Example_C_Forest_Grove_recycling_guide.pdf

Making a new product requires a lot of resources and energy — taking raw materials from the earth, processing them, making a product and transporting it to be sold. Reducing what you buy new and reusing and repairing what you have helps protect the environment and save money. Here are some ideas:

• Buy used. Find great deals on everything from clothes to building materials.

• Buy in bulk and use refillable containers when possible.

• Try reusable over disposable items. Start small by bringing your own water bottle or coffee mug and refusing items like straws or napkins if you don’t need them.

• Maintain and repair products like clothing, furniture and appliances. Check out repairfair.org for upcoming opportunities to repair items.

• Borrow, rent or share items you rarely use like party decorations, tools or furniture. Many local libraries have “Libraries of Things” where you can borrow items like this.

Find answers online or with our app

Washington County community members can keep track of garbage and recycling pick-up schedules and find out how to dispose of thousands of items with online and mobile tools like our Garbage and Recycling Day app. You can:

• Look up your garbage and recycling schedule.

• Sign up for reminders by phone, email or text.

• Get notified about winter weather and holiday schedule changes.

• Learn about special drop-off events in your area.

• Find nearby drop-off recycling centers for items that aren’t recyclable in your roll cart.

Learn more by visiting:

WashingtonCountyRecycles.com/GRD

Forest Grove Recycling Guide

2021 Recycling is important

Did you know that 40% of food in the U.S. is wasted? Almost half of that waste comes from households. The average family of four throws out about $1,500 worth of food every year! By making small changes in how we shop for, prepare and store food, we can waste less, save money and conserve the valuable resources that go into producing food. Start by labelling a bin in your fridge with an “Eat this First” sticker (we can send you one!).

Head to EatSmartWasteLess.com for more tips and to take the challenge!

Reduce costs. By separating out reusable and recyclable materials, you may be able to save money by reducing your garbage service.

Create jobs. Recycling services create jobs with businesses that haul, process and sell recovered materials, as well as with companies that manufacture and distribute products made with these recycled materials. Recycling in our state creates nearly $1.55 billion in economic benefits for Oregonians.

Keep the community clean. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturers can use more recycled materials to create new products instead of raw materials, which reduces air, water and land pollution.

Protect the environment. Recycling conserves energy and the natural resources such as trees, water and minerals that are used to make new goods.

Reduce, reuse and repair

503-846-3605 WashingtonCountyRecycles.com recycle@co.washington.or.us Forest Grove_2021 = WM_WashCoForestGrove_584

You can recycle some items that don’t go into your recycling roll cart by taking them to a drop-off recycling center. Items include batteries, Styrofoam, electronics, medications, paint, plastic bags, shoes and clothing, and more.

Find a location near you by using WashingtonCountyRecycles.com/WTRW or by calling 503-846-3605. Call the facility before you go to confirm hours, items accepted, and if there are fees.

If you have questions or want to receive this calendar in another language, please contact:

Washington County Solid Waste and Recycling Tel. 503-846-3605

Email: recycle@co.washington.or.us

Paper and cardboard WashingtonCountyRecycles.com | 503-846-3605

Garbage

Garden hoses, treated wood, pet waste, cat litter, diapers, frozen food packaging/trays

Incandescent light bulbs, broken glass, ceramics, vases, drinking glasses

Recycle

Metal Rinsed aluminum, tin, and steel cans, empty aerosol cans, clean aluminum foil, scrap metal

Paper Newspapers, magazines, mail & envelopes (windows ok), office/scrap paper, cartons, flattened cardboard boxes

Plastic Rinsed bottles and tubs (6 oz or larger) and buckets (5 gallons and smaller)

Garbage Coffee cups, paper/ plastic plates, take-out containers, “compostable” serviceware, hot and cold drink cups, straws, cutlery, plastic clamshells, plastic bags, plastic caps/lids

NO plastic bags, plastic clamshells, polystyrene, “compostable” serviceware, coffee cups or lids, frozen food boxes or trays, plastic lids, hot or cold drink cups, paper or plastic plates/cups, plastic utensils, take-out containers, or glass (glass should go in the separate bin).

NO electronics, computers, monitors, TVs, hazardous waste, liquids, chemicals, medical sharps like needles, fluorescent light bulbs, or batteries. Use WashingtonCountyRecycles.com/WTRW or call 503-846-3605 to find out where to take these items.

Set out roll carts and bins:

• At the curb by 6 a.m.

• At least 3 feet from cars, trees and each other.

• Without blocking sidewalks, bike paths or driveways

Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste and medical sharps can be disposed of at a Metro drop-off hazardous waste facility or a free neighborhood collection event.

Metro transfer stations and household hazardous waste facilities 6161 NW 61st Ave, Portland, 97210 2001 Washington St, Oregon City, 97045

Visit OregonMetro.gov/HHW or call 503-234-3000 for more information.

What to Recycle and Where?

Yard Debris & Food Scraps

Yard Debris Weeds, leaves, vines, grass clippings, house plants, flowers, branches less than 4 inches in diameter and shorter than 36 inches in length

Food scraps Include all food (beans, bones, bread, coffee grounds, dairy, eggshells, fruits, meat, pasta, plate scraps, poultry, rice, grains, seafood, vegetables) and food-soiled paper (coffee filters, newspaper, paper napkins, paper towels, pizza delivery boxes, teabags)

Glass

Glass Bottles and Jars Put glass into separate bin.

Remove lids. Labels

OK.

NO vases, broken glass, drinking glasses or lightbulbs.

Motor Oil Put in a leak-proof, clear plastic jug with lid and place next to bins. Motor oil pick-up is generally not available for apartment buildings or other multifamily residences. Ask hauler if you’re unsure.

NO other liquids accepted.

Motor Oil