Recycling
The Dangers of Lithium Batteries: Hopper Fire
A fire broke out in the hopper of one of our garbage trucks near McAndrews Road and Crater Lake Avenue in Medford. Our driver responded quickly and followed training by moving to an open area where the load could be safely dumped and extinguished. We are grateful for his swift actions and extend sincere thanks to Medford Fire, Medford Police, and 911 for their prompt response. While the cause is still under investigation, batteries remain a leading source of fires in refuse vehicles and waste facilities. Please remember: batteries of any kind should never go in trash or recycling carts. To learn more about battery safety and proper disposal, please click here. Thank you for helping keep our community safe and protecting the environment for future generations.
Read MoreThe Hidden Dangers of Batteries in the Trash - And How to Dispose of Them Safely
Batteries may seem harmless, but when tossed into trash or recycling carts, they can overheat, spark, or catch fire under the pressure of collection and disposal equipment. These preventable incidents put workers, equipment, and facilities at risk. Safe disposal options, including battery drop‑off sites and hazardous waste collection events, help eliminate these dangers.
Read MoreRemembering the importance of recycling for Earth Day
As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2024, what better time to provide a quick reminder about all the things you can recycle right at the curb.
Read MoreRecycling Right: Understanding why plastic film can’t go in the commingled recycling cart
Because of its thin, stretchy, clingy nature — which makes it useful for packaging purposes — plastic film is difficult to recycle without specialized equipment. Find out more here.
Read MoreRecycling Right: Understanding why glass can’t go in the commingled recycling cart
The good news? Glass jars and bottles used for food and beverages are 100% recyclable. The bad news? In order for any of that to work, glass has to be kept completely out of the curbside recycling stream.
Read MoreAre you recycling or wishcycling?
Everyone knows what recycling is. But what about “wishcycling?” Wishcycling is the act of putting something in your recycling cart without knowing for sure if it’s actually recyclable.
Read MoreMaster Recycler program empowers waste prevention ambassadors
Are you passionate about preventing waste, increasing recycling, conserving natural resources and making a difference right here in our area? If so, you should consider becoming a Jackson County Master Recycler. Our volunteer team of waste prevention ambassadors work within their communities to cultivate public awareness and support a variety of projects and programs related to recycling. As a master recycler, you will share your knowledge and motivate others to make resource conservation a way of life.
Read MoreExposing the plastic industry’s big lie about recycling
NPR investigative report explores where the triangular, numbered symbol (commonly assumed to be a “recycling” symbol) on plastic packaging and products came from — and what it really means
Read MoreHere’s how you can recycle three hard-to-recycle items
Did you know there are local recycling outlets for three common household items that can’t be mixed with other recyclables in our curbside recycling program?
Read MoreOregon's new Recycling Modernization Act updates and overhauls Oregon’s recycling system
For years, manufacturers and producers have known that much of the packaging they market to consumers is not readily recyclable. With the recently passed Senate Bill 582, the Oregon Legislature has committed to changing that.
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