Ridwell, Inc. has established operations in Oregon. They provide a service to collect hard to recycle waste materials from homes for a monthly service fee. Ridwell is subject to requirements at the state and local levels for the type of service they provide (for more information see the first two FAQ answers below).
DEQ regulates solid waste based on Oregon law and regulations. Solid waste is discarded waste materials that are disposed or recycled. DEQ issues permits to local governments and businesses that accept solid waste for sorting, disposal or recycling. Ridwell, and other facilities handling waste materials, must get a solid waste permit to protect human health and the environment by ensuring waste materials are collected, transported, handled and disposed of properly.
Current status
Ridwell Inc. established operations in Portland at 7006 NE 79th Court. DEQ issued a solid waste disposal site permit to Ridwell at this location on April 7, 2022. Ridwell has notified DEQ that it plans to move their operation to a new location at 8933 NE Marx Drive in Portland. This move requires a new permit.
The facility will continue existing operations which include accepting solid wastes that consist of light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, batteries, plastics, styrofoam and other wastes. These wastes may contain metals such as mercury, lead, nickel, lithium or other pollutants. Ridwell does not allow for public drop-off, instead it provides a service to collect hard-to-recycle waste materials from homes for a monthly service fee.
DEQ received a signed Land Use Compatibility Statement from the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services dated Dec. 18, 2023, confirming the proposed facility is compatible with local land use requirements and can operate at the proposed new location. The proposed facility is located in the General Industrial 2 zone. DEQ has drafted a new solid waste transfer station/material recovery facility permit for Ridwell to operate at this site.
Public involvement
DEQ issued a public notice for the draft permit on Feb. 28, 2024. DEQ held a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. DEQ accepted written comments on the draft solid waste permit. The comment period closed on
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 5 p.m.
To be notified of Ridwell and other solid waste permit public notices by email or text, you can
sign up for the Solid Waste Permit notification list through GovDelivery.
Frequently asked questions
No. DEQ cannot compel a local government to allow Ridwell to operate in their area. Counties and cities regulate what waste materials are collected for recycling from homes and businesses and how those waste materials are collected. Counties and cities establish their own requirements through ordinances and codes.
Check with your local city or county if you have questions about why Ridwell is or isn't operating there.
Local government websites about Ridwell:
Ridwell must get a DEQ solid waste permit because they are handling waste materials including batteries and fluorescent bulbs. If these materials are mis-managed, they can harm the environment. The permit allows DEQ to ensure safe collection, transport, handling and disposal of waste materials.
No. DEQ regulates the facility, but has limited information about where materials go. As part of DEQ’s new recycling law, the Recycling Modernization Act, DEQ will increase transparency and accountability around where recycled materials ultimately go.