Recycle or not? Get the whats, hows, and whys of recycling
Let's face it: recycling is not simple. By learning what can and can't go in your household recycling bins, you can help the garbage and recycling system run smoothly and free from hazards.
It can be tempting to put something in the recycling bin when you hope it can be recycled but aren't quite sure. This is called "wishcycling."
Even though wishcycling is usually done with good intentions, it can contaminate other recyclables and damage recycling equipment.
When in doubt, ask Metro. Call 503-234-3000 to speak with a recycling expert in English or Spanish.
Test your recycling knowledge! Visit the Recycle or Not website to see how well you know greater Portland’s recycling rules.
Is it hazardous? Keep these everyday items out of your garbage and recycling
What do batteries, motor oil and paint have in common? They’re all hazardous materials you may have around the house. When these items end up mixed in with garbage and recycling, they can be dangerous for workers, wildlife and the environment.
For example, the lithium-ion batteries in rechargeable devices like smartphones, tablets, electric bikes, electric toothbrushes and even some children’s toys can combust if they get wet or punctured. If these batteries end up in garbage compactors or recycling equipment, they can cause fires.
Other materials like motor oil, paint, pesticides and cleaning products can pollute waterways, harming wildlife and the environment.
Take household hazardous waste to a Metro facility for free, safe disposal. Households can drop off up to 35 gallons of hazardous waste for free per day.
Metro operates two household hazardous waste facilities in greater Portland. Metro Central in Northwest Portland is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Metro South in Oregon City is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Visit Metro’s website to learn more about common household hazardous materials including how to safely prepare and transport items for disposal.
MetroPaint offers feel-good paint at a feel-good price
Visit the MetroPaint outlet to get high-quality, low-cost paint for your next household or outdoor painting project. MetroPaint offers their standard 12-color collection year-round as well as additional limited-edition colors that are available at a discounted price.
MetroPaint is a Metro program that recycles unwanted latex paint into new product. The program has kept millions of gallons paint out of landfills over the last 20 years.
Do you have leftover latex paint? You can drop off up to 35 gallons of paint per day for free at the MetroPaint outlet or a Metro household hazardous waste facility.
Cultivate a healthy yard with natural gardening
Has spring got you daydreaming of soft grass for your kids and pets, a backyard oasis that invites birds and butterflies and a raised garden to feed your love of tomatoes? Don’t let that dream turn into a nightmare with harmful pesticides and herbicides.
You can build healthy soil, grow thriving plants and handle pests without using harmful chemicals that can be unsafe for your family, pets, waterways and wildlife.
Here are a few quick tips for gardening without toxic chemicals:
- Compost and mulch build healthy soil, reduce the need for water and prevent weeds.
- Tools and a little elbow grease can keep weeds and harmful bugs at bay without the need for herbicides or pesticides.
- Native plants resist many pests and diseases, reducing the risk of garden problems.
- Newer nontoxic products – like iron phosphate slug bait instead of poisonous metaldehyde – can get rid of slugs without harmful chemicals.
Visit the Metro website to learn more about natural gardening and how to choose safer garden products.
Tackle spring cleaning without toxic chemicals
Many household cleaning products can contain harmful chemicals. When deciding which cleaner to use, look for the signal word on the product label.
Products labeled, “danger,” “poison” and “warning” are hazardous to people, pets, or the environment. Products with no signal word or those labeled, “caution” are a safer alternative.
Products with the Safer Choice, Green Seal or Ecologo certification have been tested and proven to be safer for human health and the environment. Not all cleaning or disinfecting products are submitted for certification – when in doubt, stick to products with no signal words or those labeled, “caution.”
You can also make your own non-toxic cleaners with common household items like baking soda, vegetable oil-based soap and vinegar.
To make a simple all-purpose cleaner, combine the following ingredients and then shake to blend before using:
- 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap
- 3/4 cup warm water
Unused cleaning products should never be thrown out in household garbage, poured down a drain or emptied outdoors. Take old cleaning products to a Metro hazardous waste facility or neighborhood collection event. It is free to drop off these materials and helps keep the garbage and recycling system running safely.
Ask an expert
Have more questions about recycling, garbage, waste prevention and hazardous waste disposal? Metro’s recycling experts are standing by with fast, helpful answers, available in Spanish and English.