Unincorporated Recycling

Public Comment on Curbside Recycling

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners is seeking public comment on proposed franchise agreements for recycling services from Recology Western Oregon and Waste Management of Oregon. 

Recology and Waste Management currently provide curbside garbage pickup in unincorporated Clatsop County. The new franchise agreements will add curbside recycling to the services.  

Recycling services will be rolled out in approximately the next three to 18 months, depending on who your solid waste provider is.  

Currently, unincorporated Clatsop County residents only have the option to bring their recycling to a transfer station. The Board of Commissioners updated the Solid Waste Ordinance in January 2024 to require franchise agreements to include recycling service in rural and suburban areas of Unincorporated Clatsop County. 

Resident Solid Waste Fees

Since solid waste companies now have a franchise agreement with Clatsop County, their costs for services cannot change without approval of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners.

On July 1, 2024, Recology customers will see a 3.9% inflationary cost increase reflected on their monthly bill. Customers only will see the increase associated with new recycling services on their bill once they have started receiving recycling services. 

  • Recology proposed July 2024 – June 2025 suburban and urban fee schedule

WM customers proposed schedule increase is scheduled to go into effect as soon as customers begin receiving recycling service. 

 

Watch the April 22, 2024 Board of Commissioners work session discussion on proposed recycling program.

How to provide public comment

  • In-Person 
    Attend the May 22 Board of County Commissioners meeting
     
  • Written Comments
    You may provide written comments or attach a file using the online form, or by emailing commissioners [at] ClatsopCounty.gov.

Enter Public Comment

01 Who does this new recycling agreement impact?

These new franchise agreements with Recology and Waste Management will add recycling services for those households in Unincorporated Clatsop County who currently receive garbage service.

02 Will my service provider be Recology or Waste Management?

The company that is currently providing garbage service in your area will provide recycling services.

03 Will I see a fee increase with recycling?

With this additional recycling service solid waste fees will increase. By using the recycling bin for recyclables, some residents may not need as large or as many garbage containers and be able to offset that cost.

04 Will I be able to opt out of recycling?

No. When the cost for the recycling program was determined, it took into account that all current customers would participate in the recycling program.

05 I already have recycling in my city. How does this agreement affect me? Will my rates increase?

If you live in an incorporated city such as Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach or Warrenton, your solid waste service fees will not be affected by this agreement. 

06 Why would it take a year or more to get recycling from my provider?

For Recology or Waste Management to add recycling services in Unincorporated Clatsop County, they may need to make adjustments to staff, equipment and routes of service. This carefully timed roll-out will ensure a smooth transition to recycling.

07 What areas will receive recycling services first?

That is to be determined at a later date.

08 Will glass recycling be included in the recycling service?

Not at this time. 

09 What is meant by suburban and rural recycling?

The more populated areas of Unincorporated Clatsop County served by Recology along the coast are being called suburban and inland areas are being called rural.

10 Is there a map that shows which service area I am in?

Yes, we created a fact sheet with maps showing service areas.

11 What will happen to existing drop off recycling locations?

They will continue at their existing locations. 

12 How often will my recycling be picked up?

Recycling will be picked up every two weeks.

13 How can I be sure that my recycling materials will actually be recycled?

It is illegal in Oregon to improperly dispose of recyclables set out for recycling. All recyclables collected by Recology and WM are kept separate from landfill bound waste streams, and sent to other facilities for processing or directly to end markets. Did you know that Recology can arrange tours of the Astoria Transfer Station to see how recycling is managed?  Contact DBlue [at] recology.com (Dan Blue) at Recology for more information.

14 How much will my garbage bill increase?

Since Recology and WM, the two garbage companies serving Clatsop County,  will have a franchise agreement with Clatsop County, their costs for services cannot change without approval of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners.

On July 1, 2024, Recology customers will see a 3.9% inflationary cost increase reflected on their monthly bill for current garbage service. Customers only will see the increase associated with new recycling services on their bill once they have started receiving their new cart and recycling services. 

Any WM customers proposed rate schedule increase will be scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2025.

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