Local Resources in Washington County, Oregon

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are known as "the 3 R's". Did you know they are in that order for a reason? Always try to Reduce your use of resources for the biggest impact to the Earth. Next, try to Reuse items. If you can't reduce or reuse, then Recycling is the last options before putting something in the trash.

Reduce Resources

Reduce your food waste with the Eat Smart Waste Less challenge.
Plan your trip on Trimet buses and Max.
Reduce holiday gift giving waste.
Learn ways to reduce energy usage at PGE. Have an energy audit, and learn about electric vehicles and more.
Shake & Fold - Learn how to reduce paper towel use in public restrooms
Waste Free Advocate's Bring Your Own campaign is a good reminder to bring reusable cups to the coffee shops you visit. Some of them give a small discount. (Starbucks discounts 10 cents). Keep your cup clean and know how many ounces it holds. When you place your order, be sure to notify the server that you have your own cup.
Many stores sell reusable bags for shopping. Don't forget about buying durable produce bags as well. You can buy these online if you can't find them locally. Oregon has now banned plastic single-use bags and charges extra if you don't bring your own bags.
Buy food from the bulk section of food stores. This reduces packaging waste when you refuse the plastic rigid containers and use your own (if allowed) or use recyclable plastic bags. It can also be much cheaper! New Seasons is a good store for bringing your own containers (before Covid) and they will mark your container with the tare weight (empty weight) so it can be subtracted from the total weight upon checkout.
- Buy fresh produce at farmers markets: Aloha, Beaverton, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, Sherwood, Tigard, and Tigard Bull Mountain
- Purchase bulk spices, flour, pasta, coffee beans, tea, dried beans, nuts, cereals, etc. at Fred Meyers, Winco, New Seasons, and other local grocery stores.
- Avoid pre-washed and pre-cut produce since it is usually stored in the type of plastic containers which are not accepted in home mixed recycling bins. (Hinged clamshells, trays, and non-stretchy plastic bags). Washing and cutting produce yourself is also much more economical.
- Avoid fresh produce which is pre-bagged or individually wrapped and instead select produce sold "loose". This also lets you select only the amount you need. For example, you can purchase only 3 potatoes instead of 5 pounds which reduces food waste.
Reduce your use of chemicals for home cleaning by making your own cleaners. Follow Metro's Green Cleaning Tips.
Reduce your use of chemicals for yard and garden maintenance. Metro's Yard and Garden website contains great links and info, including the Grow Smart Grow Safe database of yard chemicals, and the Backyard Habitat program which encourages homeowners to plant native plants and reduce chemicals to create healthy wildlife habitat.

Reuse Resources

Library of Things (Hillsboro, Beaverton, Sherwood) - Check out items such as sewing machines, bake-ware, instruments, and games instead of buying your own. This may be available in other locations, please check with your local library.
Washington County Libraries - All area libraries checkout books, movies, and music and offer free events for children and adults. There is also free wifi, computers available for use, and many online learning and research resources for library card holders. The library also will take donations of books, music CD's, blurays, DVDs, games, and other items. If these are not used or sold at the library they are sold on Amazon to support library activities.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Beaverton and Forest Grove) - These are great sources of lumber, tools, and furnishings.
GoodWill and Salvation Army Stores - There are numerous Washington County locations for donating and purchasing cooking supplies, clothing, furniture, and many other household goods including electronics and toys.
Assistance League of Greater Portland is located in Beaverton. You can donate and purchase clothing and household items. There is also a consignment shop for furniture.
Repair Fairs (Washington County and Portland Metro region) - Bring items to be repaired by volunteers at no charge. This includes small appliances, clothing, and small furniture. These are held roughly monthly in various locations around Washington County.
RepairFinder - a website devoted to publicizing repair businesses in the Portland Metro region
WashCo Bikes (Hillsboro)- Donate, repair, or purchase used bicycles. This is a non-profit.
Recology Organics (formerly Nature's Needs) (North Plains) - Purchase compost made from yard trimmings, municipal organics, and land clearing materials.
Rooster (Beaverton/Hillsboro) - Rooster is an online local sharing community where neighbors share free resources. No sales are allowed. Sign up with your email and receive postings from neighbors with offers and requests - from giving away or looking for unused goods to borrowing items, swapping services, or sharing rides. It started in Portland and is available only in select cities, including Beaverton and Hillsboro.
Nextdoor - Nextdoor is a social networking community for neighborhoods. Members can post items for sale as well as free items. Events and other information can be shared, such as posts for lost pets, suspicious neighborhood activity, or community events.
Buy Nothing (Banks/Buxton, Beaverton, Cornelius/Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood) - Buy Nothing is a closed Facebook group for people in your local area. Alternatively, you can download their app to your smartphone. There is no buying or selling, it is strictly a gift economy.
Many online retailers sell used goods, such as Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist. Refurbished electronics are even available online at OfficeDepot.com with 1 year warranties.
Mail stores - Drop off your packing peanuts and other packaging supplies for reuse. Not all stores will accept them, so call ahead. Postal Works in Tanasbourne is one location that reuses packaging supplies.
Just Porch It - Contact this organization when you have clothing that you no longer use, whether it is wearable or not. Make an appointment for them to come by your home for free. They partner with local non-profits and companies to either reuse the wearable clothing or recycle it. Accepted items includes unwanted clothing, shoes, belts, hats, bags, towels, linens, and fabric.
To find places to donate or sell your old cellphones, gaming devices, games, or other items, use the What to Recycle and Where online tool.

