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Clatsop County weighs recycling rollout; board approves rate changes for Recology and Waste Management
Summary
County staff presented two Recology implementation options (mandatory recycling in unincorporated areas or a 90‑day trial with opt‑out), and the board approved Waste Management and Recology rate changes effective July 1, 2026; commissioners asked for clearer public notices and air‑quality follow up.
County staff outlined two options to expand curbside recycling with Recology and told the board they will return with the formal franchise rule changes and implementation details.
Monica Steel, county manager, said the county had negotiated two paths: implement recycling for all unincorporated Recology customers to mirror Waste Management practices, or implement recycling in incorporated service areas with a 90‑day trial period after which customers would have a one‑time opportunity to opt out within a 12‑month window. She told commissioners the purpose of the trial is to let customers test whether they can reduce garbage service and thus lower costs.
Recology General Manager Chris Carey said commingled carts and upfront funding from the Recycling Modernization Act lowered the cost for customers and increased participation in comparable rural markets. "If you made it easy, people would do it," Carey said, adding that cart funding and equipment had reduced the rate impact and that larger cart options and frequency adjustments can further incentivize diversion.
Commissioners pressed staff and Recology on rural participation, how many other counties Recology serves in Oregon, and whether increased opt‑outs could affect future rates. Commissioner Carlson asked whether county staff had considered air pollution from residents burning garbage; staff noted the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Health and Human Services are examining air quality and that the county can bring the issue back to a future work session.
On separate motions the board adopted Waste Management's proposed 8.1% rate increase for solid waste services and later approved Recology's proposed rates for unincorporated areas, both effective July 1, 2026. Staff emphasized Recology's recycling rate will not be billed until recycling carts are distributed and requested more prominent public materials clarifying which jurisdictions are affected.
The board directed staff to return with franchise rule language reflecting the chosen recycling implementation option and said any substantial rate impacts tied to participation will come before the board as required by the franchise agreements.
