Washington County, Ore. to Begin Food Scrap Recycling in October

Beginning on October 1, Washington County residents in Oregon can throw food scraps in their yard waste roll carts.

The new program was approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners back in June 2023, where it also approved collection rate changes. Starting October 1, most urban areas and cities in Washington County will offer food scraps composting collection services to single-family homes.

“We’re excited to offer food scraps collection service to our community members,” said Thomas Egleston, Solid Waste & Recycling manager.

“A 2016 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality study found that almost 30% of residential garbage is food. When food starts to break down in landfills, it releases methane gas, which traps heat in our atmosphere and contributes to climate change. The good news is community members can help reduce food waste sent to landfills by participating in a curbside compost collection.”

It is optional to participate in food scrap collection. The program is as simple as collecting home food scraps and placing them in yard debris roll carts every few days. Food such as raw meat, eggshells, and other kitchen scraps can be collected. It is recommended to regularly wash containers after use to prevent odors and pests.

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