Marion County Recycling in Turmoil

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The stricter recycling rules banning more items from being put in blue bins, in now in effect in Marion County, OR. The new rules are in effect beginning March 5.

This follows the announcement by Garten Services, which takes almost half of the County’s recycling. The decision to restrict the acceptable materials follows reduced intake of US recycling by China, further to that country’s ban on imports, which in fact has roiled the entire US recycling industry. Incidentally, much of the recyclables from Oregon were exported to China.

According to Will Posegate, Chief Operating Officer, Garten Services, the policy change by Chinese administration has made the market for recyclables exponentially smaller. The company is forced to come up with new rules omitting more items, as they are unable to sell these materials. For time being, they will continue to accept those items where there is a market. Rejection of materials has already resulted in the company sending more materials to landfills. Posegate urged County residents to follow the new rules and ensure that the banned items are strictly disposed in trash.

ALSO READ: Chinese Scrap Ban Woes Could Cripple US Recycling Exports

The newly banned items include shredded paper, more categories of plastic jars and egg cartons. The residents are allowed to drop junk mail, greeting cards and other paper that are not shredded. The plastic jars that will not be accepted include peanut butter or mayonnaise containers, and plastic cups, such as yogurt, salsa, cottage cheese or hummus containers. The new law also bans take-out clamshells, aseptic milk and food containers, and freezer food packaging.

Meantime the recycling services provider noted that people are still allowed to drop off shredded paper at Garten Services, 3334 Industrial Way NE, Salem on Mondays to Fridays 8 am to 4.30 pm.