In a recent follow-up audit, the Office of the Metro Auditor found that Metro made progress prioritizing waste prevention activities as recommended in a previous audit, Waste Reduction and Outreach: Shift in strategy recommended. In the 2008 report, evidence showed that residents of the region were committed to recycling, but were producing an increasing amount of waste. The audit concluded that greater environmental benefits could be gained if Metro focused resources on preventing waste rather than recycling it.
The follow-up audit found that Metro implemented seven of the original twelve recommendations and four were in process. Although the Metro Council did not act on one recommendation, management implemented an alternative recommended in the original report.
“Metro has made considerable progress by completing a strategic plan,” Metro Auditor Suzanne Flynn said, “It must now do the hard work of shifting resources to achieve its goals.”
The follow-up audit concluded that management addressed recommendations to align activities and make operational improvements. It also made progress on increasing the effectiveness of waste prevention activities and measuring program effectiveness. Through a strategic planning process, management developed goals, strategies and actions that emphasized prevention. However, few resources had been repositioned to support them.
For more information, contact Suzanne Flynn, Metro Auditor, at 503-797-1891. Copies also can be obtained by calling the Office of the Metro Auditor at 503-797-1892. The Metro Auditor will brief the Metro Council on Thursday, March 17.