Oregon City Enhances C&D Recycling Program

Starting the first of this year, Metro Portland, Oregon is implementing changes in the processing and disposal of mixed dry waste, primarily construction and demolition debris, generated within the metropolitan area.

The program, called the Enhanced Dry Waste Recovery Program, was initially developed in 2007 in consultation with local governments, the solid waste industry and other stakeholders. The goal of the program is to increase the amount of recyclable materials recovered in the region.

EDWRP requires that all mixed dry waste generated in the Metro region be delivered to a material recovery facility, ensuring that critical recyclable materials such as wood, cardboard and metal are first removed from mixed loads before disposal. This required step in waste processing is projected to raise the region's waste recovery rate by 1.25 percent, surpassing the current 55.3 percent recovery rate for Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. The State of Oregon has set a regional recovery goal for 2009 of 64 percent.

For waste haulers, generators and construction groups operating within the Portland metropolitan area, EDWRP brings changes in disposal options on construction and demolition debris:

Metro’s two transfer stations and the eight authorized in-region material recovery facilities will continue to accept dry waste after Dec. 31, 2008. However, unprocessed dry waste can no longer go directly to a landfill regardless of location.

Privately owned Hillsboro Landfill, located outside the Metro region, is building a new material recovery facility and will continue to accept dry waste for processing under a temporary material recovery plan that complies with EDWRP.

Privately owned Lakeside Reclamation Landfill, also outside the region, is not authorized to accept dry waste from the Metro region after Dec. 31, 2008. As of Jan. 1, 2009, customers currently taking dry waste to Lakeside Landfill must instead select a material recovery facility for their unprocessed waste.