Introduction
At the time The Oregon Recycling Opportunity Act was passed, it set up a statewide system for managing solid waste that was called the most comprehensive in the nation. Residents of most cities over 4,000 population may place glass, tin, cardboard, newspaper, aluminum and motor oil at curbside for pickup. They and residents of the more rural areas of the state also may take recyclable materials to public landfills, transfer stations, and conveniently located drop-off centers.

Whether Oregonians place recyclables at curbside or drop them off at a local collection depot, just where does the material go next? The specific route depends on the item in question, but there are some common threads. They have to do with words like collector and hauler, resale, transportation and energy. They have to do with conserving, and with saving natural resources and fossil fuels and materials. They have to do with insuring that we preserve our state as we know it for generations to come.

But the process of collecting and re-manufacturing recyclable materials, outlined here, is only part of recycling. Buying and using a recycled product completes the circle. Look for the recycled label on the products you buy, and ask your store manager to stock recycled products and products made of recycled materials.