PlanetCon Recycling, Reuse and Sustainability Fair

PlanetCon was an event that was held in Washington County, Oregon roughly twice a year from 2019 through April 2024 with some time off during Covid.

We are taking an indefinite break from hosting PlanetCon events.
Below are some links to help you recycle items that PlanetCon events accepted in the past.

PLASTICS

Take your #1 clear transparent (no color) plastic containers such as cups, clamshells take-out containers and trays to New Seasons. The recycling bins are located outside in front of the store for free drop-off. There must be a #1 PET/PETE resin code marked on the container.
James Recycling is a small company that hosts collection events in the Portland area including Washington County. Sign up for their email list to receive updates on their events. They charge a fee for the materials they accept including specific plastics marked #1, #2, #4, #5, or #6. Their recycling center is tentatively set to open in September 2024.
Drop off recycling centers such as Far West Recycling, Pride Recycling Station (Sherwood), and Forest Grove Transfer Station accept plastic bottles. Please check with the facility for details.
Recycle+ and Ridwell are 2 options for residents to pay for a pickup service of selected plastics and other items such as textiles and plastic bags. Check their websites to see if your home is in their collection area.

BATTERIES

Metro accepts batteries at their collection events and their transfer stations.
Household batteries can be dropped off for a small fee at places like Batteries Plus Bulbs or Interstate Batteries.
Home Depot and Lowes take rechargeable batteries for free.
If you have standard, curbside garbage and recycling collection, and live in most cities in Washington County, OR, you can set out batteries for collection with your glass recycling.

MEDICATIONS

Many pharmacies will accept medications for proper disposal as part of a statewide take-back program.
Investigate medication take back locations by entering your zip code on this website

MEDICAL SHARPS

Metro accepts medical sharps at their collection events and their hazardous waste facilities.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMP (CFL) BULBS

Metro accepts CFLs at their collection events and hazardous waste facilities.
Lowe’s will accept CFLs in the bins at their in-store recycling center. Ask at the customer service desk.

BICYCLES

Bicycles and bike accessories can be donated 7 days a week to the non-profit WashCo Bikes which is located in downtown Hillsboro. It is fine if the bikes need repair. The bikes are fixed up before they are donated to those in need.

EYEGLASSES AND HEARING AIDS

The Lions Club takes eyeglasses and hearing aids at many eyeglass stores and pharmacies, etc. Find a donation location.

ELECTRONICS AND SMALL APPLIANCES

If the device is usable, offer them for free at online sites such as Nextdoor, Buy Nothing, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
Broken electronics can be taken to places such as Computer Drive Connection in Cornelius, Far West Recycling in Hillsboro or Pride Recycling Depot in Sherwood.

REPAIR FAIR
Check out the schedule of repair events in the region using the webpages below:

ClOTHING & HYGIENE DONATIONS
One option for donating hygiene items and clean clothes in wearable condition is Project Homeless Connect which serves the houseless in Washington County.

OTHER RESOURCES

To find out how to recycle, donate or properly dispose of hundreds of items, check out the What to Recycle and Where (WTRW) lookup tool on the Washington County Garbage and Recycling Day website. Use the tool on the website or download the app to your device. Besides helping you find a place to recycle items, the app can remind you of your garbage pickup day as well as upcoming special events.
Another resource for finding out about how to recycle and properly dispose of things is Metro’s Find a Recycler website or call Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000.
See the Local Resources and tips pages for your Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle efforts