FAQs—Recycling

Beaverton’s garbage and recycling service includes weekly collection of garbage, yard debris, recycling and glass—all collected on the same day. To find out your collection day, contact your hauler. If you don’t know who your hauler is, go to Who’s My Hauler.

For more information about garbage and recycling services in the City of Beaverton, please contact the Solid Waste and Recycling Program at (503) 526-2665 or email recyclingmail@ci.beaverton.or.us.

Miscellaneous Recycling • Glass Recycling • Plastic Recycling Metal Recycling • Paper/Paperboard/Cardboard Recycling

Miscellaneous Recycling Questions

Does my recycling have to fit inside of my cart?

Yes, all materials collected for recycling must fit inside of your cart so that the lid closes completely. If you have more materials than your cart will hold, we recommend saving them so that you can put some in the cart the following weeks, until it is gone.
You can also take excess recyclable materials to a nearby recycling depot.
I’m recycling everything I can at home—what more can I do?

There are two possible things to think about: (1) consider ways you might generate less waste at home: buying products with less packaging, buying more recycled-content products or reusing more materials. (2) Take your “home practices” to work. Are you recycling the same materials at work that you can recycle at home? Since businesses produce over 50% of the region’s waste, there is huge potential for recovery from businesses.
What happens to my recycling?

Recycling is picked up at least weekly from your recycling area. The materials are taken to a local, privately-owned processing facility (called a Materials Recovery Facility, sometimes abbreviated MRF) that sorts materials both mechanically and manually. The individual materials are then baled and transported to various markets throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Examples may include: paper to paper mills, metal to metal smelters, and plastic bottles to fibers (used in carpets and clothing).
Recycling is picked up every week, why do you want me to set it out only when full?

Beaverton residents have weekly collection of garbage and recycling, so you can set it out weekly if you would like too. However, in order to help keep collection costs low, you are encouraged to set out recycling carts and glass bins only when they are full (or nearly full). This increases the overall efficiency of the system, which in turn helps maintain low rates.
Do I need to remove labels from tin cans, plastic bottles or glass jars?

No, labels do not need to be removed, but you do need to rinse the can, bottle and/or jar clean of all residue.
My recycling roll-cart is too large for me. Are there any other options for me?

Beaverton haulers provide residents with a 60 gallon roll-cart for recycling. The larger size increases your overall capacity and provides space for larger items (like cardboard) to fit inside the cart.
How can we persuade our neighbors to recycle more?

Lead by example. When talking with your neighbors, you may want to point out that recycling allows us the opportunity to reuse metals, petroleum products, tree fibers and other materials that have limited supplies and are energy-intensive to extract. Additionally, it removes large quantities of material from occupying space in our landfills.
How do I receive a current recycling guide?

Call the Beaverton Solid Waste and Recycling Program at (503) 526-2665. We’ll gladly send the latest version of the guidebook to you or download the 2008 guidebook (for homes (PDF) or for apartment/condo dwellers) (PDF).
Why aren’t more materials recyclable at curbside?

Materials are placed on the recyclable” list when the markets are stable and able to accept the large quantities of materials that city-wide programs generate. Careful consideration is given when any material is added to recycling collection. Rarely are materials removed from the list.
What are some common mistakes that people make when recycling?
- Mistake #1—Placing glass bottles and jars into the commingled (mixed) recycling cart. Any resulting broken glass contaminates paper products and makes them difficult to process.
- Mistake #2—Placing plastic bags in curbside recycling containers. Plastic bags tend to get tangled up in sorting equipment and cause costly shutdowns and repairs.
- Mistake #3—Placing materials with food residue in the recycling cart. For example, pizza boxes should be free of large amounts of grease and cheese.
- Mistake #4—Placing frozen food cartons in the recycling cart. The boxes are specially coated to prevent moisture from entering the carton. The coating makes the paper-pulping process difficult.
WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP IT OUT! It is actually better to keep materials out of the recycling cart if you are unsure about whether or not they are recyclable, than to put them in and hope for the best.

If you have any questions about what is or is not recyclable, please call the Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program at (503) 526-2665.
Are businesses required to recycle?

Neither businesses or residents are required to recycle. The City has an active program to work with businesses and voluntarily introduces them to recycling and its advantages. The Recycle At Work program offers free assistance and desk side boxes to businesses in the City. To learn more, please call Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program at (503) 526-2665.
How can I find out how to buy more recycled products?

