Fall/Winter 2008

RecycleWise.org Your Washington County Resource For Waste Prevention and Recycling

A PUBLICATION OF THE COOPERATIVE RECYCLING PROGRAM OF WASHINGTON COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF BANKS, CORNELIUS, DURHAM, FOREST GROVE, HILLSBORO, KING CITY, NORTH PLAINS, SHERWOOD, TIGARD, AND TUALATIN.

GARBAGE & RECYCLING County Recycling Increases 18%! COLLECTION COMPANIES Allied Waste Services of Clackamas (503) 682-0336 Well done, Washington County! In just two years, collectors are hauling Allied Waste Services of Lake Oswego (503) 636-3011 • lakeoswego.disposal.com an additional 300 tons of recyclable materials each month to Far West Fibers, Aloha Garbage Co., Inc. a material recovery facility (MRF) that processes nearly 90 percent of our (503) 649-6727 area’s recyclables. These results reflect the increased effort Washington Cornelius Disposal County residents and businesses have made to divert valuable resources from (503) 357-3510 the trash can to the recycling cart. Garbarino Disposal Service (503) 647-2335 The 18 percent increase in Washington County contributes to reaching our regional Hillsboro Garbage Disposal, Inc. (503) 648-4219 goal of 64 percent by 2009. In 2007 the region achieved a 55 percent recovery rate. Newberg Garbage Service (503) 538-1388 WHAT’S BOOSTING THE RATES? Pride Disposal Company (503) 625-6177 • pridedisposal.com Residential recycling roll carts Swatco Sanitary Service As of Fall 2008, about 90 percent of Washington County households (503) 324-0230 • swatcosanitary.com have roll cart recycling which provides more cart Valley Garbage & Recycling, Inc. volume than the red bins to collect an (503) 643-7063 expanded list of materials with minimal Valley West Refuse Disposal preparation effort. (503) 649-5252 Walker Garbage Service (503) 531-6330 More materials accepted Waste Management No longer is “check the neck” the (503) 249-8078 • wm.com standard. With increased investment in West Slope Garbage Service technology, Far West Fibers’ sorting (503) 292-8173 system means Washington County residents can recycle plastic containers CITY OFFICES City of Banks including yogurt and margarine-type tubs, (503) 324-5112 • cityofbanks.org nursery pots, and buckets. All containers City of Cornelius are rinsed clean before being tossed into (503) 357-9112 • ci.cornelius.or.us the cart/bin. More information about the City of Durham types of plastics accepted for collection can (503) 639-6851 be found on page 3. City of Forest Grove (503) 992-3200 • forestgrove-or.gov City of Hillsboro More education/outreach (503) 681-6219 • ci.hillsboro.or.us In areas where roll carts have replaced red City of King City bins and the addition of plastic tubs and buckets (503) 639-4082 • ci.king-city.or.us to the materials list, educational materials have been City of North Plains distributed to many residents to help explain how to use (503) 647-5555 • northplains.org the new containers and which materials can be tossed in. City of Sherwood (503) 625-5722 • ci.sherwood.or.us City of Tigard WHAT IS IN THE MIX? Paper 31% (503) 639-4171 • tigard-or.gov Newspaper, high-grade paper, corrugated cardboard/kraft paper, mixed waste paper. In the metropolitan City of Tualatin (503) 691-3093 • ci.tualatin.or.us region, DEQ’s Plastic 2% 2007 Material Rigid plastic containers, plastic film, COUNTY OFFICE Recovery and other plastics, and composite plastic. Washington County Waste Generation Other 6% Solid Waste & Recycling Tires, used motor oil, Glass 4% (503) 846-8609 • www.recyclewise.org Rates Report batteries, electronics, Container glass and other Oregon Relay Service 711 identifies six gypsum, asphalt glass, such as windshield major materials METRO roofing materials, glass and ceramics. (503) 234-3000 • www.oregonmetro.gov recovered textiles, and in 2007: paint/solvents. Metals 16% Tinned cans, aluminum, other scrap metals.

Organics 41%

Hillsboro, OR 97124 155 N. First Ave., Suite 160 of Washington County Cooperative Recycling Program Wood waste, yard debris,

Residential Customer food waste.

HOW CAN YOU HELP BOOST THE NUMBERS? In addition to the standard recyclables (paper, plastics, cardboard, and metal), opportunities exist to recycle other materials, such as electronics, textiles, CD cases, computer keyboards, construction/remodeling debris and much more. See page 8 for a partial list of local depots or log on to Metro’s website (www.oregonmetro.gov) and type into the search box “Find a Recycler”. Users can then customize their search based upon materials, distance willing to travel, and more.

