These are trying times for diligent home recyclers.
Across the Portland area, ardent environmentalists have been stockpiling clamshell plastic containers and other harder-to-recycle items that can't go into curbside bins, then taking them to Far West Recycling's public depots when they accumulate enough to warrant a special trip. Church groups, neighborhood associations and nonprofits also have relied on Far West depots when they host periodic recycling and cleanup events.
But after China announced last year it would effectively halt buying mixed plastic and paper scraps exported from the U.S., Far West and others had to scramble to find new markets for those goods.
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