Campaign's over, and it's time to clean up!

If you supported my journey with yard signs (thank you!), here’s how to properly dispose of them:

1. Recycle When You Can

I have checked with the Deschutes County solid waste department and they confirmed the plastic political signs are not recyclable in their facility. Before you toss signs in the bin, check with your local recycling guidelines to confirm whether your signs and stakes are accepted at standard facilities or need to be disposed of in your trash can.

2. Consider Creative Reuse

If you have a creative streak or simply like to find new life for old items, yard signs can be repurposed. Visit Pinterest for some creative ideas or here are some ideas to inspire your next project:

• Use it as a bike basket liner – You can cut yard signs to the exact dimensions of your bike basket and use it as a nigh-indestructible basket liner.

• Repaint and make a new sign or a student project board – You can paint over a sign to create a proverbial blank canvas. These blank signs are perfect for DIY displays during small gatherings and celebrations at home.

• Use it as a chalkboard – Similar to the above tip, you can repaint an old yard sign using chalkboard paint. Once it dries, you can use it as a toy or for retail displays.

• Create a storage box – In this quick guide, you can create a sturdy storage box by repurposing an 18” x 24” yard sign, a box cutter, glue, and some elbow grease.

• Use the stakes for gardening – Even the sign stakes can be repurposed! Use the stakes together with a small cutout of the yard sign to create easy-to-see labels for your garden crops and flowers.

• Strengthen your bags – Small cutouts of the plastic sign panels can add strength and durability to otherwise flimsy shopping bags. Keep one inside your bag for your next grocery trip.

  
  

3. Dispose of Them Properly if Recycling Isn’t an Option

In areas where recycling isn’t a possibility, ensure signs are disposed of correctly for your particular neighborhood. Proper disposal keeps communities looking clean and reflects pride in our neighborhoods. Contact your local waste management office to find the best disposal method if you're unsure.

I all else fails, you can contact my team at info@votevanderkamp.com and we will come collect the sign.

I can’t express enough gratitude to everyone who showed their support through campaign signs and engagement. Your commitment helped raise awareness, bring people together, and make a difference in Deschutes County.

By staying mindful about post-campaign cleanup, we can honor our efforts and make an impact beyond the ballot box.