Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle

While recycling is important, it should be one of your last resource options. Consider these alternatives before you commit an item to the recycle bin.

1. Reduce the amount you consume. Much of what we consume is “single-use” items, which are tossed into the garbage, or recycle bin. Shopping for food in bulk or minimally packaged is a good start. Avoid single-use plastic packaging such as clamshells and clear plastic tubs whenever possible, and try to avoid over-packaged items.
2. Repair items that are broken or no longer working. Before you toss out that broke item, look for a Repair Fair in your area. If repair is not feasible, try to repurpose the item for a different use.
3. Reuse items as much as possible. Grocery bags, plastic produce bags, coffee bags, nursery pots etc. Try to use an item as much as possible before you send it downstream.
4. Recycle items only when you have exhausted all of the previous possibilities. When you do recycle, be sure that only acceptable items are put into the curbside recycle bin. For items that cannot go into the curbside bin, see “Recycling outside of the bin.” 

Recycling Resources:

• Oregon Metro one-stop recycling information
• Repair Fair
• What goes in the bins and on the curb
  • West Linn Refuse & Recycling Preparing Your Materials
  • Recycle Guide
  • Clackamas County Reference Flyer
• Recycling outside the bin
  • Plastic
  • Hazardous Products
  • Styrofoam
  • Electronics
  • Electronics, Batteries, and Appliances
• The West Linn Sustainability Coalition provides a listing of where to take recycling items that can't be placed in the curbside bin

West Linn Library of Things: 

The Library of Things is a collection of items including kitchenware, musical instruments, games, yard tools, and more hosted at a library that library patrons can check out from their Libraries in Clackamas County. This helps reduce the need to purchase new items, that may not be used frequently, and collaboratively share within the community. Nine  LINCC libraries have collections including: Canby, Estacada, Hoodland, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sandy, West Linn, and Wilsonville.

Using Library of Things Collections
Each library maintains its own, separate Library of Things collection. Items must be held, picked up, and returned at their respective locations. For example, if West Linn has an item you’d like to check out, you must pick up and return that item to the West Linn Public Library.