Working together, Washington County, the cities, and the rest of our metropolitan area neighbors can gain Permit #700 Portland, OR Portland, PRSRT STD US Postage

ECRWSS ground to meet the Oregon HB-3744 goal to divert 64 percent of our waste to recovery (recycling) by 2009. PAID

Printed on 50% post-consumer, recycled content paper using soy-based inks. ALL TOGETHER IN YOUR CONTAINER JUNTE ESTO EN EL RECIPIENTE PLASTIC Recycling at ARTÍCULOS DE PLÁSTICO • Rinse containers. • Cubetas limpias. • Include bottles, tubs, nursery pots, and buckets. Home • Incluya botellas, tarrinas, macetas y cubetas. • No plastic bags, films, lids, spray pump tops, or • Nada de envolturas o bolsas plásticas, tapas, bottles that contained chemical products. boquillas de aerosol, ni envases de químicos PAPER HOW TO RECYCLE— peligrosos. • Contain scrap and shredded paper in a No matter which recycling collection container you PAPEL paper bag. have, the preparation instructions are the same. • Ponga papel de desecho en bolsas de papel. • Include paperboard, magazines, newspaper, KEEP GLASS AND MOTOR OIL ON THE SIDE. • Incluya revistas, periódicos, correo no solicitado. junk mail, milk cartons, drink boxes, etc. • Nada de papel sanitario, servilletas; papel o • No tissues, napkins, waxed paper or frozen food ROLLCART RECYCLING cartoncillo encerados, papel con comida, ni boxes, food-soiled paper, or hard cover books. libros de tapa dura. CARDBOARD CARTÓN • Flatten boxes—size limited to < 3'x3'. • Aplane las cajas - limite de 3'x3'. • No wax-coated cardboard. • Nada de cartón encerado. METAL AND AEROSOL CANS (NO PLASTIC CAPS) CARTONES DE LECHE Y CAJITAS DE BEBIDAS • Empty and rinse cans. Labels OK. Glass and motor oil on the side. • Enjuáguelos; retire popotes. • Rinse metal caps, lids, aluminum foil, and foil baking trays. LATAS DE METAL Y BOTES DE AEROSOL • Empty aerosol cans completely and remove RED BIN RECYCLING • Botes de pintura con menos de 1" de pintura, plastic caps (keep nozzle intact). sin tapas. • Metal paint cans accepted with <1" dry paint. • Sólo recipientes limpios. SCRAP METAL • Vacíelos bien; retire tapa de plástico. • 30 lbs. limit. Pieces < 30". METAL DE DESECHO • Remove plastic, rubber, or foreign material. • Límite 30 lbs., pedazos menos de 30". • No household appliances. Glass and motor oil on the side. • Retire plásticos, hule / caucho o otros materiales. ON THE SIDE • Nada de aparatos eléctricos. APARTMENT RECYCLING GLASS KEEP IT ON THE SIDE RECICLAJE—PONER AL LADO • Use a bucket or rigid container to separate VIDRIO PONGA A UN LADO glass from other recyclables. Set two feet from • Separe el vidrio, colóquelo en cubeta dura cerca your recycling container. del reciclaje. • Rinse containers and remove lids. • Limpie bien y quite las tapas. • No broken glass, cookware, window glass, • Nada de vidrio roto, loza, ventanas, espejos, mirrors, light bulbs, or drinking glasses. focos o vasos. MOTOR OIL ACEITE DE MOTOR • Place motor oil in a see-through one-gallon • Póngalo en recipiente de plástico transparente plastic container with a screw-top lid. Glass on the side. con tapa de rosca. • Motor oil only—no other liquids accepted. Recycling questions? • Sólo aceite de motor—otros líquidos no. NO PLASTIC BAGS OR NEEDLES IN RECYCLING Contact your collection company. NADA DE BOLSAS DE PLÁSTICO O www.RecycleWise.org JERINGAS EN EL RECICLAJE

On the Side HOUSEHOLD Used Sharps— The Glass Stands Alone HAZARDOUS WASTE Proper Storage and Disposal Glass breaks! Keep glass on the side! Keep household hazardous waste out of Oregon State law mandates proper storage Place glass in a separate rigid all garbage and recycling containers. and disposal of used sharps (needles, container at the curb for lancets, and syringes), whether used for collection. Roll cart users - To dispose of hazardous waste and/or human or veterinary purposes. reuse red bin to collect glass. sharps, visit one of the Metro regional If glass is mixed with other facilities or a neighborhood event. DO NOT PLACE USED SHARPS IN YOUR GARBAGE recyclables and shatters, glass OR MIXED RECYCLING CONTAINERS. Workers Products accepted: shards may cause harm to can be harmed if sharps are not properly workers and wear out sorting • Paints and stains disposed of in approved containers. equipment. Do your part! Keep glass • Pool and spa chemicals on the side. It will then be properly Safe Handling: Store usedsharps in an collected, separated, and manufactured • Pesticides and poisons approved bio-hazard containers only. Milk jugs into new products. • Automotive products (oil, antifreeze) and coffee cans are NOT SAFE or • Thinners and solvents ACCEPTABLE for sharps storage. • Household cleaners and disinfectants • Return filled sharps containers to a Choose to Reuse! • Batteries certified bio-hazard disposal facility Next time you hear “Paper or plastic?” at the • Art and hobby chemicals store checkout, surprise them with your answer • Call Bio-Med of Oregon for home • Aerosol spray products – “Neither.” collection service information • Sharps (medical syringes) A reusable bag is one small step toward • Call your local pharmacy for • Fire extinguishers reducing the energy and resources spent storage and disposal producing single-use bags. Only 5 percent of • Propane tanks solutions the 380 billion plastic shopping bags are • Mercury thermometers and thermostats recycled each year. Whether it is through the Bio-Med of Oregon production or the recycling process, paper and Contact Metro’s Recycling Information 1-800-622-1378 plastic bags require significant amounts of Center for information about proper energy and natural resources. disposal instructions, facility locations, Metro Information Line and events at (503) 234-3000 or log on to (503) 234-3000 Reusable bags are sold at their website oregonmetro.gov/recycling local grocery stores for about $1 each. Start a positive habit today!

