Gladstone approves IGA with Clackamas County for recycling modernization

The Gladstone City Council authorized the city administrator to execute an intergovernmental agreement with Clackamas County for recycling services tied to Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act.

City Administrator Betts explained that Gladstone has participated in a countywide recycling partnership since a 2008 memorandum of understanding and that the new state law requires updated responsibilities statewide. Betts said Metro provides $13,518 per year on behalf of Gladstone for county services and that the county will receive $36,420 in producer-responsibility funds to run countywide recycling programs and ensure compliance with the state law.

Betts told the council that the IGA replaces the 2008 agreement, clarifies obligations, and carries no fiscal impact to the city because Metro and the waste provider will continue existing service arrangements. Councilors asked whether end‑user costs would rise; staff replied there would be no increase to residents as a direct result of the IGA.

Councilor Garlington moved to authorize the city administrator to execute the intergovernmental agreement; the motion was seconded and approved on a roll call vote.

Staff said the county will use the funds to reduce contamination, update bins and ensure consistent service across member cities. Gladstone will continue to work with Metro and the city’s waste provider to implement program changes under the state law.