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A Visit to the People’s Depot: How Oregon’s Recycling Efforts Support Both the Environment and Our Community

Author’s note: I recently had the privilege of visiting The People’s Depot, one of the key players in Oregon’s bottle redemption program, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the incredible work they’re doing! A huge thank you to Kristopher, their project manager, for being such a welcoming host and sharing insights into how they help Oregon recycle a staggering 90% of its beverage containers.

Why Recycling Matters More Than Ever

Oregon has been a national leader in recycling for decades, and the bottle redemption program plays a crucial role in that success. By recycling beverage containers, the state is saving hundreds of thousands of tons of materials from ending up in landfills each year. For instance:

• Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

• Every ton of recycled plastic saves the equivalent of about 5,774 kilowatt-hours of energy.

• Recycling just one ton of glass prevents about 700 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

In a time when the planet is grappling with climate change and environmental degradation, programs like People’s Depot (and Eugene’s EveryOne Village recycling center) are a vital piece of the solution. They help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy consumption, and conserve valuable natural resources. But that’s not where the story ends.

The Connection Between Recycling and Homelessness

While visiting the People’s Depot, I was reminded of how deeply intertwined recycling is with community well-being—especially for those experiencing homelessness. Oregon currently has over 13,000 people experiencing homelessness, many of whom rely on collecting cans and bottles to make ends meet. Every redeemed container provides an opportunity for financial support to those facing housing insecurity.

Programs like BottleDrop and the People’s Depot offer a way for people living on the streets to earn money, often giving them the small boost they need to afford food, clothing, or hygiene supplies. For some, this income stream can even be the difference between surviving and thriving in incredibly difficult circumstances.

Why People’s Depot Is So Important

Kristopher and his team at the People’s Depot are doing more than recycling—they’re actively supporting vulnerable populations while protecting the environment. Their work highlights the intersection of social responsibility and environmental sustainability, showing us how the simplest actions—like returning a bottle—can make a huge impact.

Why We Must Act Now

As Oregon continues to lead the way in recycling, we have a collective responsibility to support efforts like those at the People’s Depot and Eugene’s EveryOne Village—not just by returning our bottles and cans, but by recognizing the human element behind these programs. Every container recycled is a step towards a more sustainable planet, and every dollar earned through redemption can be a lifeline for those most vulnerable in our community.

By engaging in these small yet impactful actions, we can combat both the environmental crisis and the social crisis of homelessness. Programs like the People’s Depot remind us that when we come together as a community—supporting innovative solutions to today’s challenges—we can create a future where both people and the planet thrive.

Let’s Now Double Down on Bottle Redemption Nationwide

To build on Oregon’s success, it’s time to advocate for a national bottle bill—one that would create a unified system across the country. A national bottle bill would ensure:

• A standardized deposit system that makes recycling easier and more consistent across state lines.

• Higher redemption rates, as we’ve seen in states with existing bottle bills, helping to significantly reduce waste and litter.

• Economic opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness or low income, providing a pathway to financial support in every state.

• A reduction in the environmental footprint as more containers are recycled and fewer end up in landfills or oceans.

Imagine if the entire country recycled at the same rate as Oregon, where 90% of beverage containers are redeemed. The environmental impact would be profound, and countless lives would be positively affected. A national bottle bill would not only harmonize efforts but also elevate recycling as a critical part of both environmental policy and social welfare.

Let’s continue to push for this kind of systemic change, because the success of programs like the People’s Depot shows us what’s possible. By advocating for a national bottle bill, we can scale these local successes to a national level, creating both a cleaner environment and stronger communities.