WINDY During windy weather, secure materials at the curb. Place loose/shredded DAYS paper or junk mail in a paper bag and set it in your recycling container. 2 More Recycling Information ... You recycle at home, but do you recycle at work?

Metropolitan area businesses send more than 40 tons of paper—2 semi-truckloads— PLASTICS RECYCLING – ALL RESIDENTS to the landfill every hour! Did you know nearly all of it could be recycled? No longer is “check the neck” the standard for recycling plastics. Residents may now add bottles, Washington County’s Recycle at Work tubs, jugs, pots and buckets. Materials must be rinsed clean of debris for recycling collection. program provides free technical assistance Please keep plastic lids, bags and spray-pumps out of household recycling. to businesses to help conserve these valuable resources. YES ACCEPTED • Bottles, tubs, and containers 6 oz. or larger To certify your organization as a Washington County Recycle at Work business or to • Buckets 5-gallons or less (handles OK)k) receive free technical assistance, contact • Rigid nursery plant pots 4" to 5 gallons in size our Recycle at Work Specialists. Rinse out food, soil, or drink residue before placing in recycling container. CONGRATULATIONS to the following Washington County Recycle at Work Businesses. They have demonstrated a commitment reducing their waste, recycling, purchasing recycled products, and more. NO NOT ACCEPTED IN CURBSIDE RECYCLING • Plastic zipper or grocery bags, film, or bubble wrap • Blister packaging – tough, clear, molded plastic packaging • All plastic lids and trays (they mix with paper and are disposed of at paper mills) • Styrofoam • Disposable food and drinkware • Bakery/deli/take-out containers • Seedling trays or nursery pots that crinkle • Individual-serving containers < 6 oz—applesauce or pudding cups • Ash Creek Forest Management– Tigard • Containers that held chemical waste or motor oil • ClubSport Oregon– Tualatin RESOURCES FOR PLASTICS RECYCLING INFORMATION Metro Facilities and Recycling Information Center (503) 234-3000 www.oregonmetro.gov • GeoDesign Inc. – Portland Master Recycler Program Plastics Round-up Events www.masterrecycler.org Washington County Cooperative Recycling Program (503) 846-8609 www.RecycleWise.org • MARCO Ideas Unlimited – Tigard

• Press Time Printing – Hillsboro Your Community Recycles! • Scholls Valley Native Nursery – Tigard Does your apartment or condominium property offer recycling? Your property manager can contact the • Security Title Guaranty Co. – Hillsboro County’s Recycling Specialist at (503)846-8609 to learn more. • Ticor Title Insurance – Amberglen STEPS TO A CLEAN AND GREEN COMMUNITY ARE AS EASY AS 1-2-3! • Ticor Title Insurance – Tigard

Collect recyclables in your home using • Vangelisti Kocher LLP – Cedar Hills a box, paper bag or bin. Keep glass separate from other recyclables. Recycle at Work—At Your Service! (503) 846-8609 www.RecycleWise.org 1 www.recycleatwork.com STEP

Recycle—Look for these stickers and signs around your property that show 2 where to deposit your materials. STEP

