Recycling - What Can I Recycle?

Recycling gives discarded materials a second life—turning them into new products instead of sending them to the landfill. It conserves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports local jobs. More than just sorting trash, recycling is a powerful way for Oregonians to protect the environment and make a real impact through everyday actions.

In 2021, Deschutes County residents and businesses generated approximately 309,000 tons of solid waste—but only 29% (about 89,300 tons) was recycled. The rest went to Knott Landfill, which is quickly approaching capacity. That’s why the County is working to boost the recovery rate to 45% by 2025, in line with state goals.

We provide education and hands-on support to help Deschutes County residents, businesses, schools, and event organizers reduce waste, recycle right, and adopt more sustainable practices. Together, we can protect our environment and build a cleaner future.

What Can You Recycle and Where?

Mixed Recycling - Curbside Carts and Drop-off at Transfer Stations
These items are FREE to recycle and can be mixed together in your recycling bin or dropped off at any transfer station.

Aluminum, tin and steel cans and scrap metal - Less than 10 pounds and 18 inches

Plastic bottles, round containers, buckets and rigid plant pots - caps ok if screwed on . All items must be 2 by 2 inches or larger

Cardboard and cartons - flattened cardboard, packaging boxes and food and beverage cartons - pizza boxes must be empty with no food residue.

Paper - Newspaper,magazines, office paper, egg cartons, mail, paperback books, paper bags, and nonmetallic gift wrap.

OTHER RECYCLABLE ITEMS

These items are FREE to recycle and are accepted at all transfer stations. NOT to be placed in curbside carts.

Auto Batteries: No cracked or leaking batteries.
BBQ's: Tanks recycled separately.
Corrugated Cardboard: Flatten. No slick or wax-coated.
Electronics: Monitors, CPUs, TVs, keyboards, mice and printers
Glass Bottles and Jars: Clean, remove lids. No ceramics, Pyrex, mirrors, baking dishes, or window glass.
Lawnmower: All fluids must be removed.
Motor Oil: Put into a non-breakable container with a tight-fitting lid. No antifreeze, gasoline, or solvents.
Paint & Stains: Visit the PaintCare website to find a drop off location near you
Propane Tanks: up to 7-gallons
Shredded Paper: no longer in mixed recycling but in a seperate container at all transfer depots.
Scrap Metal: Almost all metal items.

Recycled for a Fee
For fee information for Deschutes Recycling located at Knott can be found here or call (541) 388-1910. For fee information for all other Deschutes County Transfer Stations refer to Rates and Fees.

Antifreeze: Accepted Deschutes Recycling located at Knott. Accepted at the Haz Waste Facility for no fee
Appliances: Accepted at Deschutes Recycling located at Knott. Negus, Northwest and Southwest Transfer Stations
Computer parts and components: Refer to Electronic Waste Recycling page
Microwaves: Accepted Deschutes Recycling located at Knott. (included in garbage load at all other sites)
Sod: Accepted Deschutes Recycling located at Knott.
Stumps: 12" in diameter and smaller are accepted Deschutes Recycling located at Knott. , Negus, Northwest and Southwest Transfer Stations
Tires: Accepted at all sites
Wood waste: Accepted Deschutes Recycling located at Knott and Negus Transfer Station
Yard debris: Accepted Deschutes Recycling located at Knott, Negus, Northwest & Southwest Transfer Stations