The City Commission of Oregon City held a regular meeting on July 2, 2025, where key discussions centered around waste management services and proposed changes to garbage collection rates.
One significant topic was the current garbage collection service frequency, with a comparison drawn to Portland's bi-weekly schedule. Residents expressed a desire for more awareness about the city’s recycling programs, particularly the "Recycle Plus" initiative, which has been in place since 2023. City officials acknowledged the need for better communication to promote this service, which could potentially increase participation among residents.
Commissioners also discussed the possibility of adjusting garbage collection rates to encourage smaller waste containers. Currently, the city offers various container sizes, with a notable number of residents using the 20-gallon option. Suggestions were made to maintain the current rate for the 20-gallon container while increasing rates for larger sizes, particularly the 95-gallon option. This approach aims to incentivize waste reduction and promote more sustainable practices among residents.
The commission plans to revisit these proposed rate changes at their next meeting on July 16, with the goal of implementing any adjustments by August 1. The discussions highlighted a collective commitment to enhancing waste management services and fostering environmental responsibility within the community.