The Metro Auditor’s Office released an audit today that assessed the effectiveness and efficiency of the Recycling Hotline. Metro has operated a recycling telephone hotline that provided information and referral on recycling for over 30 years. The service was extended to an online tool in 2004. This audit examined whether the program was managed effectively to meet Metro goals and objectives.
The landscape has changed greatly since the implementation of the hotline. Efforts have been successful. More waste is now diverted from the landfill and most residents in the region always or often recycle at home. However, in recent years, people increasingly want to get information online or on mobile applications. Reflective of this, annual calls to the Recycling Hotline have dropped 33% over the last five years.
The hotline only reaches about 4% of the region’s population. Most callers live in Multnomah County and are not representative of the residents within the region. Although callers are very satisfied with the service, any actions taken to increase efficiency will have a marginal effect. The audit concluded that Metro should reassess its use of these resources.
“The last 30 years has brought an incredible amount of change,” Metro Auditor Suzanne Flynn said. “Metro has made some adjustments but more needs to be done.” Auditor Flynn stated she was disappointed that Metro was not going to reassess the program and also had questioned the audit’s analysis.
For more information, contact Suzanne Flynn, Metro Auditor, at 503-797-1891. The audit is available on the Metro website at http://www.oregonmetro.gov/auditor . Copies of the audit can also be obtained by calling the Office of the Metro Auditor at 503-797-1892. The Metro Auditor will brief the Metro Council on October 2, 2014.