Metro to boost regional sustainability with new waste requirements
Metro news release: Dec. 31, 2008
Contact: Shareefah Abdullah at 503-797-1599 or Karen Kane at 503-797-1942
On Jan. 1, 2009, Metro will launch key changes in the processing and disposal of mixed dry waste − primarily construction and demolition debris − generated in the Portland metropolitan area. Developed in 2007 in consultation with local governments, the solid waste industry and other stakeholders, the Enhanced Dry Waste Recovery Program (EDWRP) is aimed to further increase the amount of recyclable materials recovered in the region.
EDWRP requires that all mixed dry waste generated in the metro region be delivered to a material recovery facility, ensuring that critical recyclable materials such as wood, cardboard and metal are first removed from mixed loads before disposal. This required step in waste processing is projected to raise the region's waste recovery rate by 1.25 percent, surpassing the current 55.3 percent recovery rate for Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. The State of Oregon has set a regional recovery goal for 2009 of 64 percent.
For waste haulers, generators and construction groups operating within the Portland metropolitan area, EDWRP brings changes in disposal options on construction and demolition debris:
- Metro’s two transfer stations and the eight authorized in-region material recovery facilities will continue to accept dry waste after Dec. 31, 2008. However, unprocessed dry waste can no longer go directly to a landfill regardless of location.
- Privately owned Hillsboro Landfill, located outside the metro region, is building a new material recovery facility and will continue to accept dry waste for processing under a temporary material recovery plan that complies with EDWRP.
- Privately owned Lakeside Reclamation Landfill, also outside the region, is not authorized to accept dry waste from the metro region after Dec. 31, 2008. As of Jan. 1, 2009, customers currently taking dry waste to Lakeside Landfill must instead select a material recovery facility for their unprocessed waste.
Metro Recycling Information can answer questions regarding the new requirements, help contractors recycle more of their job-site debris and help callers find the closest material recovery facility. Call the hotline at 503-234-3000 – open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday – or visit www.oregonmetro.gov/toolkit.
Metro regulates solid waste and recycling in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. The agency’s solid waste planning and recycling efforts are guided by its Regional Solid Waste Management Plan. As the regional government serving 1.4 million people of the Portland metropolitan area's 25 cities and three counties, Metro provides planning and other services that protect the nature and livability of our region.
Need assistance?
Related Links
Information for construction and demolition waste businesses
If you generate or collect mixed construction and demolition waste and deliver it to a processing or disposal facility not licensed, franchised, or designated by Metro you must have a Metro non-system license.