Why I'm proud to work for Lane County Waste Managment


By Daniel Hiestand
Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator

I’ve had many jobs in my post-college career, ranging from newspaper reporter to overseas English-language teacher to entrepreneur to nonprofit fundraiser.

But my favorite job, aside from being a temporary stay-at-home parent, is my current position as Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator.

The position affords me opportunities to share information about waste prevention and environmental sustainability, meet interesting folks, and live by the idea of “leaving the campsite better than you found it.”

One of the most rewarding aspects has been discovering and sharing the impactful initiatives the county undertakes to foster that “campsite” concept.

Fun Fact 1: County Waste Management services are not supported by taxes, but by tipping fees.

You heard that right. Our operations are not supported by taxes, but by tipping fees — the cost paid by residents and garbage haulers for disposal. These fees keep the system running, covering everything from daily operations to essential public services.

Fun Fact 2: Lane County’s tipping fee remains among the lowest in Oregon.

Many people may not realize that these fees support more than just landfill operations. Approximately half of the tipping fee funds the system benefit fee (SBF), which provides residents with important services that protect public health and the environment. Residents benefit from a system that balances strong value with cost-effectiveness.

Fun Fact 3: The system benefit fee (SBF) provides many services private garbage haulers do not or cannot provide.

Through the SBF, Lane County provides:

• Free household hazardous waste disposal, allowing residents to safely manage chemicals, paints, and other hazardous materials.
• A network of 15 transfer stations, ensuring disposal services are convenient and accessible across the county.
• Recycling education and programs, assisting residents in waste reduction and promoting informed decisions.

These programs create a system that protects community health and strengthens Lane County’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the natural resources that make our home so great.

Fun Fact 4: This work is done not for profit, but for the common good.

I’m not saying Lane County Waste Management is perfect, but I can confidently say the reason the people work here is to serve the people who live here—and not to enrich shareholders who couldn’t pronounce “Willamette” if their life depended on it.

Okay, I’m done gushing.

At the very least, I hope this gives a peek at the good work being done by our friends and neighbors for our friends and neighbors.