Feel great knowing your efforts keep our community clean, reduce greenhouse 3 gas emissions, and conserve natural resources. STEP green building Property Managers hotline Free Resources and Technical Assistance Available www.buildgreen411.com Washington County is committed to helping property managers meet the requirements of State law (ORS 90.318) to maximize their recycling program by providing: 503 823 5431 • Free educational materials for residents. • Free technical assistance; ask us about service levels, rates, outreach. • Access to a regional Property Manager e-newsletter. Call our Recycling Specialist at (503) 846-8609 to learn more! 3 Waste Prevention Climate Change and You Go Green for the Holidays What you can do at home Drive Less. Source: EPA Making a few small changes in your home and yard can lead to big reductions of greenhouse gas Celebrate More. (GHG) emissions and save you money! 1. Change five lights – Replace your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them Avoid the stress and hassles of gas prices, traffic with ENERGY STAR qualified options and save around $60 annually on energy bills. and parking this holiday season. 2. Heat and cool smartly – Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly, installing adequate insulation, and having your heating and cooling equipment tuned by a licensed contractor can Make a list and check it twice save energy and increase comfort at home, while reducing GHG emissions. Plan ahead and try to combine your errands 3. Use green power – Green power is electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as into one trip. Always wind and sun, that don’t contribute to climate change. Consider buying green power or modify avoid making trips in your house to generate your own renewable energy. rush hour traffic. 4. Reduce, reuse, and recycle – Reduce the amount of waste you generate and water you consume whenever possible. Through waste prevention efforts, reuse and recycling, you will conserve Shop close to home energy while reducing pollution and GHG emissions resulting from resource extraction, Be a good neighbor manufacturing, and disposal. and support your local merchants. Avoid holiday 5. Be green in your yard – Compost food and yard waste to reduce the amount of garbage sent to stress and searching for a parking spot by using landfills while reducing GHG emissions. one of the country’s best transit systems. Walk, bike, bus or MAX to the store for errands or EPA’s Personal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator holiday shopping. Use TriMet’s online trip Estimate your GHG emissions resulting from energy use, transportation, and waste disposal. planning tools (trimet.org) to help you make the Understand where your emissions come from and how to reduce them. most of your trip. www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/calcuator/ind_calculator.html

Put MAX in your flight plan Take MAX to the airport to avoid expensive taxi fares and to save on parking expenses. 2007 Expanded Bottle Bill Begins January 1, 2009

Winterize cars and bikes Legislation Adds 5¢ Redemption on Water Bottles If you do drive, get your vehicle winterized. Check your tires to ensure Oregon enacted the first bottle bill in the country in 1971, but only minor changes have been proper tire pressure, which gives better made to it since then. Senate Bill 707, will expand Oregon’s landmark bottle bill for the first time traction and mileage. Tuned-up vehicles since its inception to include a refundable deposit for all water and flavored water bottles under release less pollution while using less three liters. This will go into effect January 1, 2009. gasoline. For bike riders, ensure your bicycle lights are in excellent working Effects – Positive or Negligible? order with fresh batteries and install The effects of the bottle bill have been shown to reduce litter and boost recovery rates. fenders to prevent those infamous Reduce litter rooster tails. : When passed in 1971, the bottle bill was viewed primarily as a litter control measure. As a result of the law, litter has been substantially reduced across Oregon's roadsides and landscape. In 1971, before the bottle bill passed, beverage containers made up as much as 40 Find the most efficient route percent of roadside litter. By 1973, they were only 10.8 percent and by 1979, 6 percent. This litter Use an online mapping tool to find the most reduction impact has continued to date. efficient route for your commute or errands. Plan your bike route by visiting www.bycycle.org or Recovery rates: As impressive as litter reduction has been, the bill’s effect on waste reduction and Metro’s Bike There! map available at resource conservation has proven to be its most remarkable feature. During the last 35 years, www.oregonmetro.gov, area bicycle shops and beverage containers return rates in Oregon have exceeded 80 percent and some years have been bookstores. as high as 94 percent. Although the estimated return rate for bottle bill containers has dropped to 83 percent for 2005, the rates for other beverage containers are considerably lower, as shown in Carpool to the slopes! the table. The estimated total return rate for all non-deposit beverage containers is only 36 CarpoolMatchNW offers percent. one-trip rideshare matching to several With the new year approaching, questions about the Bottle Bill can be directed to the Oregon local ski and snowboard Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), who administers and enforces the bottle bill. For general destinations including bottle bill information or return rates contact OLCC at 1-800-452-4011 or review the 2007 Timberline, Mount Hood Meadows, and Mount expanded bottle bill legislation (Senate Bill 707) at www.leg.state.or.us/bills_laws/. Ashland. Visit www.CarpoolMatchNW.org for more information. Estimates of Beverage Container Redemption, Recycling, 2005 (in millions of containers) Disposed Recycled - not redeemed Redeemed Total Percent Recycled (Source: Metro Greenscene, 2007) Beer & soft drink 254.8 63.0 1163.1 1480.9 82.8% deposit Water 125.5 60.7 186.2 32.6% Juice/tea/other 137.7 54.1 191.8 28.2% Milk 43.6 37.2 80.8 46.1% Wine 11.5 26.4 37.9 69.6% Liquor 9.4 7.4 16.8 44.3% BREAK THE Total no-deposit 327.7 185.9 513.5 36.2% WATER BOTTLE fact: Beer/soft drink/ 518.1 177.8 1163.1 1859.0 72.1% water/juice HABIT All beverages 582.5 248.9 1163.1 1994.5 70.8% 1 water bottle requires two (no paper) times the bottle’s volume Source: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, 2007 Bottle Bill Expansion Fact Sheet of water to create it. 5¢ DEPOSIT CONTAINERS beer - malt beverages - carbonated mineral waters - carbonated soft drinks water - flavored water (as of January 1, 2009)

