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Republic Services outlines new cart-tagging plan as recycling contamination nears 12%–16%
Summary
Republic Services told Prineville council it will begin state-funded cart-tagging and outreach to reduce recycling contamination, which the company estimated at about 12%–16%; the program emphasizes education and only after repeated 'egregious' contamination would penalties be considered.
Republic Services municipal manager John Halen told the Prineville City Council that a statewide update to recycling law and a 2025 producer-responsibility amendment require better contamination control and expand funding for recycling access. "Recycling contamination right now is anywhere from 12% to 16% of the recycling in total, and the state is trying to get that down below 12%," Halen said during a presentation that opened with an overview of the law and how producer fees will pay for outreach and cart-tagging.
Halen described the new cart-tagging procedure: drivers will flag carts that contain clear contaminants (for example, loose lumber or plastic film), leave a checklist-style tag specifying the contamination and follow up by email or phone to give the customer a chance to correct the problem. "If you get four egregious violations in a six-month period, if approved, we can then fine the customer for the contamination," Halen said, adding that the program will emphasize notices and education before enforcement. Councilors asked technical questions about glass and shredded paper; Republic Services staff advised that glass must be source-separated and taken to the Prineville depot and that shredded paper should not go into commingled carts.
