Oregon's Plastic Recycling Rate Increases Slightly

Portland, Ore. — Oregon’s rigid plastic container recycling rate increased slightly to 27 percent in 2003, up from 26.2 percent a year earlier, according to a report by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The rates are the lowest since DEQ began calculating the rates in 1993.

Oregon has a 25 percent mandatory recycling rate for rigid plastic containers. If the rate falls below that mark, containers sold in the state may be required to feature recycled plastic or types of plastic that are more easily recycled in the state. Rigid plastic containers include plastic bottles, jars, cups, tubs, pails and other containers that are designed to hold a for-sale product.