NO DEPOSIT CONTAINERS Juice – teas – wine – liquor – dairy - non-carbonated drinks or beverages 4 The Center for a New American Dream is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping support and nurture an American dream that upholds the spirit of the traditional dream, but with a new emphasis on sustainability and a celebration of non-material values. New American Dream encourages people to “live consciously, buy wisely, and make a difference,” which it explains as: • “Living consciously means getting more of what really matters in life, being aware of what’s going on around you, finding balance, and having a little fun while you’re at it; From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects • Buying wisely means becoming a positive force in the marketplace, using your purchasing communities at home and abroad, yet most of power to support business practices that are safer for the environment and better for people; and this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a • Making a difference is all about making sure your citizen voices are heard, being active in your 20-minute fast-paced, fact-filled look at the community and letting policy-makers know where you stand.” underside of our production and consumption patterns. This video exposes the connections One of New American Dream’s goals is to shift the culture from an emphasis on more to an between environmental and emphasis on more of what matters. social issues, and calls us together to create a It is up to the individual to determine what matters in his or her life, but this organization offers, more sustainable by way of example, more time, nature, fairness, and fun as appropriate points of emphasis over and just world. material goods. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at The New American Dream’s campaign, C3: Carbon Conscious all the stuff in your life forever. Consumers, is a national climate campaign that challenges individuals www.storyofstuff.com to establish climate-friendly daily habits and inspire their friends to do the same.

Start lowering your carbon emissions today with six easy steps – because BIG changes start with small steps. It’s Easy Being Green 1. Bring Your Own Bag – Neither paper or plastic will do – bring your own! Answer the Call2Recycle 2. Junk Your Junk Mail – Use online forms to eliminate most unwanted ad mail How many rechargeable battery 3. Downshift Your Driving – Carve out one car-free day a week devices do YOU have around the 4. Eat Locally – Buy one pound of local food each week house? The average cell phone user has three or more devices lingering 5. Beat the Heat - Wash four out of five loads of laundry in cold water in drawers and boxes, whether in working condition or 6. Break the Bottle Water Habit - Use a non-toxic reusable bottle for water on-the-go and a high- not. The Rechargeable quality filter in your home. Battery Recycling Coalition’s (RBRC) Learn more online at www.newdream.org. Call2Recycle program encourages users to recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones at retailers participating in their program. RBRC is a non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones throughout the U.S. and Kick the Bottle Water Habit Canada. The Call2Recycle program can help conserve the Earth’s natural resources and Turn the Tap! prevent these materials from entering the waste stream. Tap water is making a comeback! It might even be the ‘must-have accessory’ this Fall! Once marketed as “fashionable or stylish,” bottled water is a product whose impact on the environment – and people’s pocketbook – is becoming ‘so 2007!’

With a day’s worth of bottled water – the recommended 64 ounces – costing hundreds to thousands of dollars each year ($4-6/day depending on the brand), more people are opting to quench their thirst with water straight from the faucet. And why not? Rechargeable Battery Devices (partial list): Municipal water used for drinking costs just pennies annually and is extremely safe due to heavy Camcorders PDAs regulation and testing for public safety. In fact, tap water health regulations are currently stricter than those for bottled water! Digital cameras Laptop computers Power tools Remote control toys Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) supplies drinking water to customers in unincorporated Cellular and cordless phones Washington County, Metzger, and small sections of the Cities of Beaverton and Hillsboro. Frank Reed of TVWD explains that residents can be 100 percent confident their drinking water is clean. Accepted: Rechargeable Batteries - RBRC “We regularly test for more than 200 contaminants and our number one priority is safe, reliable recycles Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel drinking water. TVWD consistently delivers water that meets or is better than state and federal Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) drinking water standards.” and more. According to San Francisco public Utilities Commission Spokesman, Tony Winnicker, “It’s Not Accepted: Alkaline, lithium, and non- becoming chic to say, ‘Oh no, I don’t drink bottle water, I’ll have tap water.’” In an economy where rechargeable batteries. Take these to a Metro every dollar counts, people may need encouragement to break the habit. hazardous waste collection event or facility. Call Metro at (503) 234-3000.

