Oregon's Container Recycling Rate Up Slightly

Oregon's rigid plastic container recycling rate was 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 two 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 may be required to feature recycled plastic or types of plastic that are easily recycled in the state. Rigid plastic containers are those that contain beverages and other items including shampoo and detergent.