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Morrow County authorizes two recycling haulers to receive producer-responsibility funds
Summary
The Board of Commissioners authorized the county chair to sign funding-authorization forms allowing two local haulers to receive producer-responsibility organization (PRO) funding created by Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act; motion passed unanimously.
Morrow County’s Board of Commissioners on a unanimous vote authorized the county chair to sign funding-authorization forms allowing two local recycling haulers to receive producer-responsibility organization (PRO) funding created by Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act.
The action lets the county’s two franchised haulers — Miller and Sons (south) and Waste Connections / Sanitary Disposal (north) — apply directly for PRO reimbursements for eligible purchases such as recycling containers, trucks and public outreach costs. County staff said the move is intended to speed access to state funds rather than require the county to act as a pass-through.
County solid-waste staff described the program in broad terms and introduced Kevin Maricole of Waste Connections (appearing remotely). “So, yeah, basically, what Sandy said is correct. It’s basically, you guys would just authorize us to get the money that we would purchase — trucks and containers,” Maricole told the commission. He said funding also can cover outreach and costs associated with contamination and that the companies expect to order equipment late in 2025 because of long lead times.
A commissioner moved the authorization form, saying the county chair should sign a funding-authorization form allowing the two haulers to receive PRO funding “to support cooperation, help cover eligible costs, and advance the county’s efforts to comply with the state’s Recycling Modernization Act.” The motion was seconded and carried on an aye vote.
Why it matters: the state law moves responsibility for some recycling funding to producers and makes money available for rural jurisdictions to establish curbside programs, buy bins and support outreach. County staff said the authorization preserves the county’s own share of funds while enabling haulers to seek reimbursement directly.
Next steps: staff said they will work with the haulers to ensure the county receives any county-allocated funds and to coordinate purchases for the North and South transfer stations. County staff and hauler representatives said they will keep the board informed as the PRO administrator finalizes processes and as equipment orders move forward.
Votes at a glance: motion to authorize county chair to sign funding-authorization forms for two haulers — moved and seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous).
