Oregon was the first state in the U.S. to implement a beverage container deposit/refund system, rolling out its program in 1972. Since then, the system has shown it can keep on a path of continuous improvement.
Lower prices have persisted for a number of key curbside recyclables, including fiber grades and aluminum cans.
Some recovered commodities have experienced market fluctuations of late, but pricing for OCC and natural HDPE has remained flat.
OCC prices have experienced a slight uptick lately, but mixed paper remains at rock-bottom values. Meanwhile, recovered PET and natural HDPE markets remain stronger.