FAQ's
What can I recycle here?
We specialize in the hard to recycle items that can't get picked up by your curbside recycling. Click here for the list and images to help guide you.
Why do I have to pay for this recycling?
Difficult to recycle items are difficult because while they are technically recyclable, there isn't a market for these items, so often we have to pay a processor to recycle the material. Other costs that your $25 drop off fee pays for is the truck to take the items into the various processors in Vancouver and Portland, Gas, Staff time, business overhead and sometime recycling fees.
We are also trying to build a community around recycling in the Gorge and will continue to invest in improving our services.
Why am I paying to recycle items that companies create?
There are no laws in place that say companies are responsible for the items they make, including packaging. That is starting to change. In Oregon we passed a recent bill, Oregon Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act that will come into effect in 2025. This will go towards improving recycling collection and processing systems throughout the state.
If you want to support this, let your representatives know you would like to see more Extended Producer Responsibility laws for products that companies make, and we as individuals and cities get stuck with.
I want to help, how can I?
We love to hear this. And we have a few ways that you can support us. Collect your items and bring them in to be recycled. Spread the word. Tell your neighbors, friends and family to recycle too. Check out our wish list, if there is something on there you can donate, we would appreciate it.
What happens to our recycling after it's been collected?
GSP transports the collected recyclables to several recycling partners in the Portland area. Check out our recycling partners websites:
Clamshells/sometimes film https://www.ksrecycling.net/
Plastics 1-5: https://www.farwestrecycling.com/
Film: https://nextrex.com/view/commercial
Plastics 1-6: http://www.dentonplastics.com/
Plastics 1 -6: https://nwpoly.com/
Plastics 1- 6: https://pioneerrs.com
Squishy poly propylene foam: https://ecrrecycling.com/
Polyethylene foam: https://agriplasinc.com/
#6 and Polystyrene foam: https://greenrhinorecycling.com/
​E-waste: https://greencenturyonline.net/
NOTE: Our partners can deny accepting recyclables at their facility depending on market pricing. Simply put...if they can't make a buck, they don't want the goods.
Why do we have to drop off only plastics that are clean, dry, and sorted?
We are a single stream or single source method of recycling. This method of recycling assures that plastics will be recycled compared to the commingled method (your curbside bin) where contamination is more prevalent and leads to recyclables being landfilled.
I hear that most recycling ends up in the landfill. Is it worth it?
Many discussions around the efficacy of recycling point to a common concern: not all materials placed in recycling bins end up being recycled. This issue is particularly pronounced in commingled recycling systems, where various types of recyclables are collected together in a single bin. The convenience of this method boosts participation rates, but it often leads to contamination. Contaminated materials are less likely to be recycled effectively, undermining the process. However, when recyclable materials are source-separated into a single stream, (this is how it’s done at the GSP) they maintain their integrity and are treated as commodities with real economic value. Properly separated and uncontaminated, these materials can be sold and reused in various industries, enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of recycling programs. Thus, while challenges exist, particularly with commingled systems, recycling can be a highly effective environmental practice when implemented with careful consideration for material separation and purity.