How to Recycle at Home
- Subscribe to curbside collection service where you live
- Self-haul materials to a drop-off recycling center
The curbside recycling program accepts specific items on the "YES" list for recycling (see table below). Items on the "NO" list are not accepted in the curbside program and cannot be placed in your home recycling container. Some items on the "NO" list may be recyclable. Check with our What to Recycle and Where tool to see if you can take them to a drop-off recycling center. For more information, email a waste prevention and recycling specialist or call 503-846-3605.
Preparing materials for collection
Materials accepted for recycling are similar, regardless if you live in a single-family or multifamily residence. Below is a table of materials that are accepted in the residential curbside recycling program. Print a recycling guide for your reference and mark your recycling collection dates on your collection calendar. If you know your schedule, fill-in-the-blank calendars are available online. If you are unsure when recycling is picked up, contact your hauler.
What to put in the recycling roll cart and glass bin
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NO — |
Tips |
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NEWSPAPERS MAGAZINES CATALOGS PHONE BOOKS |
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CARDBOARD |
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MILK CARTONS DRINK BOXES |
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SCRAP OR JUNK MAIL NEWSPAPER PAPER CARTONS CEREAL BOXES |
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PLASTIC BOTTLES, BUCKETS & TUBS |
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METAL & AEROSOL CANS |
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METAL PAINT CANS |
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ALUMINUM FOIL & SCRAP METAL |
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ON THE SIDE ![]() |
GLASS BOTTLES |
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ON THE SIDE |
USED MOTOR OIL |
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Take these materials to a drop-off recycling center
In Washington County, there are drop-off recycling centers where residents can bring materials for recovery that are not permitted in home recycling programs. Materials not accepted in home recycling programs may be too brittle, unable to make it through the automated sorting equipment process, interrupt or jam the sorting equipment or are just best being sorted and hand-delivered to the recycling facility. Below is a sample list of materials that are not permitted for recycling from home, but may be accepted for recycling or reuse at designated drop-off facilities. Acceptable items can go on and off the list depending on markets. Make sure to call drop-off recycling centers before you go.
- Appliances: stoves, dishwashers, hot water heaters, washers and dryers.
- Cell phones: includes battery chargers, batteries and other accessories.
- Electronics: includes computers, monitors (CRT, LCD), printers (fax, copy, scan), laptops, televisions and more.
- Footwear: must be clean - athletic shoes, dress shoes, boots, flip flops, cleats, etc.
- Microwaves: remove the glass turn plate prior to recycling.
- Rechargeable batteries: cell phone, hand-held drills, camera, camcorder batteries, etc.
- Styrofoam: block Styrofoam that snaps when folded, Styrofoam sheets, food trays (clean meat, take-out, cups, egg cartons). May be charged nominal fee.
- Used cooking oil: please remove large pieces of food debris from cooking oil in advance.
Drop-off recycling centers in Washington County
Use the What to Recycle and Where tool to find locations for the materials you would like recycle. Please call the business in advance for directions, hours, materials accepted and any related fees.