Recycle at Home

Batteries can spark and cause a fire when not handled properly. Residential customers can now safely dispose of batteries with weekly curbside collection service. 

Follow three easy steps for safe disposal 

1. Tape the ends of your battery. 
2. Place taped batteries in a sealed plastic bag.* 
3. Place the plastic bag in your glass recycling bin.  

*Note: Please limit battery disposal to 1-quart bag per pick-up.  

Accepted battery types

• Alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D); don’t need ends taped, can be bagged together 
• 6-volt or 9-volt batteries (ends taped) 
• Button batteries used in watches and cameras (ends taped) 
• Rechargeable batteries and battery packs used in laptops, cellphones, etc. (ends taped)

Safety tips

• Batteries should be placed in a cool, dry area away from potential heat sources, flammable materials, and metals. 
• Damaged batteries should be placed immediately in an absorbent, nonflammable material such as kitty litter or sand. If the materials start to smoke or combust, call 911. 
• Keep batteries away from children. Batteries can be toxic if swallowed or exposed.  
• Never remove embedded or built-in rechargeable batteries. Some rechargeable batteries are not designed or intended to be removed. Contact Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503- 234-3000 or use Find a Recycler tool for disposal options.

Contact

Email Recycle@GreshamOregon.gov or call 503-618-2525.  

Recycling and yard debris collection is included in the cost of your garbage service.

Residential recycling in Gresham uses a two-sort system: glass in one bin; paper, plastic, metal in the other.  

• Curbside recycling guide
• Household hazardous materials

 Collection day reminders 

• Set out containers and roll carts by 6:00 am on collection day.
• Place containers within 3 feet of the curb and leave a space of 3 feet between carts.
• Place carts 10 feet from cars, mailboxes, basketball hoops, trees and other stationary objects.
• Remove carts and containers from curb within 24 hours, preferably the evening of pick-up day.

Become a certified recycling expert

• Recycling 101
  Protect natural resources by learning about recycling, composting and waste reduction with Recycling 101, an online, self-paced course created in partnership with the Association of Oregon Recyclers.
• Become Master Recycler
  Take an eight-week course on the latest information on consumption, compost and recycling. Then, promise to volunteer 30 hours to share what you learned with neighbors, coworkers and community.

Owners of rental properties are required to provide garbage and recycling when a property is occupied.

  Oregon Revised Code, Chapter 7 (7.25.400) 

Multi-family complex managers must provide recycling opportunities and education to residents. Education is required once per year. 

We are here to help!

City staff can help property managers and residents with technical assistance, delivering resources, and presentations.  

Order free recycling resources

All garbage service includes weekly collection of yard debris.  Additional yard debris, in paper bags, may be set out for an extra charge.

Yard debris alert

Haulers are seeing an increase in contaminated yard debris, which could result in carts not being serviced until contaminants are removed. 

Yard debris tips

• Setting out a bundle instead of a cart? Be sure bundles are no more than 3 feet long and 18 inches in diameter.
• Extra bundles and large paper bags will be an additional $3.76 per bundle/bag.

Reduce, reuse and prevent

Reduce, reuse and recycle is more than a slogan. At home, we encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle, in this order of importance.

How to reuse and waste less

• Use reusable grocery bags, coffee mugs and lunch containers so you don’t throw away after one use.
• Reuse items like jars, bags, gift bags and tissue paper.
• Buy in bulk when possible. Bulk flour, nuts, cereal etc. can go home in one plastic bag instead of a bag and a box.

Food waste prevention

• Learn how simple actions like proper food storage and meal planning can help you reduce food waste and address climate change. Read more about the Eat Smart Waste Less program.

Buy used and donate more

• When you want to buy something, ask: "Do I really need it or can I make it at home?"  Consider borrowing or renting equipment. 

Repair items instead of buying new

• Repair what you can, donate usable items, and purchase used items. Bring items to a free Repair Cafe.

Money in the can

Oregon’s bottle and can refund value is now 10 cents per container. The state has expanded the types of refundable containers. 

Refundable containers include

• Coffee/Tea
• Kombucha
• Energy and sports drinks
• Hard cider
• Juice
• Full list of containers 

Not included

• Wine or hard alcohol
• Milk – dairy or plant-based
• Infant formula
• Meal replacement drinks

Returns made easy 

Fill up a green BottleDrop bag with your Oregon deposit containers and earn as much as $5 to $10 a bag. 

Find a bottle drop center.

More information 

Learn more about the Oregon Bottle Bill