Participating Retailers (partial list): A few facts to help you make a commitment to turn the tap ... Radio Shack Office Depot Lowe’s The Home Depot Gallon for gallon, bottled water is more expensive than gasoline. Batteries Plus Sears 64 ounces bottled water/day = $1,400 - $2,100 annually Tap water for drinking = approximately 0.001¢ per day = 51¢ annually (American Water Works Association) For other participating locations, visit or call the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation at www.call2recycle.com or More than 80 percent of plastic water bottles in the U.S. are incinerated or sent to landfills. Plastic 1-877-2-RECYCLE (1-877-273-2925). debris in the environment can take 40 - 1,000 years to break down. (Container Recycling Institute)

Scientists have run tests and consistently found that tap water is as good for the public as bottled waters that cost 500 times more. (ABC News.go.com) 5 Electronics Recycling

Electronics Oregon Electronics Recycling Program Are you plugged in? Launches January 1st! According to the United States Environmental Protection Does your New Year’s Resolution list include clearing the clutter from your Agency (EPA), Americans home? If so, begin with recycling your electronics. Electronic waste routinely replace their electronics (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing wastestreams worldwide. The Oregon every few years. When many Electronics Recycling Law (ORS 459A.300-.365) creates and finances a people upgrade a computer, TV, statewide collection, transportation and recycling system. It offers residents or cell phone, they don’t feel right about free disposal options starting January 1, 2009 for covered electronic devices putting these materials in the trash (CED) - desktop computers, portable computers, monitors and televisions. because they’ve invested their hard-earned Other electronic devices, such as cell phones, fax machines, and printers are money to purchase these products. Some electronics may not covered. be stored, while others are put in the trash. Get plugged in. Learn why these items should not be disposed, options for Oregon DEQ Electronics Recycling Program unwanted electronics, and which retailers participate in the Who is eligible to use the recycling system? EPA’s eCycle network. Households, businesses and not-for-profit organizations that employ 10 or fewer people, and anyone (including corporations) giving seven or fewer WHY: covered electronic devices (CEDs) to a collector at any one time may use the Protect – Electronic devices contain a number of materials; Oregon Electronics Recycling Program free-of-charge. The program is not some valuable (gold or platinum), others hazardous (lead or intended for large businesses, institutions, or governments, who often have mercury). Proper handling of electronics minimizes potential their own asset management programs or procurement agreements that negative impacts on the environment. include recycling. Conserve – Valuable materials from old electronics can be used How will I know where I can take my computer or television for recycling? to make new products, which reduce pollution and conserve Beginning January 1, 2009, if you purchase new covered natural resources. electronics from retailers doing business in Oregon Helps Others – Donating electronics in working order helps (including internet and catalog), the retailer must benefit those who need it, as well as creates recycling industry give you information about where you can take jobs and markets for the valuable, dismantled components. your electronics for recycling. Access this information from the OPTIONS: DEQ electronics web page. Donate for Reuse – Contact local charities or refurbishers to Keep in mind that some determine where to bring your used electronics and what electronics recycling age/type of materials are accepted. programs may exist Recycle – Contact your local recycling center or Metro Recycling outside the Oregon Information Center (503-234-3000) to learn about local Electronics Recycling community programs or collection events. Program, and they will still be able to charge a fee to recycle LOG-ON: e-waste and may take additional items www.EPA.gov/plugin – EPA’s eCycling Partners offer online and not covered under the Oregon Electronics Recycling Program, such as fax in-store take-back/trade-in programs and community recycling machines, printers, and cell phones. events. How can I be sure that my e-waste that is recycled in the Oregon Electronics www.RecycleWise.org – A partial listing of recycling depots in Recycling Program does not get sent to China? Washington County. Oregon state law does not prohibit e-waste from being exported to countries www.oregonmetro.gov/recycling – Metro Recycling Information like China for processing, but it does require recyclers who handle e-waste and website provides a comprehensive, interactive listing of Portland are participating in the new program to follow environmental management recyclers. Search “Find a Recycler” and indicate the type practices (EMPs) established by DEQ. EMPs will require recyclers to of material. demonstrate that their programs do not harm the environment or human health. DEQ staff, with the help of an advisory work group, will develop the EMPs Craigslist, FreeCycle, and EBay websites – Place your item up for before the program begins in 2009. sale, trade, or donation. For more information about participating manufacturers, retailers, timelines, resources, or contacts, please log on to Oregon DEQ’s Electronics (E-Waste) Recycling webpage: www.deq.state.or.us/lq/electronics.htm

Recycle Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) at Home Depot! Tune-in to Digital TV Information! Don’t Trash that TV! What should you do with old CFL bulbs In February 2009, television sets that rely on roof-top antennas that no longer emit or TV “rabbit ears” to receive free over-the-air programming will no longer receive light? Well, tossing analog signals with the switch to digital-only frequencies. Does that mean viewers them into the should dispose of their TVs? Absolutely not! trash can is not the answer. Users can keep their analog TV by purchasing a digital-to-analog converter box Recycle unbroken (approx. $70) with the assistance of the National Telecommunication and CFLs at your Information Administration (NTIA). The NTIA is offering households up to two coupons ($40 each) towards the purchase of a converter. This box will enable neighborhood Home Depot return desk. Home Depot will recycle viewers to see additional programming that local stations offer. this material responsibly at no charge through a partnership with an environmental management firm. It’s important to recycle Viewers with cable or satellite television service will not be affected by the switch. these materials instead of discarding them because CFL bulbs contain mercury which can evaporate easily and travel long DIGITAL TV INFORMATION distances in the atmosphere, posing health concerns for people • Federal Communications Commission • www.dtv.gov and animals. Health risks associated with mercury include • Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program kidney damage and genetic, neurological, and psychological 1-888-388-2009 (voice) • 1-877-530-2634 (TTY) disorders. Keep our community safe—recycle CFL bulbs www.dtv2009.gov responsibly. •Oregon DEQ Fact Sheet • www.oregon.gov/DEQ 6 Washington County Residential Collection Services in Unincorporated Washington County Recycles! DOES YOUR ADDRESS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Yes. There is a different level of service for urban neighborhoods inside the Metropolitan Service District (MSD) compared to rural areas outside of North Plains Got Glass? the MSD. Banks Cedar If you live within the MSD, your service includes weekly Cornelius Hillsboro Mill garbage and every-other-week recycling and yard Forest Grove debris collection. Beaverton

