Commissioners discuss confusion, fees and education after curbside recycling rollout

Commissioners spent part of the work session on early problems and neighborhood concerns arising from the county's curbside recycling rollout with Pendleton Sanitary and waste franchise operator Waste Connections.

The Chair asked for an update after staff noted spikes in calls and social media complaints. "We had another way of even though I think this week was the start of the curbside recycling," an Agency official said, describing contamination problems in early loads and a need for public education. Staff said Waste Connections has hired a public-education specialist and that some DEQ funds provided to the franchise were earmarked for outreach.

Residents posted on social media and asked whether owners outside the urban growth boundary (UGB) would receive service; commissioners said some areas outside the UGB are not eligible for curbside pick-up and that people inside municipal boundaries may be required to keep service per local ordinances. One commissioner said some residents complained about being charged for a service they don't want and suggested neighborhood boundary reviews with Pendleton Sanitary to adjust rates and service areas.

Board members agreed more outreach is needed. "There'll be a significant amount of public education that needs to occur in training people how to recycle," one commissioner said, and staff proposed booths and information at local events and coordination with the hauler.

What happens next: staff will coordinate with Pendleton Sanitary and Waste Connections on boundary maps and a public-education plan funded in part by franchise/DEQ resources. Commissioners said they expect calls and will track complaints until public education reduces contamination and billing confusion.