Recycling

Recycling in Eugene


International market changes are driving changes in the way that recycling is processed in our area.


Curbside recycling service is included in the cost of garbage collection. Most materials are commingled, with glass collected in a separate container. Below is an updated list of what can be recycled curbside as of April 9, 2018. All items must be clean.


Contamination reduces the economy and effectiveness of our recycling system. Any items that are not clearly listed below as recyclable should not be placed in commingled recycling bins.  FAQs and more information are available by clicking HERE. Traducción al español aquí.

In Your Commingled Container


  • Cardboard- Flatten cardboard and make sure it is clean. No waxed cardboard allowed.
  • Paper- Mix all paper including newspaper, ads and inserts, magazines, catalogues, direct mail, and office paper together in your commingled recycling cart.
  • Plastics- Only certain bottles and jugs are recyclable: transparent soda bottles, water bottles, milk jugs, and juice bottles. NO lids.
  • Tin and aluminum cans- Food and beverage cans only. NO aerosol cans, paint cans or chemical cans.


Separate From the Rest of Your Recycling

  • Glass- Bottles and jars only. They must be separated from the rest of your material.
  • Used Motor Oil- Store in an unbreakable container with a screw top. Ask your hauler where to place the container.Items that Are and Are Not Currently Recyclable in Eugene


Download a PDF of this accepted recycling flyer HERE. Traducción al español aquí.


Items that will no longer be accepted in our recycling stream:


  • Plastic tubs
  • Any plastic item that isn’t a transparent bottle or milk jug
  • Aseptic containers (such as milk cartons or shelf stable soy milk containers)
  • Shredded paper

Contamination reduces the economy and effectiveness of our recycling system. Plastic bags, take-out food containers, plant pots, and lids of any kind should never be placed in commingled recycling bins. Any items that are not clearly recyclable should be put in the trash—when in doubt, find out or throw it out.


If you are unsure whether or not an item is recyclable, you can find out by using Lane County’s tool, Waste Wise, which allows you to enter an item into the database and it will tell you how to recycle it or dispose of it. Visit Waste Wise for more information!