Gaston If you reside outside the MSD, your service includes Tigard King City Durh am Lake Oswego weekly garbage collection and monthly recycling. Tualatin Rural residents do not receive yard debris collection at this time. Sherwood

Wilsonville

Collection Services by Area Outside MSD (Rural) Inside MSD (Urban) Garbage Collection Weekly Weekly Yard Debris Collection Not Available Every-Other-Week Roll Cart Recycling customers... Recycling - Rollcarts Not Available Every-Other-Week Reuse your red bins to collect glass. Red Bins Monthly N/A Contact your collection provider with questions. For recycling preparation instructions, log on to Washington County Unincorporated Residential Garbage Collection Rates www.RecycleWise.org Monthly Charge Rural Monthly Charge Urban 20-Gallon Container $17.32 $19.39 32-Gallon Container $18.79 Current $21.10 Washington County 60-Gallon Container $28.20 Rates $30.62 Cooperative Recycling Program 90-Gallon Container $33.51 $36.21

Residential Yard Debris Clip & Save In Washington County, yard debris collection is 2009 Curbside Collection Calendar included with garbage service rates and is contact your collector for your pick-up schedule collected every-other-week on the same day My pick-up week is garbage is collected.* Call your hauler if you are Recycling  GREEN  RED unsure when your yard debris is picked up—on Yard Debris  GREEN  RED a green week or a red week. To help you remember which week to set your yard debris at January February March the curb, post this calendar in your kitchen, S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S garage, or shed and mark your yard debris and recycling collection days. 123 1 2 3 4567 1 2 3 4567 *City of Banks residents please note that yard debris is not collected on the same day as garbage service. Rural 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 residents do not receive yard debris ser vice as part of their rate. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ACCEPTED IN YARD DEBRIS CONTAINERS: 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 • Leaves • Weeds YES • Grass clippings • Branches April May June • Garden waste S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S • Prunings no greater than 4" in diameter and 36" long 1234 1 2 1 2 3456 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 89 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

NOT ACCEPTED IN YARD DEBRIS CONTAINERS: 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 • Plastic bags • Metal 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 • Garbage NO • Stumps 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 • Food waste • Animal waste 31 • Plastic or wire ties • Lumber July August September • Dirt, sod, or rock • Ashes S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S • Garden vegetables and fruit 1234 1 1 2345

