Metro outlines 20-year reuse and recycling plan; Milwaukie invited to partner on depot and warehouse concepts

Metro staff presented an update on a 20-year system facilities plan intended to expand regional reuse, recycling and garbage infrastructure.

Marta (self-identified as "Martha Bliar"), a Metro waste-prevention and environmental-services director, said the plan identifies four investment areas: community drop-off depots, organics and food-recovery investments, reuse and repair support for businesses, and regional reuse infrastructure including a warehouse and a reuse mall. She said the plan’s first phase focuses on community depots on Metro-owned land and pre-design planning has started for a Washington County depot in Cornelius that Metro estimates would improve access for more than 120,000 residents.

"This plan is a 20-year road map for investing in the region's reuse, recycling, and garbage system," Marta said, describing work to expand access and strengthen services where they are inconsistent.

Ashley Seagull, a Metro principal planner, summarized two reuse concepts: a regional reuse warehouse (potentially up to 50,000 square feet) to store materials from hotels, offices and other large generators for partner reuse businesses, and a reuse mall concept that Metro envisions as a later-phase, community-shaped project. Metro has launched a reuse impact grant fund of nearly $1 million to 16 organizations to build repair, reuse and redistribution capacity.

Milwaukie councilors asked about footprints, siting and partnerships. Councilor Robert Masternow said he wanted a clearer picture of what the buildings might look like and asked whether industrial parcels in Milwaukie's north end could work. Councilors noted that feasibility work will be needed and that local jurisdictions should be engaged early.

Metro also described producer-responsibility efforts and pilot “mini depots” (shipping-container collection points) for packaging and plastics; staff said they are exploring a Styrofoam collection site and could place a pilot depot in Milwaukie if local partners and siting align.

The presentation emphasized that the warehouse and reuse mall remain concepts requiring feasibility study, more community engagement and coordination with jurisdictions. Metro staff committed to keeping interested local governments informed as planning and scoping proceed.

The council did not take formal action; Metro will continue feasibility work and outreach before returning with proposals or project requests.