Waste Management Takes the Show on the Road!

By: Shellia Mace, Superintendent, Waste Management

The Waste Management Division has built a strong reputation for providing efficient waste transport from our transfer sites to the Short Mountain Landfill, excellent customer service, affordable disposal options, and innovative recycling programs. Our landfill has long been recognized as a gold standard in the industry.

But there’s much more to our division than many people realize. Let’s take the show on the road and highlight some of the valuable programs and services helping communities throughout Lane County!

Fix-It Fairs

Fix-It Fairs are free public events where community members can work alongside volunteer “repair coaches” to fix everyday household items at no cost. Lane County has hosted Fix-It Fairs in Springfield, Cottage Grove, Creswell, and Florence, helping residents repair hundreds of items that may otherwise have ended up in the landfill. These events not only reduce waste, but also encourage sustainability, creativity, and community connection.

Florence-Based Master Recycler Class

Our popular 9-week Master Recycler class gives residents an inside look at the local recycling industry by connecting participants directly with professionals and planners working in waste reduction and sustainability.

The program is popular with environmentally conscious residents, businesses seeking to reduce waste, and individuals exploring career opportunities in the field. Participants receive more than 30 hours of training focused on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. In return, Master Recyclers dedicate 30 volunteer hours providing waste reduction services and educating fellow Lane County residents about sustainable practices.

The class has been offered in person at our Glenwood site and in a hybrid format through Teams and is currently being held in person in Florence.

Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Events

Through our free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup events, our Special Waste technicians travel to communities such as Florence, Oakridge, and Marcola to provide residents with safe disposal opportunities for common household hazardous materials.

Community members may bring up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste per customer. Accepted materials include paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products, arts and crafts supplies, pool chemicals, fluorescent tubes, and more.

Residents are encouraged to check product labels for words such as “flammable,” “corrosive,” “poison,” “caution,” or “danger” to help identify hazardous products.

Sustainable Dishware Program

Waste Wise Lane County, in partnership with the City of Eugene and Action Rental-All & Events, offers a Sustainable Events Services (SES) Program that helps event organizers reduce waste by replacing disposable food service items with durable, reusable alternatives.

The program provides clean, sanitized dishware and convenient post-event collection services at a cost that is often lower than purchasing disposable products. Available items include high-quality melamine bowls, plates, glasses, and utensils that are microwave-safe, BPA-free, NSF-certified, sturdy, and stackable in a variety of sizes. In addition, the program offers up to 10 basin-style water bottle refill stations to help reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

Fee Waiver Program

For many years, the Waste Management Division has provided fee waivers to support community cleanup efforts throughout Lane County. Cities such as Springfield and Creswell utilize these waivers during annual community cleanup events, helping residents properly dispose of waste at no cost. Fee waivers may also be available to benevolent or charitable organizations, as well as individuals performing community service cleanups, allowing collected waste to be disposed of at our transfer sites free of charge. From community education and waste reduction to hazardous waste collection and sustainable event services, the Waste Management Division continues to provide innovative programs that support cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities across Lane County.