Portland, Ore., Begins Revising 12-year Regional Waste Plan

The Oregon Metro Council is inviting the public to comment on a draft 2030 Regional Waste Plan by December 21. According to a Metro News report, every decade, the Portland area is able to revise its blueprint for how the area manages its waste and recycling system.

Right now, the 2030 draft highlights 19 specific goals and 105 action items. Those who live in the Portland area can read and comment on it before it’s finalized and sent to the Metro Council for adoption.

The garbage and recycling system in Portland sees around 2.4 million tons of garbage, food scraps, yard trimmings, recycling and hazardous waste flowing through every year. Additionally, the system is constantly responding to a variety of global changes and local factors, including population growth.

Metro News has more details:

About every 10 years, the Portland area gets the opportunity to re-envision the blueprint that guides how we manage the garbage and recycling system. What we buy, recycle, compost and throw away –  and how  – can have a range of impacts on people's health, the environment and the economy.

Imagine manufacturers reducing the use of toxic materials in their products and packaging. Imagine expanding services to help people reuse and repair stuff instead of tossing items into the trash. Imagine more comprehensive collection services for everyone - regardless of where they live.

These ideas are among 19 specific goals and 105 related action items found in the draft 2030 Regional Waste Plan. Anyone who lives in greater Portland can read and comment on it before it’s finalized and presented to the Metro Council for adoption.

Read the full article here.