DEQ and its partners are working together to update and modernize
Oregon’s recycling system, which was heavily disrupted in 2017 and 2018 after
international markets began restricting their acceptance of many materials. Learn more
about the recycling system disruptions here.
DEQ and other partners responsible for Oregon’s recycling system
have been collaborating through the Recycling Steering Committee to identify
what a future system should look like, and in 2020 will recommend changes to
achieve that future recycling system. The committee is a collaborative of
representatives from local and state governments, businesses and other organizations
that play a role in Oregon recycling. The Recycling Steering Committee’s goal
is to ensure the recycling system optimizes benefits for the environment, is
strong and adaptable to change, and restores and maintains public trust in the
system.
The Steering Committee’s work is guided by Oregon’s Materials Management 2050 Vision and Framework for Action, which seeks to reduce the environmental impacts of the materials and products we use across their full life cycle, from design to production to use to end of life. The group will use this holistic approach to focus on materials and processes that support increased environmental benefits.
The Recycling Steering Committee meets periodically to examine issues, identify research, make recommendations and determine next steps.
Recycling Steering Committee meetings
Helpful documents
Documents produced here and in the subcommittees are a joint effort of the Recycling Steering Committee members.
Subcommittees
Subcommittees guide research, discuss topics in more depth and narrow options for the Steering Committee to consider. They work on collection and processing infrastructure, contamination, legal and relational frameworks and stakeholder engagement. Subcommittees are composed of up to 12 steering committee members and other interested and engaged stakeholders.