News Archive

PLASTIC BAGS NO LONGER RECYCLABLE CURBSIDE

We have been informed by the company that processes our recycling in Portland that effective immediately plastic bags are no longer accepted as part of the commingled recycling system due to the impact the to the impact bags have on the effectiveness of sorting equipment.  Material recovery facility (MRF) operators find that plastic bags wrap around equipment pulleys, axles, and screens designed to sort materials by size and density.  Removing bags requires the entire facility to be shut down and the sorting equipment becomes less precise as more and more bags clog openings. 

Commingled recycling is very convenient for Eugene residents, and was implemented without increasing fees due to the cost savings it represents for collectors.  Like any recycling program, it isn't sustainable unless the quality of the collected materials remains high. The relatively small volume of plastic bags in the collection stream has lead to contamination problems at material recovery facilities, which in turn results in significant volumes of other plastics not being recycled.

The City of Eugene is working with area grocers on a "return to retail" campaign that includes standard bins and signage at grocery stores and other retail outlets. Keeping plastic bags separated from other recyclable materials ensures that they will be recycled into value added products like composite lumber, rather than causing problems throughout the commingled recycling process.  Additionally, all Lane County transfer stations accept plastic bags for recycling.