few times a year and are open to Eugene and Lane County residents. Bring only materials allowed on event lists; unlisted items are not accepted.
Typical events want items to be clean and sorted by number. Event details, lists of accepted plastics, and schedules are posted on county or city recycling program pages.
Staying up to date helps ensure materials do not get rejected at the event. Participation in these events helps keep more plastic out of landfills and supports local recycle efforts.
How to Prepare Plastics for Recycling
Getting plastics ready for recycling can make a big difference. Keeping items clean, dry, and sorted helps make sure they don’t contaminate the recycling stream.
Reducing Contamination
Contamination happens when non-recyclable items or dirty plastics are put in the recycling bin. This causes problems at recycling centers.
It can even lead to whole loads being thrown away. Common contaminants are food residue, plastic bags, plastic wrap, and lids from certain containers.
It’s best to remove any leftover food, liquids, or other materials before recycling plastic. Only accepted plastics like clean bottles, jugs, and jars should go in the bin.
If a plastic item does not have a #1, #2, #4, or #5 symbol or is not shaped as a bottle, jug, or jar, it’s likely not recyclable in Eugene. Avoid putting items like broken toys, utensils, or Styrofoam with the recycling.
To learn more, check Eugene’s plastic recycling guidelines.
Cleaning and Sorting Tips
Wash out plastic bottles, jugs, and jars with water to remove any food or drink residue. They don’t need to be spotless, but there should be no visible food or drink left inside.
Allow them to dry before placing them in your bin. Always sort plastics by type and shape if your recycling provider asks for it.
Check for the recycling number on the bottom—usually found within a triangle symbol. In Eugene, only #1, #2, #4, and #5 bottles, jugs, and jars are commonly accepted.
Keep plastic bags, wrap, and film out of household recycling because they can jam machines. Place the clean, dry plastics loosely in the bin—do not bag them.
This helps the sorting process at the recycling facility go smoothly. For extra details, see the Eugene recycling guide.
Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics
Switching to alternatives can help keep waste down and reduce the use of single-use plastics. Focusing on reuse and picking recyclable packaging are key ways to make a real difference.
Reuse and Repurposing Ideas
Choosing to reuse items helps cut the need for new plastic. People in Eugene can wash and reuse sturdy containers like glass jars for storage, lunches, or crafts.
Clean yogurt tubs, coffee tins, or sauce bottles also work well for storing food or tools. Keeping a supply of reusable shopping bags is another easy fix.
These bags last much longer than single-use plastic ones and work for groceries and errands. For drinks, using stainless steel or glass bottles can help avoid disposable water bottles.
Common items to reuse:
- Glass jars: Store bulk foods, screws, or art supplies.
- Plastic tubs: Pack leftovers or organize small items.
- Cloth bags: Carry groceries, books, or clothing.
Repurposing saves money and reduces trash. It also makes daily life more organized and eco-friendly.
Choosing Recyclable Packaging
Selecting products with recyclable packaging helps support Eugene’s recycling efforts. It is best to buy items packaged in #1 or #2 plastics, since these are widely accepted in local recycling programs.
Cardboard boxes, glass containers, and aluminum cans are also good options, as these materials are easy to recycle. Shoppers can check the recycling symbol on packaging before buying.
This helps avoid items that come in difficult-to-recycle wrappers, like mixed plastic or foil pouches.
Tips for choosing recyclable packaging:
- Look for clear labels with numbers 1 or 2.
- Avoid multi-layered packaging that mixes plastic and metal.
- Choose products in glass or metal containers when possible.
Making small changes in what people buy can help reduce the amount of plastic waste in Eugene.
Comparing Plastics With Other Recyclables
Plastics, glass, cardboard, paper, and metals all have different recycling rules in Eugene. Collection methods, sorting needs, and preparation steps are not the same for each material.
Glass Recycling Differences
Glass bottles and jars are recycled separately from plastics in Eugene. Residents must place glass items in a yellow bin, not mixed with other recyclables.
This is because broken glass can contaminate other materials and pose hazards during sorting. Only glass bottles and jars—like those used for beverages and sauces—are accepted.
Other types of glass, such as windows, mirrors, or drinking glasses, should not go in the recycling bin. These types do not melt the same way and can damage recycling equipment.
It’s important to rinse containers before recycling, but labels and lids can usually stay on. Plastic bags should never be used to hold glass recyclables.
Following these steps keeps glass recycling streams clean and safe.
Cardboard and Paper Guidelines
Clean cardboard and paper are widely accepted for recycling throughout Eugene. Boxes must be flattened before placing them in curbside bins.
Cardboard that is greasy, wet, or covered with food cannot be recycled. All types of office paper, newspapers, and magazines are also accepted.
However, items like paper towels, tissues, and waxed cardboard should be put in the trash. To make sorting easier:
- Remove packing tape and staples from cardboard.
- Keep paper dry and loose—do not bag it.
- Pizza boxes are only okay if completely clean and free of food or oil.
This helps recycling centers process materials quickly and meet quality standards.
Aluminum and Metals
Aluminum cans, like those used for soda or energy drinks, are widely accepted in Eugene. Steel food cans are also welcome.
Rinse them briefly before recycling to remove leftover food and reduce odors. Crushed or flattened cans save space but are not required.
Foil is accepted only if it is clean and free of food. Scrap metal, wire hangers, and large metal objects cannot go in curbside recycling bins.
These should be taken to a special recycling facility. To help identify what is accepted:
- Yes: Aluminum cans, clean foil, steel food cans
- No: Aerosol cans, paint cans, propane tanks, large metal pieces
Sticking to these guidelines helps keep the recycling process running smoothly and safely.
Resources and Support for Eugene Residents
Eugene residents have several options for help with recycling questions. Local agencies and learning programs make it easier to recycle plastics correctly.
Local Government and Lane County Contacts
The City of Eugene and Lane County offer direct support to answer questions about what plastics can be recycled. Residents can call city hotlines or visit official websites for updates on accepted materials.
This helps them avoid putting the wrong items in their bins. Lane County Waste Management is a main point of contact for those living outside city limits.
They provide detailed guides on plastics like #1 and #2 bottles, jugs, and jars. For specific questions or special collection events, Lane County posts updates online.
Contact resources include:
- Eugene’s FAQ page on recycling
- Lane County plastics collection information
- Local community recycling coordinators
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality also provides statewide rules, so residents can check both local and state sites for answers.
Educational Programs and Workshops
Several programs in Eugene teach people how to recycle plastics correctly. These include free workshops, school visits, and recycling classes hosted by Lane County or the City of Eugene.
Educational efforts focus on which plastics are accepted and how to prepare items. Many classes use simple visuals and printed guides to help all ages understand the rules.
Residents can sign up for newsletters or community webinars. Lane County’s website lists upcoming workshops and learning events.
Some programs bring bins and sorting activities to neighborhood groups. This makes recycling easy to practice in person.
