How to Reduce Contamination in Your Recycling Cart in Eugene

At Apex Recycling & Disposal, we know the Eugene community takes pride in keeping our city clean and green. But even with the best intentions, recycling contamination can sneak in—making it harder for recyclables to actually get recycled. The good news? Reducing contamination is simple, and it makes a big difference for your neighborhood and for Lane County waste management.

Here’s how to keep your recycling cart clean, green, and effective.

1. Know What’s Accepted

Not every material can be recycled curbside. Items like plastic bags, garden hoses, shredded paper, and Styrofoam cause problems at recycling facilities. Instead, stick to the basics that are accepted in Eugene:

• Flattened cardboard and paperboard (including clean pizza boxes)

• Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, office paper, mail, kraft paper, paperback books, and paper bags

• Nonmetallic gift wrap

• Empty aluminum and tin cans, plus small scrap metal pieces (under 18" and 10 lbs)

• Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, buckets, and rigid plant pots (caps allowed if threaded)

• Food and beverage cartons (like milk, juice, or aseptic cartons)

• Glass bottles and jars (separated in a bin, no lids)

Not sure what belongs? Check out Apex’s Recycling Guide for a clear, up-to-date list. Still have questions? Give our friendly local team a call - we’re always happy to help.

2. Prep Your Recyclables the Right Way

Even accepted materials can cause contamination if they’re not prepared correctly. A little prep goes a long way:

• Flatten cardboard boxes so they fit neatly in your cart

• Rinse and empty containers — make sure they’re clean, empty, and dry

• Remove lids from jars and bottles (except threaded plastic caps, which can stay on)

• Keep items loose — never bag your recyclables

3. Don’t Bag Your Recyclables

Plastic bags tangle equipment at recycling facilities and can shut down the whole system. Always place recyclables loose in your cart. If you collect items in a bag at home, just empty the bag into your cart and reuse it.

4. Avoid “Wish-Cycling”

Eugene residents are eco-conscious, and it’s tempting to toss something in the bin hoping it can be recycled. But “wish-cycling” leads to contamination and can send entire loads to the landfill. When in doubt, check Apex’s Recycling Guide or give us a call.

5. Use Local Drop-Offs for Specialty Items

Some items don’t belong in your residential recycling service cart but can be recycled locally. Electronics recycling, scrap metal recycling, and computer recycling in Eugene all have designated drop-off locations. Apex also offers large item pickup and junk removal services in Eugene for things that can’t go in your curbside cart.

Why It Matters

When we reduce contamination together, we:

• Keep recyclable materials out of the landfill

• Make curbside recycling more efficient and affordable

• Support a healthier environment for Eugene and Lane County

• Help keep our neighborhoods clean and green

At Apex, we’re more than a garbage service — we’re your neighbors. By recycling right, we’re all doing our part to keep Eugene a special place to live. Looking for more than recycling tips? Apex offers residential garbage service, yard debris pickup, bulky items disposal, and junk removal in Eugene — all with the best local value and friendly, neighborhood drivers.

Still have questions about recycling in Eugene? Call us today or visit our Recycling Guide to learn how to keep your cart clean and green.

Recycling FAQs for Eugene Residents

Can pizza boxes go in my recycling cart?
Yes — but only if they’re empty and free of grease or food residue. Clean lids are recyclable, but greasy bottoms should go in the garbage or compost.

What should I do with plastic bags?
Plastic bags and film don’t belong in your recycling cart. Many local grocery stores have designated bag drop-offs, or reuse them at home.

Can I recycle coffee cups or take-out containers?
No. Disposable cups, clamshells, and food containers are not accepted in curbside recycling. They should go in the garbage.

What about shredded paper?
Shredded paper is too small to be captured in the sorting process and clogs machinery. It belongs in the garbage — or better yet, compost if it’s plain, uncoated paper.

How do I recycle electronics or appliances?
Electronics recycling and scrap metal recycling in Eugene are available through local drop-off centers. For bigger items, Apex offers large item pickup and junk removal services.

Where should I put glass?
Glass bottles and jars are accepted, but they need to be placed in a separate bin next to your recycling cart. Keep lids out.