Business Food Scraps Separation Policy
In 2018, Metro Regional government passed a publicly supported regional polic y mandating food scraps generated by businesses be collected separately from garbage. This applies to restaurants, grocery stores, food manufacturers, hospitals and schools and will go into effect starting March 31,2020.
 
Washington County's Green Business Advisors are here to help! Contact us now for FREE assistance, food scrap collection bins, instructional materials and staff training.
Business Spotlight: Embassy Suites Hotel
After discovering that up to 200 pounds of food waste was going into the garbage every day, Embassy Suites Hotel at Washington Square quickly implemented a composting program with the help of Washington County's Green Business Leaders staff.
Check out this video to learn more about how they were able to identify ways to reduce food waste in the first place, and separate unavoidable food scrap waste for compost. These practices have saved the company thousands of dollars a month in expenses and supported their sustainability goals. Follow in Embassy Suites footsteps and don't wait for the mandate; contact a Green Business Advisor to get your business set up with food scraps collection today!
 
BONUS: If you own a business in the hospitality industry and would like more information on reducing food waste, please attend this Free Workshop for Hotel Food Service Professional s at the Nines Hotel in Portland on March 19.
Plastic Bag Ban is in Effect
House Bill 2509, which restricts the use of plastic single-use shopping bags statewide, went into effect January 1, 2020.

If you are a business owner and would like more information, check out this Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Washington County's Green Business Leaders program for assistance.
Welcome New Staff!
The Green Business Leaders program is excited to welcome new Green Business Advisor Kate De Cesare! Kate assists businesses and schools with waste reduction education, recycling, food scraps collection set-up and the Green Business Award certification program.

Originally from Nebraska, she moved to Portland in 2012. She has a bachelor’s degree in studio art from University of Denver and a master’s degree in leadership for sustainability education from Portland State University. Before joining the team, Kate worked for Leanpath coaching chefs and food service managers on preventing food waste. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking and hiking.