The Regional Waste Advisory Committee advises the Metro Council on implementation of the 2030 Regional Waste Plan, which addresses:
- a garbage and recycling system that serves 1.5 million residents and businesses in greater Portland (Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah counties) and represents $280 million in local economic activity
- the environmental and health impacts of the products our region makes, uses and discards
- inequities in the system services, impacts and benefits experienced by communities of color and other historically marginalized groups.
The responsibilities of the committee will be to:
- provide input on legislative and administrative actions that the Metro Council or chief operating officer will consider related to implementing the 2030 Regional Waste Plan
- provide input to staff on development of policies, programs and projects to implement actions in the plan
- review and provide input on the region’s effectiveness in implementing the plan.
Membership
The 13-member committee membership includes:
- three spots for individuals representing the interests and needs of communities of color and other historically marginalized groups
- one for a user/customer of the region’s garbage and recycling system
- one for an environmental or health advocate
- five local government staff
- one solid waste industry representative
- one employee of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
- one Metro staff person as chair.
The committee meets for two hours every one to two months over a two-year term. Community members will be financially compensated for their time.