Bringing reuse to Bend!

Stacks of green reusable plastic bowls on a wooden counter in front of a window

The Problem Did you know that nearly 1 trillion disposable food service products are used each year in the United States, weighing nearly 9 million tons (equal to the weight…

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Rethinking Waste Through Innovation

Highlights from the 2023 Rethink Waste Community Innovation Fund With greater support from Deschutes County Solid Waste and Visit Central Oregon, 2023 was a big year for the Community Innovation…

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Rethink Waste Project Answers Community Questions

Only 21% of recyclable material is being recycled. That’s what the 2024 State of Recycling Report by the Recycling Partnership found. That’s around 1 in 5 recyclable items. We understand…

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Projects to Reduce Waste Tackle Disposable Dishware, Agricultural Packaging, Visitor Recycling, and More!

the front of the SCP Redmond hotel, a large red brick building with many windows

Announcing the fall 2023 Community Innovation Fund recipients This year, The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project offered three opportunities to apply for the Community Innovation Fund (CIF). CIF is a…

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Local Action to Pilot Reusables in School Cafeterias, Expand Bicycle Reuse, and Provide Recycling Education for Visitors

two people smile as they fix a child's sized bike on a repair stand

Main photo courtesy of Bicycle Re-Source of Bend Announcing the summer 2023 Community Innovation Fund recipients  This year, The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project offers three opportunities to apply for…

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