I’ve heard that recycling is getting sent to landfills. Is this true?

With a few small exceptions, the items that are accepted in home recycling in our region are still getting recycled. More items may have to be disposed if markets for them disappear. If recyclables do go to a landfill, it would be as a last resort, for the fewest items possible, and for the shortest amount of time possible. 


The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a list of all recyclers that have requested to dispose of materials. It can be found on the Recycling Markets page.

Show All Answers

1. How do I order residential garbage and recycling service?
2. Why should I recycle?
3. Is food waste collection available in the City of Eugene?
4. What items are accepted into commingled curbside recycling collection?
5. How do I properly dispose of and/or recycle items that are not accepted into the commingled recycling bins?
6. Where can I find out more about garbage hauling rates in Eugene?
7. What are the main changes to curbside commingle recycling in Eugene?
8. Why are certain items, such as margarine tubs or milk cartons, no longer accepted in commingled recycling?
9. Which plastics can I recycle now?
10. What type of plastic jugs are recyclable in Eugene?
11. Can plastic bottles go in the commingle recycling bin?
12. Why does the City recommend, "When in doubt, find out or throw it out?"
13. Should I stockpile certain plastic items until I am able to recycle them again?
14. What are some other options if I can’t recycle the plastics I have?
15. What does “contamination” mean in recycling?
16. Why isn’t the cost of waste hauling service going down?
17. Why is there a cost to recycling service if haulers sell the materials collected?
18. I’ve heard that recycling is getting sent to landfills. Is this true?
19. What happens to stuff in recycling bins that isn't recyclable?
20. Why aren’t there more options to recycle this stuff locally or at least domestically?