BRING Recycling is one of the nation's oldest non-profit recyclers. Since 1971, we have encouraged people to rethink what they use and what they throw away. We help our community keep useful items out of the landfill, find ways to use less stuff, reuse as many things as possible and recycle the rest. From collecting and processing household recyclables to teaching kids about using earthworms to compost, BRING has a wealth of information, practical tips and programs to help you live sustainably in Lane County.

Mission & History :

BRING's Mission

BRING helps people understand how the stuff we use shapes the planet we share.We provide conservation education in the schools; recycling information; expertise for businesses; a green home and garden tour; and a resale outlet for used building materials.

BRING's History

In 1971, a group of volunteers decided to do something about waste.  A few weeks later, BRING Recycling was born, one of many non-profit environmental groups inspired by the first Earth Day. That first year, the fledgling organization collected 400 tons of glass and launched the "reduce, reuse, recycle" way of life. Recycling is now a core value in our community. 



BRING has always been an innovator. We launched the first conservation education program in the schools. We collected materials that no one had recycled before—plastic, milk cartons, e-waste—then made the leap from glass jars to glass windows, from metal cans to stainless steel sinks. Soon our humble quarters were overflowing with reusable materials of all kinds. Builders, artists, fabricators, and bargain hunters combed through the piles, and over the years, BRING became a haven for creative reusers.



In 2007, we moved to our new home, the Planet Improvement Center, where more and more people are discovering how to live well without waste. The Center is much more than a place to find great used stuff—it's a community treasure, with art, a demonstration garden, and ever-increasing examples of green building, creative reuse and renewable energy.

Today, BRING continues to innovate with two new programs: RE:think Business and the BRING Home and Garden Tour, empowering businesses and our community to reduce waste and live more sustainably.