Big Recycling Updates Are Here!

The Recycling Modernization Act is Now in Effect

As of July 1, 2025, Oregon’s recycling system has officially entered a new era, and Rogue Disposal is ready.

Thanks to the Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), passed in 2021, the entire state is moving toward a single, uniform recycling list, reducing confusion and increasing access. At the local level, here in the Rogue Valley, that means that whether you’re in Medford or Ashland, Central Point, Talent or Eagle Point, you’ll now see the same list of things you can recycle at the curb across the board. That means less confusion, greater consistency, and a cleaner, more reliable recycling stream.

What You Can Recycle in Your Red Lid Cart

The uniform list is now in full effect for our curbside recycling program. Here’s what goes in your red lid cart with Rogue Disposal:

• Plastic
  • Plastic bottles, round containers, buckets, and rigid plant pots
  • Caps OK if screwed on. All items must be 2 inches by 2 inches or larger.
• Metal
  • Aluminum and steel cans and scrap metal
  • Must be less than 10 pounds and 18 inches.
• Cardboard and Cartons
  • Flattened cardboard, packaging boxes, food and beverage cartons (milk, juice, soup, etc.)
  • No freezer boxes. Pizza boxes must be empty with no food or grease residue.
• Paper
  • Newspaper, magazines, office paper, egg cartons, mail, paperback books, paper bags, and non-metallic gift wrap

Please DO NOT include the following contaminants:

• Glass (depot drop-off only)
• Batteries, or battery-containing devices of any kind
• Food or liquids
• Plastic bags of any kind, or stretchy plastics
• Hoses, cords, wires, or sharp objects

For a printable Curbside Recycling Guide, click here.

Why Did the System Change?

The RMA was created to solve some big problems. For years, recycling lists varied from city to city, and contaminated materials made it harder to turn recyclables into new products. The 2017 global market crash hit the Rogue Valley especially hard. This highlighted the need for a cleaner and more consistent, resilient system.

Now, Oregon has one clear set of rules for what is collected at the curb, and producers of packaging and paper products are helping to fund education & outreach, contamination reduction efforts, and overall system upgrades. This means less confusion for our customers, better access, and less guesswork for all Oregonians.

Why It Matters

With stronger standards, better education, and shared responsibility, Oregon’s recycling program will be more effective and more reliable.

Together, we’re helping to make recycling work better for everyone.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our customer service team at 541.779.4161.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to update our website, depot, and Waste Wizard.