Solid Waste Board approves 2024 annual report; new department to stand up July 1

The Solid Waste Board voted to approve the 2024 Annual Progress Report and solid waste management plan at its meeting, with the board recording unanimous support from members present.

The approved report summarizes Metro’s recycling and landfill data, an organics pilot that has collected roughly 308,000 pounds of food scraps since it began in October 2023, and a reorganization that will make the city’s solid waste functions an independent department on July 1, 2025.

The report presentation reviewed curbside recycling and drop‑off services, convenience centers, composting and the results of public‑private recycling contracts. Tracy Thurman, the newly hired director for the stand‑alone solid waste department, told the board that creating a separate department will “bring in the expertise… [and] the people really needed to drive these programs forward,” and will allow the city to expand staff and back‑office functions…