Recycle Resources

Washington County Recyling Info - Includes info on 'What to recycle and where', which can be downloaded as an app on your smart phone or tablet. How to recycle at home offers clear instructions on what to recycle.
Far West Recycling (Hillsboro) - Drop off items that don't get picked up at your residence, including appliances, cooking oil, and electronic waste such as cords and computers. Items taken: Metal items Plastics Paper Electronics Other Materials
Agilyx (Tigard) - Drop off polystyrene (styrofoam) #6 recycling including meat trays, block foam, foam egg cartons, clamshells and coffee cups. Their drop boxes are available 24 hours. Plastic cold drink cups, see through clamshells, and coffee lids can be taken if bagged separately and if they have the #6 chasing arrows resin code. CD Jewel cases, brittle plastic utensils (they break when you bend them), and plastic hangers can also be taken even though they do not typically have #6 marked on them.
Bottle Drop (Beaverton, Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Tigard) - Redeem your bottles and cans in dedicated facilities for this purpose. It pays to create an account in order to get 20% more on your redeemable containers at participating stores. You can optionally purchase green bags to put the containers in. This allows you to drop off a maximum of 2 bags per day without waiting in line to process them.
Grocery Stores in the Portland metro area recycle plastic bags and film. This includes Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Winco, Target, and New Seasons. The drop bins are typically located just inside an entrance. Ask an employee if you don't see it. Search the Drop Off Directory for the nearest drop location, and the FAQ for allowable types of plastic film. In general, if it can be stretched with your fingers then it is OK to recycle.
Computer Drive Connection (Cornelius) accepts computer and electronic related equipment and components for reuse and recycling. Check their web sites for details. Recycle Appliance in Beaverton also collects a wide array of electronic and appliances for recycling.
Metro has 2 locations where hazardous waste can be dropped off. It also provides regular collection events in various locations during the warmer months. See their collection event schedule.
Recycle or Not is a resource from Metro to provide recycling information at your home.
PacTech beverage handles have various dropoff locations in Portland, please reference their website.
Sharewaste.com - Helps you find a neighbor who can take your compost. Even if your city has curbside composting, it usually doesn't apply for condos and apartment dwellers.
New Seasons Market recycles clear #1 plastics for free. The collection bins are typically outside in front of the store.
James Neighborhood Recycling - This family-run company recycles hard to recycle items. They host recycling events at various spots in the Portland area for a small fee. Some of their events are in Washington County. Get on their email list to be notified of upcoming events, or check their calendar periodically.

Portland Resources
While the resources below are not in Washington County, they are well worth the drive.

Scrap - A non-profit which receives and sells (at low cost) a vast array of items for reuse. This includes everything from corks to yarn, x-rays to CDs and 35mm film cannisters. Visit their store for shopping, but always check their website to see their current donations list. A donation appointment may be necessary.
Rebuilding Center - Purchase building materials, sinks, toilets, mirrors, and more. Provides a range of do-it-yourself (DIY) classes from Intro to Carpentry to DIY Plumbing Repairs to Router Basics.
Community Warehouse - Donate or purchase used furniture and household goods. There are two drop-off and shopping locations, one is Portland and the other is in Tualatin.
Pioneer Wiping Cloths - Donate used clothing to be recycled into wiping cloths. No underwear, socks, or scraps.
Free Geek - Donate electronics which get repaired by volunteers at this non-profit. Visit their store to purchase refurbished products.

Oregon Resources and Good blogs

Portland Metro - Recycling and reuse information including reducing chemical exposure (Healthy Home), create a healthy yard and garden and lists Native Plants.
Master Recycler Program - Attend the 8 week Master Recycler program and learn about current sustainability practices. Then volunteer to share your knowledge with the community and help promote a more sustainable way of living.
Resourceful PDX - Ideas and tips for living a more resourceful life. Events and resources in the Portland area.
The Story of Stuff - An online community dedicated to creating a healthier world.
Electrify Now - A non-profit with useful resources and seminars to help you convert your life to all-electric for a better future.
Forth -A non-profit that promotes electric transportation