Recycling for a good cause
It's easier than ever to collect deposit bottles to support a cause you care about.
Read More…Phone: 503-823-7037
Email: sustainabilityatwork@portlandoregon.gov
What should you do with an item labeled "compostable" or "biodegradable?"
Put it in the trash.
Confused?
We know.
Labels like "compostable" and "biodegradable" are well-intentioned, but they’re not always accurate. Many products labeled "compostable" or "biodegradable" don’t break down at our local composting facilities.
Compostable and biodegradable products should also never be put in recycling, as they cause major problems for the recycling industry. We know it’s hard to throw things away, but that’s where all take-out items (to-go boxes, cups, utensils) should go.
To keep our regional composting program running, we need to keep it clean, and that means focusing on the food. And food should be the focus – it’s what gives compost the nutrient-rich punch that makes gardens grow.
A: These items go in your garbage container, not in compost or recycling. This is true both at home and at businesses that sell or serve food.
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A: The greenest option is the one that’s used over and over again. Re-useable coffee mugs, water bottles and real dishware and utensils are environmentally better than their throw-away counterparts, even if the throw-away items could be recycled or composted. Just think of all the energy and resources that go into making something that only gets used once!
Encourage your favorite restaurants to switch to re-usable dishware and utensils for eat-in orders. For to-go orders, take away as little packaging and paper as possible. Bring your own coffee mug, and ask your local coffee shop to offer discounts for bringing your own mug.
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A: Most of the food scraps from Portland businesses are processed in a facility in Lane County that generates electricity from the food scraps before they are turned into fertilizer.
This facility does not accept yard debris or other non-food items like paper products or cups, containers or utensils (even if they're labeled compostable). That’s why many local businesses have moved to collecting just food scraps.
How does food turn into energy? Watch two kids explain it in under 3 minutes:
JC Biomethane for Kids from Kelly Lyon Photography on Vimeo.
Find more composting FAQs, how-to information for restaurants and offices, and Food Only posters and stickers here.
Questions? Contact us at 503-823-7037 or by email.