Metro’s Buyer’s guide to recycled products can be found at www.oregonmetro.gov/buyersguide.
Why is recycling so complicated?

We try to make it as easy as possible and have taken steps to make recycling easier by allowing everything to be mixed together (except glass and motor oil) and using roll-carts instead of bins. The cleaning and sorting technologies of recycling processors (which are private companies), and the eventual end-markets for various materials, determine the preparation standards that exist.
What can I do to stop “junk mail”?

The City of Beaverton offers Junk Mail Kits that include direct mailing opt-out postcards that will minimize the companies that share your home address. To request a Junk Mail Kit, contact Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program at (503) 526-2665. The removal process is not immediate, but over time you should see a decline in junk mail at your mailbox.

Glass Recycling Questions

Can I leave caps on glass bottles and jars?

Plastic caps are not recyclable. The caps are made from a type of plastic that is not recyclable. Before recycling glass bottles, please remove plastic caps and throw them in the trash. Metal caps are okay, please rinse clean and place in recycling cart.
Do I need to remove labels from glass jars?

No, labels do not need to be removed, but you do need to rinse the bottle or jar clean of all residue.
Why does my hauler sometimes skip my glass pick-up?
There are three possible reasons:
1. You may have contaminated glass (food, unclean glass, bags, etc.);
2. Your red glass bin was not visible to the driver; or
3. You took your bin from the curb too early (most glass bins and recycling roll-carts are collected by different trucks)!
If your recycling roll-cart has been emptied, you should still leave your glass bin out until it is collected. In some cases, residents are calling their hauler to report missed glass pick ups, when the glass truck has not yet been down their street.
What are some general guidelines for glass collection?

The general guidelines for glass collection are as follows: Only rinsed clean glass bottles and jars No plastic, paper, holders, corks, lids in with your glass Make sure the red bin is visible from the road, so the driver knows that glass is there for pick up.

Remember, the hauler will refuse your glass load if you have excessive non-glass materials in the glass bin, such as paper/plastic bags, other recyclables, or trash. If you glass bin is not picked up on your regularly-scheduled pick up day, call your hauler to notify them of the error. If you need help finding your hauler, call Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program (503) 526-2665.

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Plastic Recycling Questions

Can I leave caps on my plastic bottles?

Plastic caps are not recyclable. The caps are made from a different type of plastic than plastic bottles. Because the bottle and cap are different materials it is not possible to process the materials together. Before recycling the bottles, please remove the lids and throw them in the trash.
Do plastic tubs have to be 100% clean?

Food debris must be removed from all materials that will be recycled so that they do not contaminate the recycling process and do not attract pests.
What do I do with block Styrofoam?

Foam is not collected as part of curbside recycling. Currently there are no options to recycle foam in or near Beaverton.
What do I do with Styrofoam packing peanuts?

Peanuts are not collected as part of curbside recycling. Please call your nearest mailing and packaging store to see if they will accept peanuts for reuse.
What do I do with Styrofoam egg cartons? Are these recyclable?

Styrofoam egg cartons are not recyclable. Many egg companies now use paper egg cartons, which are recyclable.
Can I recycle Styrofoam meat trays?

Styrofoam meat trays are not recyclable and should be placed in your garbage.
NEW!—Are plastic nursery containers (pots, tubs and flats) recyclable?

Just added!—Yes, nursery containers with are recyclable, and can be placed in your mixed recycling roll cart. Additionally nursery plant containers can be taken back to some retailers.
Where can I recycle plastic bags?

Many of the large grocery stores chains offer recycling for clean, dry plastic bags. Typically, collection containers are located near the entrance of the store.
Far West Fibers Beaverton Recycling Depot accepts plastic grocery bags and film of various types.
How much rinsing is necessary for soapy containers (hair shampoo/conditioner) containers?

All containers must be rinsed clean of residue to be acceptable for recycling.
Can I recycle my old vinyl 33” records?

Old vinyl 33” records or albums are made of the commonly known as plastic PVC, which is not recyclable. Unfortunately, the records are not recyclable. However, they are re-usable. Consider donating old records.

Metal Recycling Questions

Do I need to take labels off of cans?

