[Oregon Recycling Modernization Act]
By Daniel Hiestand
Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator
Also in this section:
Well, the wait is over.
Today, Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) officially goes into effect after five years of planning and preparation.
The RMA introduces significant changes to how Oregon funds, collects, and recycles packaging, paper, and food serviceware. It also introduces RecycleOn Oregon, a new, trusted source for recycling information.
Over the next few years, local governments, as well as recycling and waste companies across the state, will collaborate with Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the organization selected by the state of Oregon to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program created by the RMA to update the recycling system.
Residents and businesses may notice changes in their recycling services, receive updated information about what can be recycled, and learn more about where the recycled materials end up. The goal is to enable all Oregonians to recycle with confidence and have certainty that their recyclables will find a new life.
“I am excited about what the RMA and RecycleOn Oregon mean for residents across Lane County,” said Jeff Orlandini, Lane County Waste Management Division Manager. “For now, we encourage folks to continue recycling as they have been and to follow the new Recycling Guide to know what can be recycled. For residents with curbside service, check with your hauler if you have any specific questions.”
___________________________________
'Recycling changes include the addition of food and beverage cartons, delivery pizza boxes, round plastic containers such as margarine tubs, plant pots, and buckets.'
___________________________________
Recycling changes include the addition of food and beverage cartons, delivery pizza boxes, round plastic containers such as margarine tubs, plant pots, and buckets.
Because the law will impact the entire recycling system, some details will be worked out gradually over time, said Angie Marzano, Lane County Waste Reduction Program Supervisor.
“While many residents may not notice a massive change in what is and isn’t collected, our rural communities and waste haulers may see some significant differences over the next few years as the law matures,” Marzano said. “Ultimately, this law will help to save natural resources, reduce pollution, and create jobs, which is very exciting.”
For residents and businesses of Lane County, this means recycling cardboard and cartons, paper, plastic, and metal. Glass should be recycled separately in a glass-only bin or brought to a drop-off site. All items must be empty and dry and placed loose into recycling containers. No bagged recyclables.
RecycleOn Oregon Recycling Centers or drop-off locations will become available for stretchy plastics, plastic lids, and other items in the coming months and years.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) selected Circular Action Alliance as the producer responsibility organization to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program created by the RMA. Before the RMA, accepted recyclable materials, recycling services, and collection options for residents varied across the state.
The new law requires producers and manufacturers of packaging, printing and writing paper, and food serviceware to contribute to funding recycling services. That funding will be used to modernize and standardize recycling across the state.
“Oregon is the first state to implement an extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for packaging and paper which intends to make significant improvements to recycling and help the state meet its recycling goals,” says Kim Holmes, Executive Director of CAA Oregon. “The work done by the state and communities as a result of the RMA will create a modernized system that shares the cost to fund recycling programs, supports innovation and makes recycling easier and more effective for Oregonians.”
For more information about the local recycling program in Lane County, visit lanecountyor.gov/recycle. For more information about the RMA, visit RecyclingAct.Oregon.gov.
__________
Fix-It Booths popping up in Cottage Grove, Florence & Oakridge
As many of our readers know, Fix-it Fairs are free public events where attendees work with volunteer fixers to repair everyday household items for FREE!
But do you know what a "Fix-It Booth" is?
Waste Wise Lane County is teaming up with the Oakridge Community Farmers Market, the Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District, South Valley Farmers Market, and the Florence Farmers Market to bring you “Fix-it Booths” over several weeks during the market season in Oakridge, Cottage Grove, and Florence.
Unlike larger Fix-It Fairs, the Booth model will feature a single fixer. However, this reduced presence means free repair services will be available over a more extended period.
If you are interested in getting something fixed, please check our Fix-It Lane County Event Calendar. We will add events as they are scheduled.
__________
Waste Wise Lane County welcomes new team member to oversee Sustainable Events Service program
Oregon DEQ recently awarded a $74,000 grant to support its Sustainable Events Services program.
The Sustainable Events Services offers durable dishware and water bottle refill stations to event producers who want to avoid disposable paper plates, plastic forks, plastic cups, and other materials that end up in the trash.
These funds were used to hire Jack Bentivoglio, a part-time Waste Reduction Program Assistant. Jack arrives at the position after his recent graduation from the University of Oregon with a BS in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Sustainable Business.
"I’m thrilled to step into this new role with Lane County Public Works at the intersection of sustainability and community engagement, where I can apply my environmental studies degree from the University of Oregon," Jack says. "As a proud Lane County resident, I feel both eager and responsible to give back by supporting sustainable practices in the place I now call home!"
If you see Jack around town, please say "hi" and ask him about the SES program for your event!
Are you enjoying the newsletter? Are there topics you wish we would cover? Please share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Thanks for reading.
|