Share your views
Before these administrative rule changes are presented to Metro’s Chief Operating Officer to be considered for adoption, we are seeking comments from the public. The comment period will be open from May 29 until 5:00 p.m. July 8.
There are two ways to share feedback:
Provide a public comment
Email Metro
Metro will also hold a virtual oral hearing on Tuesday July 1, at 5:00 p.m. which will include a brief presentation and an opportunity for verbal comments.
Proposed updates
Metro is proposing updates to the administrative rules that outline service requirements for residential recycling including service requirements for individuals that live in multifamily communities or apartments. These updates support regional waste management goals to align with new state requirements and improve service for residents living in multifamily housing.
These updates focus on two key areas:
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Alignment with state law - updates are needed to ensure Metro’s rules align with new state law, the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The new law standardizes recycling programs across Oregon including the list of materials collected at the curb for recycling.
This update removes the acceptable recyclable materials list from Metro administrative rule and directs to the statewide local government recycling acceptance list, an important step to achieve consistency for materials recycled in the state.
Additionally, the update allows for additional flexibility for single-family home curbside glass collection including weekly or every-other-week collection.
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Establishment of minimum service standards for bulky waste collection - new rules will set clear expectations for the collection of large items like furniture and appliances, referred to as bulky waste, improving access and consistency across jurisdictions.
These changes are meant to address concerns that Metro heard from residents, property managers, local governments and garbage collectors.
Proposed updates to the multifamily bulky waste service standards are intended to ensure community members across the region are provided with at least a minimum level of service for bulky waste collection while also providing flexibility for cities and counties to adapt programs to local conditions. The proposed rules do not require city or county agencies to adopt specific rates or approaches except that the program includes standards for upfront and transparent pricing for customers.
Additionally, a definition of bulky waste will be added to administrative rule 5.15-2010 and apply to single-family and multifamily customers. Bulky waste collection information will also be added to the information that must be shared at least annually with all residents in the general education service standards 5.15.5020(1)(a).
The redline document provided below shows the proposed rule changes.
Next steps
May 29 to July 8 - Public comment period
July 1 - Oral hearing starting at 5 p.m. (event link with zoom details on it’s own page)
July 14 - Public comment report posted
August - Metro Chief Operating Officer considers adoption
The proposed updates to the Regional Service Standards will be presented to the Regional Waste Advisory Committee. Additionally, A public comment report will be included in the staff report for Metro’s Chief Operating Officer before consideration of rule adoption. An informational presentation to Metro Council may be provided at work session before the Chief Operating Officer considers adopting the rules.