China, which had been receiving more than half of the world's recycling, is no longer accepting most plastics and recycled paper with a contamination level above 0.5 percent as part of its "National Sword" policy. ​

Meeting this new quality specification has been almost impossible for U.S. processors. Oregon processors have been looking elsewhere, and it's costing more money.

Republic Services has proposed a $2 increase in garbage collection bills for residents of Albany, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Millersburg, Scio, Sodaville, Adair Village, Corvallis, Monroe, Philomath, Tangent, and unincorporated Benton County. Sweet Home Sanitation is considering a similar proposal for residents of Brownsville, Halsey, Sweet Home, and unincorporated Linn County.

We can help by only putting items in our recycling bins that can be recycled curbside, and making sure those items are clean and free from food residue.

Read more at the Corvallis Gazette-Times