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Find out which plastics can go in your recycling bin, and which can’t.
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You’re holding a plastic cup, hovering over the recycling bin, but doubting yourself. Does it go in recycling? Or maybe trash?
Knowing which plastics can be recycled is especially confusing. Here’s a run-down of what goes where and why:
Can I recycle these?
No. These plastics should not go in your regular recycling container.
At work, and at home, the only plastics you should put in your recycling container are bottles, jugs, buckets, and tubs.
DO put bottles, jugs, buckets, and tubs in your blue bin
- Plastic bottles* and jars with a neck
- Plastic jugs (milk, juice, etc.)
- Tubs (yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.)
- Plastic buckets
- Rigid plant pots (Thin, crinkly plastic pots are not accepted.)
All containers must be at least 2 inches by 2 inches in size.
Plastic caps are OK if screwed on to plastic bottles, jars, and jugs.
All items should be empty and dry.
*Deposit plastic bottles can be recycled in your bin or, to collect deposit funds, take them to a BottleDrop Center or participating grocery store.
See the full list of allowed plastics
Why aren't all plastics allowed?
We only accept plastic items that:
1. Have strong, stable (and responsible) markets.
This means companies want to buy the material to make new products. The global market for some types of plastic changes too frequently. Recycling only works if it makes financial sense for companies to buy the used plastics to turn into new plastics.
The plastics on Portland's accepted list match Oregon's new statewide recycling list. As part of the state's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reviewed these items to make sure they can be recycled responsibly, both in the U.S. and abroad.
2. Can be sorted at recycling facilities.
For example, plastic bags tangle in sorting machines, causing jams and safety risks. They can be recycled at grocery stores and other drop-off locations, but never in your blue bin.
Some items, like flat lids and loose caps, are too small or flat, making them difficult to sort out from paper, cardboard, and other recyclables.
What about the numbers on the bottom of plastics?
Ignore the numbers. The numbers on the bottom of plastics are used by manufacturers to mark what the product is made of. They are not indicators of whether or not a plastic item is recyclable in Portland.
It's about size and shape. The allowed plastics – bottles, tubs, buckets, and jugs that are at least 2 by 2 inches – are the right shapes and size to get successfully sorted, and they’re the types of plastic that recycling companies want to buy.
What about plastics labeled “compostable” or “biodegradable?”
Never recycle plastics labeled “compostable” or “biodegradable." These materials are made to break down quickly and will contaminate the plastic recycling process, reducing the quality of recycled products.
These items also do not belong in compost—at home or at work. The only exception is BPI-certified compostable bags. All other items labeled "compostable" or "biodegradable" should go in the trash. Learn why Oregon compost facilities don't accept "compostable" packaging.
Learn more: Yes, your plastic gets recycled (if you follow the rules)
Drop-off recycling options
Some plastics that can't be put in your blue bin can be dropped off for recycling. For example, plastic bags can be dropped off at many grocery stores for recycling.
Find drop-off recycling options
You make a difference by recycling right
If you're not sure whether something can be recycled in Portland, take a moment to check before tossing it into your blue bin. When the wrong items end up in recycling, they have to be pulled out and sent to the landfill. And some items like plastic bags, hoses, cords, wires, batteries, and electronics can also jam equipment and hurt workers.
Putting only the right items in your recycling bin helps keep Portland's recycling system working well. A strong recycling system supports local jobs and reduces waste sent to landfills. And when manufacturers use recycled materials to make new products, they save energy and natural resources.