Preventing Waste
Recycling is not the only way for you to minimize your waste. Reusing items is a great thing to do. You can start with the ideas below.
Use washable cloth napkins and towels instead of paper products.
Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store. You could also reuse the plastic bags that you use for fruits and vegetables.
Wash out and reuse food jars to store your leftovers.
Minimize packaging waste by purchasing products such as juices in concentrated form. You can then use reusable containers to store the juice.
Bring a reusable coffee cup or mug to work. Even if you fill it only two times a day, you will be saving almost 500 paper cups a year.
Other Options
Books and Bicycles:
Neighborhood Recycling Center
5525 SE 28th Avenue
Portland
503.238.1640
Computers:
STRUT (Students Recycling Used Technology)
503.614.1627
Construction Debris:
Call Metro for a copy of the Construction Site Recycling Guide
503.234.3000
Reusable Construction Materials:
Rebuilding Center
2015 NW 23rd
Portland
503.221.3193
or
St. Vincent De Paul Home and Garden Depot
3600 SE 28th
Portland
503.232.6035
Greeting Cards:
Straight Ahead Shelter
PO Box 699
Cornelius, Oregon 97113
503.357.0356
Household Hazardous Waste:
Call Metro, 503.234.3000
Paint:
Miller Paint
1831 E Powell Blvd
503.229.6108
Styrofoam Peanuts:
Call the “Styrofoam Peanuts Hotline” for a location near you
1.800.828.2214
Medical Waste Disposal:
EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency
1.800.424.4372 or 206.553.1200
P.O. Box 1560 | Gresham, Oregon 97030
Phone: 503.665.2424
Fax: 503.666.0917
