Producer Investment Expands Recycling Access for 10,000 Households in Eastern Oregon

A producer-funded investment of more than $1 million will help Sanitary Disposal expand recycling service to approximately 10,000 households in Hermiston, Boardman, Umatilla, and their UGBs in Morrow and Umatilla counties beginning this summer. Recycling cart delivery will begin the week of June 22 and is expected to be completed before July 1.

Recycling service will begin July 6 and will occur every other week on the same day as each customer’s trash service. Each cart will be delivered with a packet of instructions, including what can be recycled and whether customers should set their cart out on an A-week or B-week schedule. Customers will also receive a postcard in the mail with the same information.

The investment is part of Oregon’s new recycling system, which requires producers of packaging and paper to help pay for improvements that make recycling easier and more effective. Circular Action Alliance Oregon (CAA), the nonprofit producer responsibility organization implementing the program, is helping fund the carts, collection truck and customer education needed to support the service expansion. The subsidy from CAA allows curbside recycling services in Hermiston for $8 a month.

“Strong communities take care of each other,” said Sanitary Disposal. “Expanding recycling is a practical, common-sense way to reduce waste, save resources and keep our town a place we are proud to call home.”

“This is exactly what Oregon’s modernized recycling system is designed to do: turn producer investment into practical improvements for communities,” said Kim Holmes, executive director of CAA Oregon. “For these Eastern Oregon residents, that means new carts, clearer information and easier access to recycling at home.”

Customers should review their delivery packet and postcard before setting out their recycling cart for the first time. Sanitary Disposal will post updates on its Facebook page, and city partners will share information on their websites. Additional recycling guidance is available at RecycleOn.org/Oregon.

For more on Hermiston's garbage and recycling programs, visit https://www.hermiston.gov/publicworks/page/garbage-recycling-services.

What Customers Should Know

• Recycling will be collected every other week on the same day as trash service.
• Customers should follow the accepted materials list included in their cart packet and mailed postcard.
• Items should be empty, dry and placed loose in the cart; no bagged recyclables.
• Customers should confirm their A-week or B-week schedule before setting out their cart for the first time.

Part of Oregon’s Broader Recycling System Improvements

The curbside program is complemented by recently opened RecycleOn Centers at the Sanitary Disposal Transfer Station in Hermiston and the North Morrow County Transfer Station in Boardman, which provide drop-off options for items not accepted in curbside carts. Find RecycleOn Center operating hours and accepted materials at RecycleOn.org/OregonCenters.

About Sanitary Disposal
Sanitary Disposal provides garbage and recycling services in the Boardman, Hermiston, Umatilla and surrounding county areas, including curbside garbage collection, recycling services and local waste transfer operations. The company serves residential and commercial customers with a focus on reliable service, safe operations and responsible materials management.

About Circular Action Alliance (CAA)
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is a U.S. Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging. As a nonprofit, producer-led organization, CAA helps producers comply with EPR laws, delivers best-in-class compliance services and works with governments, businesses and communities to reduce waste and recycle more. Founded in 2022, CAA is guided by producers representing the food, beverage, consumer goods, restaurant and retail industries.

CAA is approved to implement EPR laws for paper and packaging and serves as the single PRO in California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington.