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[Wasted Food Prevention]
Lane County Waste Management staff help shape new battery stewardship law
By Daniel Hiestand
Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator
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As Lane County’s Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator, I often talk with folks about the growing challenges around battery disposal. One of those people is my colleague, Lane County Waste Reduction Program Supervisor, Angie Marzano. Angie has long emphasized that companies have responsibilities beyond the point of sale. As she puts it, businesses should ensure their products don’t overburden the environment or consumers. That idea—extended producer responsibility (EPR)—has shaped Oregon policy for decades.
Angie wanted to see that same approach applied to batteries. “Batteries—especially lithium-ion batteries—are showing up in the waste stream more often and can cause fires in recycling facilities, trucks, and landfills if they are disposed of improperly,” she said. Those risks are increasing, and the data we’ve at Lane County Waste Management makes that clear.
That’s why I was proud to support Angie and my colleague, Waste Reduction Specialist Maya Buelow (pictured, L-R), as they helped develop HB 4144, which was recently signed into law. Working with Metro, legislators, and state agencies, Angie and Maya helped design a practical, statewide system for safely collecting and recycling batteries.
The law, which takes effect in 2029, requires battery producers to fund and operate convenient recycling options across Oregon. As Angie put it, “By creating a statewide battery stewardship system, Oregon can recover valuable materials while reducing fire risk and environmental harm.”
Maya has seen the risks firsthand. “Perhaps most importantly, the law will prohibit batteries from being discarded in the trash to prevent fires in garbage trucks and at waste facilities, which is a growing problem,” she said. “Just last year, the county recorded 56 lithium battery fires at Short Mountain Landfill.”
Until the new system launches, we encourage residents to use the Waste Wise App to find safe drop-off options.
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Volunteers needed for two April events
It's spring and it's event season—which means volunteers are needed! Want to get involved? We've got you covered with two upcoming opportunities.
Free Community Compost Program Event at Rexius
Saturday, April 11 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 150 Highway 99 N. | Eugene
Help Lane County raise awareness about wasted food and the impacts of throwing food into our landfill! At least two volunteers are needed per two-hour shift. Compost giveaway volunteers will share information with attendees waiting in their cars to load up on free compost. Learn more at the event page. Want to sign up? Email Maya Buelow at [email protected] with your desired shift.
Possible shifts
• 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. | • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | • 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. |• 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Re-Imagine Earth Day
Sunday, April 19 | 1 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 85 E. 8th Ave | Eugene
A coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to sustainability—including Lane County Waste Management—is proud to announce Re-Imagine Earth Day 2026, an inspiring, action-oriented community event. Learn about volunteer opportunities to support this unique community celebration designed to empower individuals and communities to live more sustainably.
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Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad hiring Garden Program Manager
Lane County nonprofit Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad is hiring a manager to support its Garden Program, which supports approximately 200 primarily Latinx and immigrant households in growing their own organic produce in community gardens across Lane County.
The Garden Program Manager is responsible for making key programmatic decisions for Plaza's Garden Program and supervises a team of three staff members who coordinate educational events and communications, complete garden maintenance, and support gardeners across seven community gardens. Learn more and apply.
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Roundhouse Foundation awards grant for City of Florence water filling stations
 The City of Florence Public Works Department is excited to launch the Florence H2O On The Go program in 2026, an initiative designed to make staying hydrated at community events easier, more sustainable, and more affordable for everyone.
Through this program, the city has purchased two portable water bottle filling stations, known as Water Monsters, for use at major outdoor gatherings, including the Annual Rhododendron Festival, National Night Out, Movies in the Park, Back to School BBQ, and other City-sponsored events. This purchase was funded in part by a grant from The Roundhouse Foundation.
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Upcoming EMAC Speaker Spotlight Series Events for 2026 in Florence
The City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) will host several presentations throughout 2026, each highlighting a different environmental topic and community partner:
- Wednesday, May 13—David Kollen, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation | Topic: Insect Apocalypse A deep dive into pollinator decline, biodiversity loss, and what communities can do to protect vital insect populations
- Wednesday, Aug.12—Jerin Dinkins, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Food Systems Specialist | Topic: Save the Food: From Farm to Fork—Learn more about the DEQ 2026 Food Waste Prevention Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4)
- Saturday, Nov. 14—Rachel Freeman, Oregon Shores | Topic: King Tides, featuring a hands‑on Marine Debris Mosaic Workshop exploring coastal stewardship and creative reuse
More information about each event will be shared as the dates approach. Attendees will enjoy snacks and refreshments, have access to additional educational materials, and can participate in giveaways and an opportunity drawing. All community members are welcome. More information is available on the City of Florence website.
Questions? Need more information? Send an email to [email protected]
Other EMAC events in 2026 include:
- Saturday, Aug. 22—Annual Black and White Community Collection Event: An opportunity to bring in your propane tanks, refrigerators, tires, and much more, thanks to other community recycling partners!
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Shift Community Cycles: April packed with fun
Wednesday and Thursday night at Shift Community Cycles are your chance to check out what we do! Join us at 811 W. 6th Ave. each Wednesday night for basic bike mechanics. We’re at 180 W. 8th Ave. in Downtown Eugene each first and third Thursday of the month for a volunteer work party night for Free Bikes 4 Kidz.
Can’t get enough of working on bikes? Become a member at Shift to get access to work stands, used parts discounts, and free workshop attendance each month. Monthly memberships help Shift grow our impact in the community.
Shift has summer programming available that we are planning for now:
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There are still spots available for Shift Summer Camp!
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Shift is the new Bike Valet Parking provider in Eugene, and we are in need of volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this form.
Are you enjoying the newsletter? Are there topics you'd like us to cover? Please share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Thanks for reading.
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