Future Metro West recycling and transfer center

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Metro is looking for a site to build a new, state-of-the-art center for the collection of waste and recycling in Washington County.

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Garbage trucks dump their loads at the North Transfer Station in Seattle

A modern facility

The future recycling and transfer center will be designed with many state-of-the-art features found in modern facilities like the North Transfer Station in Seattle, Washington. This station was designed with sustainability in mind, with features to improve safety, reduce energy demand and minimize noise, dust and odors. Photo: courtesy of King County Solid Waste Division

Building a community asset

The new facility will be more than a place to collect waste, it will be an asset to the people of the region. The community’s input will inform the design of the facility so that its features will provide the greatest community benefits. These could include community gathering places, public art, an education space, a reuse store, or bicycle and pedestrian pathways. Photo: courtesy of King County Solid Waste Division

staff at Metro Central Household Hazardous Waste sort through items dropped off for safe disposal

Expanding access to services

A new facility serving the west side of the region would make it more convenient for people to drop off bulky items, food scraps and recyclable or reusable materials. It would also provide a safe place to bring hazardous wastes that are a danger to human health and the environment.

The people of the region throw away 2.4 million tons of garbage each year. Much of this waste goes to a transfer station where it gets sorted before being sent to its final destination.

These sites take in waste from commercial companies as well as materials from private residents who need to safely dispose of bulky items or wastes that are harmful to people and the environment.

For the people who live and work in Washington County, it is difficult to access the transfer stations in Oregon City and Northwest Portland. Metro is planning to improve the garbage and recycling system by locating and building a new, state-of-the-art facility. A potential site has been identified in Cornelius and the Metro Council will decide whether to purchase it by the end of 2020.

But first we need to hear from you. What would a modern waste facility look like to you? How could this large investment benefit your community? Your input will shape what comes next for the Metro West recycling and transfer center.

Engagement videos

Future West Project – Cornelius Property Acquisition: Industry and Local Government Webinar with Q&A

Future West Business Round Table

Future Metro West neighborhood engagement meeting

Reunión futura de participación del vecindario de Metro West

Future Metro West public webinar 1

Futuro seminario web de Metro West 1

Future Metro West public webinar 2

Futuro seminario web de Metro West 2

News

Metro Council aprueba la compra de una propiedad para la instalación potencial de Metro West

Feb. 18, 2021 11:39 a.m.

La compra de la propiedad es un paso importante en la consideración de opciones para una instalación que podría incluir servicios de basura, reciclaje, reutilización, desechos domésticos peligrosos, y servir como espacio comunitario.
Metro Council approves property purchase for potential Metro West facility

Feb. 8, 2021 3:51 p.m.

The property purchase is a major step in exploring options for a facility that could include garbage, recycling, reuse and household hazardous waste services, and serve as a community space.
Haga la encuesta sobre la propuesta de un centro de transferencia en el condado de Washington

Oct. 26, 2020 5:43 p.m.

En diciembre de 2020 el consejo de Metro decidirá si compran o no una propiedad en Cornelius para construir un moderno centro de transferencia, pero primero queremos saber su opinión.
Community group considers new recycling and transfer center in Cornelius

By Faith Cathcart
Oct. 26, 2020 4:05 p.m.

Over the last few months, Metro has worked with Centro Cultural de Washington County to organize virtual community meetings. The meetings are part of a larger effort to gather a range of opinions and perspectives about a potential new transfer center in Cornelius.
Grounds for exploration: Improving greater Portland’s garbage and recycling services

By Faith Cathcart
Aug. 13, 2020 12:30 p.m.

Metro tests the ground and talks with community members as it considers a possible location for a new recycling and transfer center in Cornelius.
Metro Council adopts 2030 Regional Waste Plan

By Faith Cathcart
March 7, 2019 2:30 p.m.

Metro Council voted today to approve a plan that will shape the way greater Portland manages the garbage and recycling system for the next 12 years – including everything from the way products are made to how to shape jobs in the industry.