Recology Oregon Material Recovery

I had two large blocks of Styrofoam (or polystyrene) and I tried to do the right thing by recycling them. I looked on Recology’s website and it seemed like a service they provide. I called and left a voicemail to confirm this and I also wanted to ask about fees, but they never returned the call. (Nice, right?!) I decided to take a chance and drive across the city. When I got there, I was told by the guy in the booth that they now charge a $ 10 fee to drop off Styrofoam (so it’s NOT free any more) and, according to him, there’s really no point because most of it gets tossed in the trash. So… I wasted time and fossil fuel driving about 25 miles roundtrip for no reason. Now I still have my large blocks of Styrofoam so I guess I’ll just break them up and throw them in my own trash, which is what I should’ve done in the first place. How lame.

Their receptionist was so mean and condescending I didn’t even bother to book service with them. Phone call went like this:
«Hey I had an unexpected demo andI need a tiny dumpster tomorrow.»
Her: «Well we have OTHER customers who called in advance, so we can’t guarantee anything (which is really stupid considering most places offer same day drop off).»
«Well what are your prices?»
Her: «It doesn’t matter. We go by weight.»
«Well how much do you think my project will weigh (as I describe my project)?»
Her: *SIIIIIIIIGH.* We charge X per ton and other fuel and pick up charges.”
«Okay, Uh, I need to confer with my husband and I’ll call you back.»
Her: «Fine. Thanks.»
Seriously? If that’s how they’re starting off their first impression, I can’t even IMAGINE how their customer service is. Nope. Moving on. Seriously guys. Get a new receptionist. She’s RUDE. If you LOVE April from Parks and Recreation and hearing eyes roll over the phone? This is your place! If you’re still undecided and you have a small project, it’s only $ 5 more to deal with people who are nicer and have a much less crappy attitude. Skip your latte, don’t get a grumpy jerk. Boom.

Such a great program here for recycling styrofoam & cardboard; I wish I had known about it so long ago.

Recology, the Styrofoam recycler in N Portland and Foster Rd., is no longer accepting it. Find other recycling options in the Portland area at Metro’s Find a recycler tool:
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Its helpful!

I found out about this place from Tim B. GREAT place, and convenient to North Portland residents. They have 3 locations in the Portland area, so one is sure to be accessible to you. I am totally thrilled to see a place that accepts styrofoam, and especially that recycling your styrofoam is free. No more excuses for throwing that nasty white stuff away in the trash!