Education
Whether you're looking for ways to minimize waste, ideas on how to recycle smarter or things you can do to help the environment, this section is your educational resource.
How to safely dispose of unused medicines
Unused or expired medicines in the home have long been a safety concern, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. So what’s the correct way to dispose of medications?
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 MoreCelebrating Earth Day with 10 simple things you can do to help
Billions of people around the globe have been celebrating Earth Day each April 22 for the past 53 years. During that first Earth Day, rallies took place across the country and an estimated 20 million Americans took part.
Read MoreUnderstanding the benefits — and dangers — of lithium batteries
Unlike alkaline batteries, lithium batteries are reactive and contain hazardous materials. Here's how to identify different type of batteries and learn more about their use.
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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