FAQs

Recycling

• How much will curbside recycling cost customers in Hermiston?

  There are still many challenges to be worked through in order to understand the full costs of the program, how much funding will be provided by the PRO for startup and operations, and therefore how much will remain to be the responsibility of local recycling customers.

• How will the costs associated with increased recycling be covered?

  The RMA introduces Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to shift the financial burden from end-users to producers. Producers of recyclable materials are required to join a PRO, which will collect fees from them. These funds will be remitted to the state and used to cover the costs of recycling programs, including collection, sorting, and transportation.  However, it is anticipated that funds from the PRO will not cover all startup or operational costs, and that there will be an increased monthly charge for customers.

• What challenges remain before curbside recycling can begin in Hermiston?

  Several challenges need to be addressed, including:

  • Finalizing detailed Needs Assessments to determine precise infrastructure and cost requirements.
  • Establishing end-markets for recyclable materials to plan appropriate collection and transportation logistics.
  • Determining the financial contributions from producer fees versus local user fees.
  • Understanding the projected revenues from producer fees to plan and implement recycling programs effectively.
• What is the Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) and how does it affect local communities?

  The Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) passed by the Oregon Legislature requires cities with a population over 4,000 to begin offering curbside recycling by July 1, 2025. This act aims to enhance recycling efforts across Oregon by establishing a comprehensive framework for the collection, sorting, and recycling of materials.

• What is the role of the Circular Action Alliance (CAA)?

  The Circular Action Alliance (CAA), based in Washington, D.C., is the sole PRO selected by the State of Oregon to manage the recycling responsibilities under the RMA. CAA is responsible for collecting fees from producers, planning and implementing recycling programs, and working with local governments to meet recycling needs.

• What steps have been taken so far to implement the RMA?

  Several key steps have been taken:

  • The state has been working on creating a statewide list of recyclable materials to reduce confusion and contamination.
  • A preliminary Needs Assessment was conducted with local governments to identify specific requirements for recycling infrastructure.
  • The Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is now refining the Needs Assessment to develop accurate cost estimates and create a fee structure for producers.
• When can local governments expect to receive funding for recycling programs?

  Funding from the producer fees collected by CAA is expected to become available after July 1, 2025. The fee structure is anticipated to be established in early 2025, with a lag time for charging, collecting, accounting, and disbursing the funds to local jurisdictions.