During development of the 2030 Regional Waste Plan, Metro asked community members what improvements they would like to see in the garbage and recycling system. Many residents highlighted the problem of inequitable access to services.
The Garbage and Recycling System Facilities Plan builds on these previous conversations, exploring how new facilities might be able to improve the overall garbage and recycling system.
The development of the new plan is informed by engagement with multiple stakeholders including local government partners, garbage and recycling businesses, reuse and repair organizations and community members. Each of these groups brings a unique perspective to the question of how to invest in garbage and recycling infrastructure in greater Portland.
Staff will engage communities of color, urban indigenous peoples and tribal nations and other groups who are often more directly impacted by the decisions that affect the garbage and recycling system but have fewer opportunities to influence and shape that system.
What staff learns from engagement will help to shape the plan and outline the challenges people experience using the garbage and recycling system. These perspectives will inform the investment and implementation scenarios to be presented to Metro Council.
Reuse, recycling and garbage system symposium
In September 2023, Project staff held a reuse, recycling and garbage system symposium at the Oregon Convention Center. The event hosted an international panel of experts who shared how they address the big waste challenges in their communities.
See photos from the symposium and hear some of the opening remarks from Metro COO Marissa Madrigal and Waste Prevention and Environmental Services Director Marta McGuire, PhD.
The visionary panel was followed by an afternoon workshop where representatives from local governments, haulers, reuse nonprofits and businesses weighed in on future facility investments in greater Portland.
Community advisory group
Metro convened community members who represent diverse view points and experiences to advise on the system facilities plan. Members of the advisory group were chosen for their unique perspectives and connections to historically marginalized communities and for their interest and experiences in advancing environmental justice including holding waste education and collection events in their communities.
The group will help to advance racial equity in the development of the plan, identify service gaps, and advise on benefits and impacts of future facilities and services.
The advisory group will provide input and their expertise throughout all phases of the project. Meeting videos and presentation information can be found on the event webpages below:
Community advisory group meeting 1: May 18, 2022
Community advisory group meeting 2: June 14, 2022
Community advisory group meeting 3: July 28, 2022
Community advisory group meeting 4: Aug. 23, 2022
Community advisory group meeting 5: Sept. 19, 2022
Community advisory group meeting 6: Oct. 18, 2022
Community advisory group meeting 7: Dec. 12, 2022
Community advisory group meeting 8: Feb. 28, 2023
Community advisory group meeting 9: April 11,2023
Community advisory group meeting 10: June 13, 2023
Community advisory group meeting 11: July 11, 2023
Community advisory group meeting 12: Oct. 10, 2023
Community advisory group meeting 13: Nov. 14, 2023
Community advisory group meeting 14: Feb. 13, 2024
Community advisory group meeting 15: April 9, 2024
Community advisory group meeting 16: June 11, 2024