Oregon’s Recycling Rules Are Changing

On July 1, 2025, Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) goes into effect after five years of planning, and it brings good news for your curbside cart. The list of what you can recycle is getting longer, not shorter. With new materials now accepted statewide, recycling is about to get easier, clearer, and more impactful for everyone.

As your neighbors here in Eugene, Apex Recycling & Disposal is committed to making this transition smooth and stress-free. We live and work in the same communities we serve, and we’re here to help you recycle with confidence—every step of the way.

Why Is This Happening?

The RMA is designed to improve Oregon’s recycling system by introducing a consistent statewide recycling list for all residents and businesses. That means no more confusion about what's accepted in one city but not the next.

It also introduces a new funding model. Instead of relying solely on local communities, manufacturers and producers will now help pay for recycling programs. The result? A more balanced, effective, and equitable system.

What’s Changing?

You may already be familiar with Apex’s current recycling guide, which outlines what’s accepted today. Starting July 1, that list is expanding under Oregon’s Uniform Statewide Collection List.

Here’s what’s being added or clarified:

Newly Accepted or Expanded Materials:

• #5 plastics (in addition to #1 and #2)
  Includes beverage bottles, soap containers, condiment jars, and cleaning jugs made from #1, #2, or #5 plastic.

• Plastic buckets, pails & storage containers
  If they’re made of HDPE (#2) or PP (#5) and fit loosely in your bin, they’re in.

• Nursery packaging
  Clean, dirt-free plant pots and trays (HDPE or PP).

• Bound paper
  Paperback books, telephone directories, magazines, and catalogs.

• Molded pulp packaging
  Think egg cartons and the sturdy molded forms that protect electronics and wine.

• Polycoated & aseptic cartons
  Includes milk cartons, juice boxes, and shelf-stable soup containers.

• Small scrap metal
  Less than 10 lbs and shorter than 18 inches (no sharp or tangled items).

• Paperboard packaging
  Cereal boxes, cracker boxes, and similar items (remove liners, flatten).

• Tissue paper (used for packaging)
  Must be clean and non-metallic—no glitter, no foil.

• Steel paint cans
  If they’re empty and dried out, they’re now accepted curbside.

You can also find Oregon’s statewide list of accepted recycling materials at RecycleOn.org/Oregon.

What You Need to Do

There’s no need to change your container or your pickup day. Just:

• Review the new list of accepted materials

• Start putting these materials out July 1, 2025

• Keep items loose—no bagged recyclables

If you're ever unsure, please reach out. Our drivers and support staff are just a call away—and yes, they’re local.