Oregon’s recycling system gets a needed reboot
By Daniel Hiestand
Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator
While U.S. plastic recycling rates have historically hovered between 5 and 10 percent, Oregon continues to lead the way, with rates trending higher—around 13.7 percent, according to a 2020 report from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
There’s room for improvement—and Oregon is stepping up.
For decades, a loosely regulated plastics industry and misleading narratives around recycling limited real progress. But that’s changing.
In 2023, Oregon lawmakers took bold action with the passage of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA)—a transformative step toward a smarter, more sustainable recycling system. Learn more at recycleon.org/Oregon.
Starting July 1, 2025, the RMA will launch a modernized recycling system that shares responsibility more fairly. Producers, local governments, and recycling companies will work together to fund and support programs that are easier for residents and better for the planet.
To address the woeful recyclability rates, this groundbreaking law requires that products accepted for recycling have a verified “end market,” meaning that what we put in the bin is actually recycled and goes into producing new products.
Under the new law, recycling facilities must report on where they send their materials for processing. Additionally, businesses that make, sell, or distribute packaging, paper products, and food serviceware will now pay fees to fund facility upgrades, enhanced recycling services, public education programs, and fair employee wages.
Furthermore, it will make recycling efforts—including what is recyclable—uniform across the state, meaning that what is recyclable in Springfield will eventually be the same as what is recyclable in Creswell, Cottage Grove, or McKenzie Bridge.
However, please note that every community across the state will differ in readiness levels, and some changes will be implemented in the coming years.
Contact your local waste hauler with specific questions.
Please note: all Lane County Transfer Stations will be ready to accept all RMA materials on July 1.
Most Lane County residents may not see changes to recycling services right away, but they should know about some upcoming improvements. Visit lanecountyor.gov/recycle for more information.
While “reduce” and “reuse” still hold the most impact for sustainability-minded folks, “recycle” is a key part of the equation. The arrival of the RMA should elevate these efforts.
Waste Wise Tip: Get ready for the RMA
Download the Waste Wise Lane County app to learn what is recyclable and what is not. The app was recently updated to reflect RMA changes (i.e., certain plastic plant pots are now recyclable!) and is available in Google and Apple stores. The Waste Wise Lane County app provides users with the most sustainable ways to manage (i.e., reuse, recycle, donate, etc.) unwanted materials, including plastics, batteries, electronics, construction materials, and many more.
