Overview

The Solid Waste and Recycling Program provides regulatory oversight, education, and outreach services related to the collection, storage and disposal of solid waste (garbage) and recycling in unincorporated Washington County.

Collection of Garbage/Recycling
All garbage and recycling collection service is provided by private collection companies. The County provides regulatory oversight of 13 companies in unincorporated Washington County that have current service certificates, granted by the Board of County Commissioners, to collect solid waste and recycling from residents and businesses based on exclusive service areas.

Rates
The County establishes the rates these 13 collection companies charge for service and establishes standards for the collection companies related to levels of service, reporting, and customer communications.

Garbage Disposal Sites
Like the collection companies, the disposal facilities in Washington County are also owned and operated by private companies. The County holds franchise agreements with three disposal sites in unincorporated Washington County, as well as sets rates and establishes standards for the facilities.

Education and Outreach
The Program also provides recycling education and outreach to the citizens and businesses in all cities within the County, except the City of Beaverton, as the manager of the Cooperative Recycling Program. Recycling program technical al support and education are provided under agreements with Metro, the regional planning agency for solid waste management, and the ten cities that are part of the Cooperative Recycling Program.

Partner Jurisdictions and Agencies
This Program is a partner with regional and neighboring jurisdictions, public agencies, and a technical volunteer organization.

Code Enforcement
Regulatory oversight and enforcement is generally mandated by State, regional and local statutes. This program provides enforcement of general County codes that address: