County moves forward with study to add composting, construction‑debris processing and materials‑recovery facilities; JR Miller recommended

Deschutes County commissioners on June 11 approved a notice of intent to award a consulting contract to JR Miller & Associates to study conceptual designs, costs and procurement for three potential solid‑waste facilities: expanded composting, a construction and demolition (C&D) processing facility and a commingled materials recovery facility (MRF).

Tim Brownell, director of the county’s Solid Waste Department, told the board the work builds on a 2019 diversion study and aims to model costs and examine funding options tied to the state’s Recycling Modernization Act. He said current county compost capacity handles roughly 60% of woody/yard/food waste; an expanded compost facility could increase diversion by about 8–10 percentage points. Brownell said C&D material comprises roughly 40% of the county’s waste stream and a processing facility could increase diversion by an additional 15–20 points if local end markets exist.

Brownell described the RFP process: three proposals were received and a nine‑member evaluation committee unanimously recommended JR Miller & Associates and its subconsultants. The engagement would potentially run up to three years and would include procurement support if the county decides to move forward with facility development.

Commissioners voted to approve the notice of intent to award; the motion was recorded and passed with affirmative votes noted in the meeting record.

Why it matters: The study and subsequent procurement work are designed to expand local recycling and composting capacity, a central part of the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan and a response to state policy and funding opportunities under the Recycling Modernization Act.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with contract negotiation and, if the study finds viable designs and financing, work with the county to develop an RFP and move toward procurement and construction.