Many of us are using more cleaning and personal protective items these days and it can be confusing which items go in the garbage and which can be recycled.
Here's a quick guide:
Garbage
- Face masks and face shields
- Facial tissues
- Plastic gloves
- All wipes (even those labeled flushable or biodegradable) and wipe bags and boxes
- Empty hand sanitizer bottles smaller than 6 oz
Make sure all garbage is bagged and securely tied to avoid litter and protect the safety of waste collectors and the community.
Recycling
- Cardboard boxes from tissues, soap and gloves
- Cardboard tubes from paper towels and toilet paper rolls
- Plastic bottles from cleaning supplies (empty, rinsed)
- Plastic hand sanitizer bottles larger than 6oz. (empty, rinsed)
- Plastic cylinder shaped wipe containers (see picture)
Reuse
For hand sanitizer and hand soap, consider buying a larger bottle and refilling the smaller bottles you use every day. This prevents packaging waste and can save money.
Questions?
Have a question about an item that's not listed here? Ask us: wasteinfo@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7202.
Image also available en Español:
Thanks to Washington County for sharing their recycling visuals.