County approves solid-waste fee changes and a 75% income‑qualified reduced‑fee program after hauler testimony

Clackamas County’s board adopted a board order on June 17, 2026 that adjusts solid-waste management fees and implements an income‑qualified residential reduced‑fee program, which staff described as providing a 75% cost reduction for qualifying participants.

Assistant Director Cheryl Bell and Director Dan Johnson presented the solid-waste review and the solid waste commission’s recommended fee changes. Staff said the proposed fees produce an operating margin for the county composite of about 8.12%, within the county’s stated acceptable range. Staff also explained that without the proposed increases the estimated margin for container services would fall to about 4.8%.

Will Matias, vice president of the Clackamas County Recycle and Refuge Association and CFO of B&B Leasing, testified in support of the proposed adjustment on behalf of franchise haulers. Matias said a stable and fair franchise model is critical for small, family‑owned haulers to continue investing in equipment, safety and living‑wage jobs. "As a small business, the stability and fairness of this franchise model is critical," Matias told the board.

After the public comment period the board voted to approve the board order and implement the reduced‑fee program; the motion passed 5–0. Staff will proceed with program implementation and noted there is no county general fund impact; costs are borne by rate payers and franchise arrangements in the county system.

Next steps: staff will finalize implementation mechanics for eligibility and outreach for the reduced‑fee program and incorporate the adjusted fee schedules into billing processes for the coming fiscal year.