We’re recycling more–but making more waste, too

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has reported that people are recycling more than ever. Thanks to your efforts, the Portland area recovery rate was 63 percent in 2007. 

The recovery rate measures the percentage of materials that are recycled, composted or burned to recover energy instead of disposed of as garbage.

Photo: One year's worth of garbage for the average family.

Even though we’re recycling a lot, Oregonians continue to throw away more waste than ever. The 2007 recovered tonnage showed a slight decrease of 1,313 pounds per person per year (3.60 pounds per day) compared to 1,352 pounds per person per year in 2006 (3.73 pounds per day).

Click here for the 2007 Oregon Material Recovery and Waste Generation Rates Report

What can you do to reduce waste?

Reduce the amount of new stuff you bring home by sharing, repairing old items, shopping for used items, bringing your own bags to the store, and using durable dishes, water bottles and towels instead of disposables.

Compost your food and yard waste – about 30% of waste from households and  businesses is organic material!

Recycle your scrap paper and newspapers by using the blank sides of paper for notes and lists before recycling it.