The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reports that the aggregate recycling rate for rigid plastic containers in the state for 2007 increased slightly to 30 percent from the 28 percent rate achieved in 2006.
The DEQ posted its report, “Oregon’s Rigid Plastic Container Recycling Rate for 2007 and Determination of the Recycling Rate for Compliance Purposes for 2009,” to its Web site Dec. 30, 2008. The full report can be accessed at www.deq.state.or.us/lq/pubs/docs/sw/RPC0709Report.pdf.
The report concluded that the increase in the recycling rate was largely in light of increased diversion through curbside recycling programs, as communities moved from collecting their recyclables in bins to wheeled carts. Plastic tubs, pails and flower pots were also added to the list of acceptable plastic containers.
The report also notes that sales of soft drinks and returns of soft drink containers have declined in 2006 and 2007, though the market share for water and juices have increased.
The DEQ also forecast further increases in the curbside recycling of plastic containers in 2008 and 2009, as Portland and other portions of the state finish switching to larger wheeled containers for collecting recyclables.
The Oregon Bottle Bill was also expanded Jan. 1, 2009, to include water bottles. The DEQ estimates an additional 1,200 to 1,800 tons of plastic containers will be recovered for recycling each year as a result.
While prices paid for recycled plastics dropped sharply at the end of 2008, it is not affected to have a prominent effect on the tops of plastic recycled through curbside programs or the state’s redemption program.
The DEQ has determined that the aggregate recycling rate for rigid plastic containers for compliance purposes will continue to exceed 25 percent through 2009.