Orem Pickup & Recycling Schedule
Frequently asked questions
WM and Orem are conducting a pilot to determine if film plastics (like grocery bags) can be effectively added to the mixed recycling stream. WM has installed new technology at its Salt Lake City Material Recycling Facility to collect these materials and bale them for sale to a manufacturer for a new life.
This pilot will occur from August 2023 to March 2024
Orem residents are encouraged to recycle clean film plastics including loose grocery bags, newspaper bags, dry cleanings bags, plastic wrap packaging (e.g., from around a case of plastic bottles), food storage bags and mailing packaging (envelopes, bubble wrap). Film plastic should be disposed individually/loose (not bagged) in the recycling container. Do not put multiple bags in a larger plastic bag for disposal.
With the previous technology, film plastics would clog up the sorting machines and create problems for recycling operations. We are testing new technology to see if we can effectively sort these materials from the mixed stream.
If you still have questions watch this video:
Only Orem residents with curbside recycling are participating in this pilot
The city will send mailers to all recycling costumers if the pilot ends.
If WM can effectively sort, bale and market the film plastic from a single-stream (mixed) recycling, and if Orem agrees, we will seek to adjust our guidelines on what is acceptable in curbside recycling carts.
The city will publicize any changes to the list of acceptable recyclables via its website, social media, newsletter and other channels.
Recycling Coach
The City of Orem has partnered with Recycle Coach to help citizens know how, when, and what to recycle. You can access the Recycle Coach services below or download the FREE app on your phone. Just search for “recycle coach” in your app store or click on the icon to the right.
