Plastic Container Recycling Aids High Oregon Recycling Rate

Danielle Jackson

Portland, Ore. -- According to a report issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), rigid plastic container manufacturers will keep the recycling rate above the state-required 25 percent for 2002. Oregon's rigid plastic container recycling rate for 2000 was 28.4 percent.

Rigid plastic containers include plastic bottles, jars, cups, tubs, pails, beverage containers, detergent bottles, automotive fluid bottles and shampoo bottles.

According to a law adopted as part of the 1991 Oregon Recycling Act, any rigid plastic container solid in Oregon must contain at least 25 percent recycled content, must be made from plastic that is recycled in Oregon at a rate of at least 25 percent and must be reusable at least five times.

To view the report, visit www.deq.state.or.us/wmc/solwaste/rpc2002.html.