On Thursday, October 22, the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners voted to transfer funding for the Solid Waste and Recycling program from the Department of Community Services (DCS) Land Use Planning division to the Office of Sustainability. With the transfer of funding, the Office of Sustainability will take over programmatic duties for the solid waste and recycling program for unincorporated areas of Multnomah County. Programmatic responsibilities include implementing the State of Oregon requirements under the Opportunity to Recycle act, like ensuring residents have curbside recycling and receive educational materials on how to recycle.
Each city in Multnomah County manages the solid waste and recycling within their own jurisdiction. The Multnomah County program covers the rural parts of the County and small parts of urban unincorporated areas (areas within the Metro service boundary).
Previously, the Department of County Services (DCS) Land Use Planning division had part of a position dedicated to Solid Waste & Recycling. The increase in compliance requirements for this program due to policy and legislative changes, like the Recycling Modernization Act, has led to the need for an increase in dedicated staffing for the program. The programmatic transfer to the Office of Sustainability will allow for a slight increase in staffing dedicated to the Solid Waste and Recycling program and leverage the offices existing expertise and capacity.
The Office of Sustainability originally helped to design and establish the solid waste and recycling program, and has partnered on implementation with DCS since. Sustainability staff already have expertise in solid waste and recycling, outreach and communications, and relationships with regulatory agencies. The goals of the solid waste and recycling program – to minimize waste and promote a circular economy and public engagement – are also aligned with the Climate Justice Plan. Program revenue and responsibilities allocated to Sustainability will help to enhance services to rural Multnomah County residents. Future improvements include increased communication and education, local collection and repair events, and updated hauler regulations, fees, and communication for improved recycling services.
This program transfer will allow for greater dedication to code compliance services within DCS and improved solid waste and recycling services for rural Multnomah County residents.