Maximum container weight: 5 6789 10 11 2 3456 78 6 78910 11 12 • 100 lbs for 60-gallon container or larger 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9101112 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 • 60 lbs for 32-gallon container 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 • 45 lbs for 30-gallon container 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 • 45 lbs for bags or bundles 30 31 October November December BACKYARD COMPOSTING & S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S RECYCLING LITERATURE RESOURCES: 123 1 2 3 4567 1 2345 Metro Recycling Information 4 5678 910 8 9101112 13 14 6 78910 11 12 www.oregonmetro.gov/recycling (503) 234-3000 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Washington County Cooperative Recycling Program 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 www.RecycleWise.org (503) 846-8609 PLACE CONTAINER AT CURB BY 6:00 A.M. 7 CURBSIDECURBSIDE TREETREE WINTER WEATHER COLLECTION POLICY RECYCLINGRECYCLING As Winter weather approaches, it’s a great time to remind readers about Washington County’s COLLECTIONCOLLECTION Inclement Weather Collection Policy related to garbage and recycling. Aloha – Banks – Beaverton – Cornelius If schools are closed, solid waste (garbage) and recycling (including yard debris) collection can be Durham – Forest Grove – Hillsboro – King City cancelled. Collection will be made up the following day. If adverse weather conditions persist North Plains – Sherwood – Tigard – Tualatin (schools are closed) for more than one consecutive day, customers will receive service the Urban Unincorporated following week, on their regularly scheduled collection day. Tree must be at curb by 6:00 a.m. on the Contact your hauler or Washington County Solid Waste and Recycling at (503) 846-8609 with regular yard debris day and counts as that questions about service during inclement weather. week’s yard debris. Additional yard debris can be set out with the tree for a fee. Preparation Instructions: • Cut trees into lengths less than 6 feet and able to fit into the yard debris HOLIDAY COLLECTION SCHEDULES container and fall freely when tipped. No tinsel, stands, ornaments, or other Winter holidays can impact customer garbage and recycling added materials. collection schedules during holiday weeks. Typically collection companies shift pick-up to the day following the holiday. If a • Wreaths - Remove metal, wire, frames, holiday falls on Wednesday, those customers will have their pick- and any non-plant material. up on Thursday. Thursday customers will receive service Friday • Call your hauler regarding flocked trees. and so on. Rural Unincorporated If you have questions about your holiday collection schedule, No yard debris program is established. contact your service provider, view their website for collection Residents may use yard debris depots or policies/schedules, or watch for announcements on billing non-profits to recycle trees. Ask your statements or in newsletters. hauler if they will accommodate a holiday tree or pick up for a fee. Contact your garbage hauler, Washington County Cooperative Recycling Program, or Metro’s Recycling Information Center at (503) 234-3000 with tree recycling questions. Drop-off Depots Please call ahead for a full list of materials accepted, operating hours, and any applicable charges. Spotlight on:  = no charge ($) = recycled for fee = depot accepts other materials CardboardPapers* Metals** Appliances***Plastic BottlesGlass BottlesMotor Oil Yard DebrisWood****Other Aloha Garbage Company (503) 649-6727  REUSE Banks Recycling Depot (2nd Sat. only) (503) 324-0230 The three R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle) are Far West Fibers, Beaverton & Hillsboro  (503) 643-9944 ($) the core steps to conserve natural resources Pride Disposal, Sherwood (503) 625-6177  RECYCLING ($) ($) and energy. While “reduce” is the most important action people can undertake, Willamette Resources Industry, Wilsonville  (503) 570-0626 ($) “reuse” is the next. Instead of recycling an item, consider first how it can be Forest Grove Transfer Station (503) 992-1212 ($)  reused. Reusing materials bound for recycling or trash cans can conserve Tualatin Valley Waste Recovery/  Hillsboro Landfill (503) 640-9427 ($) ($) ($) the energy and natural resources necessary to manufacture new Metro Transfer Stations/Recycling Info DISPOSAL ($) ($) ($)  products. Here are five examples of Portland & Oregon City (503) 234-3000 Reuse: Best Buy In Town, Hillsboro (503) 645-2275 ($) • Donate, sell, or trade unwanted items Grimms Fuel Company, Tualatin (503) 692-3756 ($) ($) • Search thrift stores for gently-used Landscape Products & Supply, Hillsboro items with lots of useful life remaining ($) ($) ($) (503) 846-0881 • Reuse an old item for a new purpose Nature’s Needs, North Plains (503) 647-9489 ($) ($) ($) • Consider joining a Freecycle network in your area (www.freecycle.org) or

YARD DEBRIS YARD Northwest Environmental Recycling, Cornelius (503) 357-6090 ($) ($) visit www.craigslist.com to find treasures or offer up unwanted items Woodco, Aloha (503) 649-5430 ($) for cash/trade • Maintain or repair household goods, Aloha Garbage and Recycling, Aloha (503) 649-6727 Accepts printers, scanners, monitors, computers, TVs, DVD & VCR players, cell phones, cameras, batteries, rather than replacing with new ink cartridges, and microwave ovens. WHY REUSE? Computer Drive Connection, (503) 992-0180 Reusing materials limits the amount of Computers, monitors, hard/floppy drives, printers, typewriters, modems, circuit boards, mainframes, ink jet new resources needed to manufacture & toner cartridges, cell phones, radios and VCRs products. Explore what other uses an Earth Protection Services Inc. (EPSI), Tigard (503) 620-2466 item may have before the product is Electronics, computers, monitors, TVs, batteries, fluorescent lamps, lighting ballasts, mercury thermostats. discarded or recycled. E-tech Recycling, (503) 693-8939 Computers/servers, monitors, printers, cell/telephones, fax machines, TVs/VCRs/MP3s. NO MICROWAVES. Far West Fibers, Hillsboro & Beaverton (503) 643-9944

ELECTRONICS ($) KEY Accepts printers, scanners, monitors, computers, TVs, DVD & VCR players, and microwave ovens. Pride Disposal, Sherwood (503) 625-6177 = no charge Accepts printers, scanners, monitors, computers, TVs, VCR players, cell phones, household/auto batteries, ($) = recycled for fee ink/toner cartridges, microwave ovens, fax/copier, and fluorescent bulbs.  = depot accepts other materials Quantum Resource Recovery, Beaverton (503) 646-2427 * Paper - Includes newspaper, magazines, scrap paper, Accepts scanners, computers, printers, telephones, cell phones, VCRs, radios, and computer wiring. office paper, phone books, and shredded paper. ** Metals - Includes aluminum, tin cans, scrap metals, and foil. *** Appliances - Please call ahead regarding refrigerated Please keep or recycle this newsletter when you are finished. appliances. **** Wood - No treated or hardwood accepted.