Welcome to the Columbia County Recycling homepage.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE   trash.gif (1087 bytes)

WHERE, WHAT, AND HOW TO RECYCLE IN COLUMBIA COUNTY

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Why is it important to think about the garbage we throw away?

Household and commercial waste has huge economic and environmental impacts on our local community. Preventing materials from becoming waste saves landfill space, cuts disposal costs, preserves our natural resources, and protects wildlife habitat. Recycling diverts items, such as paper, glass, plastic, and metals, from the wastestream. These materials are collected, sorted, processed and then manufactured, sold, and bought as new products.
Find out more about the recycling process after materials are collected.
Find out more about the uses and market capacities of Oregon recyclables by material type.
Columbia County residents are recycling more than ever before, but we are also creating a lot more trash per capita. Waste reduction, where possible, is the far better choice.

 
REDUCE
Buy in bulk
Select products without excessive packaging
Avoid disposable items
Borrow from your neighbors
Make double-sided copies
Choose durable products
Get rid of junk mail
Use safer alternatives to toxic products
Pack your lunch in tupperware
Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels

REUSE
Avoid purchasing single-use items
Carry your own bag when you shop
Bring a coffee mug to work
Use both sides of paper before you recycle.
Rinse out plastic bags and ziplocs and reuse.
Donate what you no longer need to local charities and thrift shops (check www.shopcolumbiacounty.com)
Share magazines, newspapers, and books or go to the library

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RECYCLE

Find out how to recycle in Columbia County
Buy products with packaging that can be recycled locally
Buy recycled-content products/packaging and support the market for recycled materials
Check with your local garbage hauler to make sure you are preparing your recyclables correctly
Find out how to recycle obscure items

Buy Recycled Paint.

Are there other materials that you would like to see recycled in your community? Would you like to get involved in local waste reduction or recycling efforts? Contact your County Recycling Coordinator at 503-397-1501 or dugdalt@co.columbia.or.us