Who Are We?

Formed in 1987, Recycling Advocates is Oregon's only citizen-based, grassroots group dedicated to creating a sustainable future through local efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. RA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and is run by an elected Board of Directors.

What do we do?

• Speak at community events, schools and business about the three "R's", alternatives to toxic household cleaners, recycling at events, product stewardship and more.
• Serve as a community resource for recycling and waste prevention issues.
• Teach Master Recycler classes, training volunteers for education outreach in the community.
• Facilitate Home Eco-Parties - interactive presentations about recycling, earthwise shopping, alternatives to hazardous household products and home composting.
• Advocate for environmentally sound policies by providing input to city, county, region and state advisory committees, elected officials and staff.
• Sponsor speakers at local and regional educational conferences.

What Have We Accomplished?

• Sponsored the first electronics product stewardship legislation in Oregon, Senate Bill 867, which passed and was signed into law in 2003.
• Introduced "Ten Ways to Stop Junk Mail," guaranteed to significantly reduce junk mail in your home; over 700 people in one Portland faith community used this flyer to make a difference.
• Launched the ongoing Western Electronic Product Stewardship Initiative (WEPSI) , a multi-stakeholder process intended to institute shared responsibility for electronic waste.
• Published "Recycling at Events: A Guide to Preventing Waste at Any Event," and worked with planners of events such as Cycle Oregon and Taste of the Nation to implement waste prevention methods.
• Advocated to maintain the quality of curbside collectibles in the Metro region during the transition to commingling.
• Helped eliminate polystyrene foam food containers in Portland restaurants.
• Helped achieve weekly curbside recycling service with containers in the Metro region.
• Led a nationally recognized campaign to discontinue PVC (#3) plastic packaging.

What Do We Offer You?

• Forums to discuss current environmental issues and opportunities to influence policy on these issues.
• The monthly paper or e-mail Recycling Advocates Newsletter with original articles on current recycling and sustainability issues; legislative reports; and reduce, reuse and recycle tips.
• Opportunities to educate people about waste prevention and recycling at community events, schools and businesses.
• E-mail action alerts during the Oregon legislative session.

How Can You Join Us?

Support Recycling Advocates in its efforts to promote waste prevention and recycling by becoming a member. Click here for membership information. Read more about our recent activities in our 2004 Annual Report.

There's no such place as "away."