What you need to know about Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA)

Jan. 7, 2026

At Re:Source, we’re advancing local waste management in part by reducing the materials that end up in the landfill. Across Oregon, the Recycling Modernization Act is expanding our ability to save valuable resources, and we’re here to help answer your questions about what these new regulations mean for residents of Marion County.

What is the RMA?

The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (or RMA for short) is an update that builds on current community programs and packaging industry resources to create a more innovative and effective recycling system in Oregon.

Among other regulations, these updates include:

• A standardized list of items that must be recycled across the state
• New standards for facilities that process recyclable materials, including improved material quality, more detailed reporting about where recyclables go, and paying living wages to facility workers

In short, the goal of the RMA is to reduce plastic waste and make sure more materials can be recycled more efficiently and responsibly.

How does this change my curbside recycling or what I can drop off at Re:Source?

Along with previous items like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans, more items can now be recycled.

• Any plastic bottles, round containers (jars and tubs), buckets, and rigid pot plants that are 2”x2” or larger. Twist caps can stay if screwed on.
• Pizza boxes (clean of food residue, a little grease is okay)
• Egg cartons
• Aseptic gable top containers (milk, juice, and broth cartons, etc.)
• Scrap metal less than 10lbs and 18” (no sharp or “tangler” objects)
• Non-metallic gift wrap

Some things haven’t changed: All items should be placed loosely into curbside bins or recycling depot receptacles (please don’t bag your recycling!). Plastic bags, shredded paper, styrofoam, and frozen food boxes should still be placed in your trash. Download this PDF as a handy guide.

When are these changes happening?

Recycling updates went into effect statewide on July 1, 2025 at all transfer stations, with implementation of further regulations happening gradually over the coming months.

The RMA has been implemented here at Re:Source, and by all Marion County haulers, so local residents can now follow the expanded recyclables list.

Will this increase my waste bill?

The RMA will not raise waste pickup rates for residents of Marion County. In fact, it has helped stabilize local costs by establishing a more efficient system in which haulers pay zero disposal costs for recyclable materials.

Recycling is essential to protecting the health of our communities and environment.

How does the RMA benefit our community and beyond?

The RMA helps reduce plastic waste—a benefit for our neighborhoods, our wild spaces, and our natural resources—by making it easier for residents to recycle and incentivising producers to make more sustainable packaging. It also helps ensure that recyclable materials are processed responsibly without causing harm to the environment or communities where they’re sent. Plus, it reduces the effect of global price fluctuations on Oregon waste collection costs and allows packaging fees to be reinvested in projects that improve Oregon’s recycling infrastructure.

Recycling is essential to protecting the health of our communities and environment. While Oregon leads the way in the U.S., Re:Source is leading the way in innovative waste management right here in Marion County. You can be confident that the recyclables you sort at home are being handled efficiently, from your curb to Re:Source and on to area processing facilities. Together we’re helping to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and build a sustainable future. Learn more about how Re:Source supports local recycling here.

Have more questions about recycling in Marion County? Send us a message!

— by Re:Source staff

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Categories: Curbside Collection, Recycling