No, labels do not need to be removed, but you do need to rinse the can clean of all residue.
How do I recycle containers with sharp lids?

Metal containers with sharp lids can be recycled in your roll-cart with other recyclables.
What do I do with paint and stain cans?

Please remove lids from empty cans, let the can and lid dry and discard in the garbage. Garbage haulers will take them only if the lid is removed. Take partially full or full cans of paint to Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot, or weekend roundup events for recycling.
What do I do with aerosol cans?

Recycle them—Place your empty aerosol can with the plastic nozzle cap still attached into your recycling cart. If the can is not empty and is a hazardous waste, please dispose of the can at the Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot, (6161 NW 61st Ave), or Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up Events. Call Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program (503) 526-2665 or Metro’s Recycling Hotline at (503) 234-3000
Can I place my old aluminum screen door or other large items at the curb?

Most metal is recyclable. So if at all possible, break down the aluminum pieces and put them inside your recycling cart. Any metal pieces must fit into the cart completely so the lid will close. Any remaining pieces that are not metal or are a few materials mixed together, should go into your regular garbage. If the item is really large, you can place it at the curb and call the hauler in advance to pick it up for an extra fee. Call your hauler for exact pricing, or the Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program (503) 526-2665 for more information.
Can metal lids or caps?

Yes, metal lids are recyclable. Similar to the container they accompany, they should be rinsed and free of food residue. Additionally, they should be removed from the container and placed in your recycling container separately.
Can I recycle large metal items such as my old grill as metal?

Yes, but generally they will not fit in the cart, so they can not be collected at the curb. Some restrictions do apply, for example, if you want to recycle an old lawn mower, all of the oil and fluids must be removed from it.

Paper/Paperboard/Cardboard Recycling Questions

Do we need to remove the thin plastic film used to seal facial tissue boxes?

The thin plastic used to seal facial tissue boxes does not need to be removed before placing them into your recycling roll-cart. The thin piece of plastic is a small contaminant in the paper pulping process, and will be disposed of as a result of the processing at the paper mill. However, if you want to take your recycling to the highest level, it is best to take this film off yourself.
Do I need to remove the plastic windows on envelopes before recycling?

You do not have to remove the small plastic windows on envelopes before placing them into your recycling roll-cart. As above, the small plastic window is removed during the process of recycling at the paper mill.
Why can’t I recycle frozen food boxes?

Although it looks the same as other food packaging, the paper used for frozen food boxes is treated with substances to improve the “wet strength” of the paper. On the good side, it keeps the package from breaking apart and protects the food inside the package. The bad part of “wet strength” is that the wax-like substance hinders the paper from breaking down in the recycled paper pulping process, making the frozen food boxes not recyclable.
Can I recycle pizza boxes if they are clean?

Food remnants should be thoroughly removed from the box; these materials attract pests and vermin during transport and processing. Grease stains should be minimal in order for the box to be recycled.
What can I do to stop “junk mail”?

The City of Beaverton offers Junk Mail Kits that include direct mailing opt-out postcards that will minimize the companies that share your home address. To request a junk mail kit, contact Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program (503) 526-2665. The removal process is not immediate, but over time you should see a decline in junk mail at your mailbox.
Can I recycle shredded paper in our recycling roll-cart?

Shredded paper should be placed in a paper bag and placed inside of your roll-cart. The paper bag ensures that the shredded paper does not scatter during recycling pickup.
Is tape okay on cardboard?

It is okay to leave tape on a cardboard box. It is best to remove as much tape as possible before recycling to ease the pulping process at the paper mill.
Can wrapping paper be recycled?

If the wrapping paper is all paper, then yes, please recycle it. If the wrapping paper has any foil on it or is made of foil, then it is not recyclable.
Is facial tissue paper recyclable?

Facial tissues are not recyclable.
Can I recycle paper cups from restaurants or coffee vendors?

No, these cups have a plastic film that coats the inside of the cup or a wax coating. Additionally, the plastic lid that often accompanies the paper cup is also not desired in the recycling mix.
Does my recycling have to fit inside of my cart?

Yes, all materials collected for recycling must fit inside of your cart so that the lid closes completely. If you have more materials than your cart will hold, we recommend saving them so that you can put some in the cart the following weeks, until it is gone.
You can also take excess recyclable materials to a nearby recycling depot.

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