Lane County bustling with waste prevention, sustainability events as winter approaches

By Daniel Hiestand

Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator

As we head into the holiday season, Waste Wise Lane County is giving Lane County residents lots of opportunities to get involved in waste prevention and sustainability-related activities, starting with two this upcoming weekend.

Springfield Fix-It Fair

Join us for music, food, and a chance to fix your broken stuff at the Springfield Fix-It Fair on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 11-2 p.m. at Connected Lane County’s Spark at Booth Kelly facility (303 S. 5th St., Ste. 150). Enjoy music by Corwin Bolt & The Wingnuts and food available for sale from Red Five Hot Dog Company. Fix-it Fairs are free public events where attendees work with repair coaches to repair everyday household items for free.

During this event, fix:

• Household items
• Electronics
• Power tools
• Textiles
• Bikes/skateboards 

Free Compost Giveaway

From now through 2026, Lane County is giving away 5,000 tons of Love Food Not Waste® compost made from organic material collected through residential and commercial organics programs in Eugene, Springfield, and Veneta at eight free compost events hosted in local communities. Learn more at lanecountyor.gov/compost

The first Free Community Compost Day is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 10, during the Willamette Farm & Food Coalition’s annual “Fill Your Pantry” at the Lane Events Center Agricultural Pavilion from 12-4 p.m. To haul away compost, you don’t need to pre-order materials for the Fill Your Pantry event. Walk-ins are welcome.

Cottage Grove recycling event

Do you live in Cottage Grove or South Lane County and want to recycle your #2, #4, & #5 plastics? This event is just for you! Plastics must be clean and sorted by number. Drop by the Cottage Grove Library & Community Center (700 E. Gibbs Ave., Cottage Grove) on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note this event is geared toward South Lane County residents.

For Eugene & Springfield residents: please email [email protected] and provide an address to be paired with a community collector in your neighborhood. More information is available at lanecountyor.gov/plasticscollection

Electronics Recycling Competition

Do you have unwanted, unused, or broken electronics? Donate them to your student’s school during the NextStep Electronics Recycling Competition from Jan. 7 to March 20, 2025. Schools that recycle the most e-waste can win grants of up to $500, a NextStep Reuse Store computer gift certificate, and a recognition award! Last year, 18 Lane County schools collected 13,269 pounds.

Pass on the competition registration form by Dec. 13 to your student’s principal by visiting wastewiselane.org/ERC.

Waste Wise Tip: Sign up for our newsletter!

Waste Wise Lane County publishes Waste Wise News, a monthly, theme-based e-newsletter specially produced for Lane County residents. Readers will learn about various topics, including recycling, sustainable transportation, food waste prevention, reuse, repair, renewable energy, and more. Each issue features guest-written “expert” articles, local resources, and more related to each monthly theme. Sign up for Waste Wise News at lanecountyor.gov/wastewise or scan the QR code.

Waste Wise Lane County, a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division, seeks to empower residents, businesses, and schools with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably.