COVID-19 Updates
The circumstances of COVID-19 and the recommendations surrounding social and physical distancing, telecommuting and temporary business closures pose immense challenges to our business community. While Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling's offices are currently closed, the Green Business Leaders team is working remotely and is still very much available to answer general questions regarding garbage and recycling services, Green Business Award certifications and other online program resources . Please feel free to contact us by phone 503-846-3605 or email .
 
The paperboard industry is sending messages to state and federal leaders letting them know they need the flow of recyclables to continue! Recycled cardboard is in high demand for the manufacturing of boxes for shipping goods.
Maintaining the flow of recyclable materials is still necessary during this global crisis. 
 
We will be posting updates related to garbage and recycling on our  Facebook page , please feel free to share our posts widely. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has created a message of guidance related to materials potentially exposed to COVID-19 .  We are also encouraging everyone to securely bag their garbage in order to contain facial tissues, disposable-wipes, gloves, face masks and other personal protective items. Taking these measures will keep maintenance, janitorial and waste collection company staff safe while servicing containers and dumpsters. And please continue to recycle your hand sanitizer containers that are 6 oz or larger! Place caps and pumps in the garbage.
 
Thank you for your patience and your commitment to keeping yourselves and our community safe, healthy and sustainable!
Garbage and Recycling Services
If your business or organization is experiencing a temporary closure, decreased or limited service, and you would like to make changes to your hauling services, please call your hauler to discuss the options that are be available to you.
 
You can also use Washington County's What to Recycle and Where tool if you are looking for waste disposal information and options. 
Food Donations
Can your business help support the community with food donations?

If you own, manage or work at a restaurant, cafe, cafeteria or other food producing business and have excess food that can be donated, please follow this link to an info guide and consider donating to the Oregon Food Bank (OFB) . 
 
OFB is also in need of BOXES, sealable to-go containers and other essential supplies. Please contact OFB to let them know what supplies you may be able to donate. 

Business Food Scraps Requirement Delayed

Due to the unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 disease is
having on businesses and employees throughout the region, Metro and local
governments are delaying implementation of the Business Food Waste Requirement .
Originally scheduled to begin at the end of March, the implementation of the first
phase of required business food waste collection will be delayed by 6 months
until September 30, 2020.
 
We recognize that the most highly-impacted businesses during this crisis are
those that would be subject to the food waste requirement. The economic health
of these businesses is already threatened, and any changes imposed on business practices at this time would create additional and unnecessary hardship.
In addition, it is in the region’s best interest to focus on maintaining basic essential
solid waste services with minimal disruptions. Therefore, the implementation of a new program at this time is inexpedient.
 
If your business is currently collecting food scraps, please continue to do so.
If you have questions, please contact u s .