County outlines next steps to access Recycling Modernization Act funds and develop contamination reduction plan

Clackamas County staff provided an update on implementation steps related to the Oregon Recycling Modernization Act on Jan. 22, saying the county board approved the primary funding agreement that allows the county to receive payments from the producer responsibility organization for contamination reduction and limited expansion efforts.

Staff said the agreement includes a glass incentive for collectors to compensate curbside glass collection in the Portland Metro area and that the county will use the Circular Action Alliance portal to set up addenda and move funds. A consultant has been hired to help prepare a contamination reduction plan and staff will coordinate with collectors and cities to distribute funds across the county.

"That primary funding agreement has been signed by the board," staff said, and added that next steps include onboarding to the Circular Action Alliance portal and working with collectors to design and carry out contamination reduction activities across jurisdictions.

Staff said the work will be countywide and coordinated with cities and collectors and that details on funding distribution and program rollout would come in subsequent outreach and meetings.