We've Changed our Name!

We have achieved non-profit 501(c)(3) status to assist us in organizing our PlanetCon events.  As part of that effort we officially changed our name from “Westside Master Recyclers” to “Westside Planet Alliance”!   The reason is to recognize that although recycling is important, it is only a portion of our mission to help our community learn to live more sustainably on planet Earth.
​We need your help!​
  • ​Please visit the PlanetCon web page for details of our next event.
  • James Recycling is a small company that holds plastic collection events roughly monthly in the Portland Metro area. A small fee is required. Their event link gets updated each month. ​​

Are you ready to conduct a home waste audit? Get started here.​
How to find out where to recycle items?
Check with the Washington County What to Recycle and Where online tool which shows where to recycle items the closest to your address. ​
Recycle Plastic Bags & Film- Many grocery stores (Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Winco, Target, and New Seasons) have drop locations for this, typically located just inside an entrance. ​ Ask an employee if you don't see the bin.​
  • Search the Drop Off Directory for the closest location to you
  • All materials must be clean and dry with no food or dirt, and must be stretchable. Labels are OK, however its best to remove labels if possible.​
  • Plastic Bag FAQ
Items that can be recycled with plastic bags and film include grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, ziplock & other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags. It may carry a  #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE (circling arrow) resin code.  Please do not include other resin codes such as #5 or #7. Generally, if plastic film stretches when you pull it with your fingers, it’s okay to recycle. The exception is frozen food bags which contain different plastics and must be placed in the garbage.  
​​Did you know?  Plastic bags & film is recycled into TREX decking products.

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​Learn ways to help the Earth

REDUCE
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Reduce your consumption of nature's resources as much as possible. For example, reduce car trips by biking, taking public transportation or consolidating trips. Take shorter showers. Lower the heat and put on a sweater. Replace your lawn with low-water-use native plants. Buy products that have minimum packaging. Cook at home more often and reduce fast-food and take-out which use disposable items. Buy food in bulk and bring your own containers if allowed. Make your own cleaners instead of expensive cleaners with chemicals. Give gifts of experiences not just more "stuff".  
REFUSE unnecessary items including plastic straws, free junky items at events, paper napkins, and extra single servings of condiments (ketchup, hot sauce). 
REUSE
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Buy reusable products. Begin with a reusable water bottle and drink cup instead of buying beverages in single-use, disposable cups. Take reusable bags to the grocery store, including produce bags. Rent or borrow tools and items that you won't use frequently. The local libraries are wonderful sources of everything from books to movies, games, music, and more. Buy used items at thrift stores and garage sales instead of buying new. Participate in swap events.  Use cloth napkins, towels, and tissues at home to replace paper products.
REPAIR items that break: Metro area Repair Fairs help fix broken items at no charge. 
RECYCLE
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When items aren't reusable, try to recycle them.  Glass, clean paper products, metal cans and plastic tubs, jugs and bottles can be put in curbside containers at single-family residences. What can't be recycled curbside can often be recycled at other places. Far West Recycling takes everything from cooking oil to electronics. Use a worm or compost bin to turn food scraps into rich, natural fertilizer for your garden.