(Photos courtesy of Deschutes County Solid Waste)

Oregon has long been recognized as a pioneer in recycling and environmental stewardship. It became the first state to pass a bottle bill in 1971, aimed at reducing litter and conserving resources. By 1983, legislation passed the Opportunity to Recycle Act, requiring cities with populations over 4,000 to offer recycling, and by 1991, expanded these services to include more materials. Oregonians integrated recycling into their daily habits, keeping waste out of landfills by efficiently utilizing curbside recycling bins and drop-off depots.

However, global market shifts and escalating environmental concerns have presented new challenges. These changes have urged the state to rethink and modernize its recycling framework. With the recently im

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