County staff outlines franchise-renewal steps for Recology North Plains ahead of late-summer Board review

Erin Stein, senior policy coordinator for Washington County, told the Garbage and Recycling Advisory Committee that Recology Oregon Compost, Inc. (doing business as Recology North Plains) has submitted a complete application to renew a franchise agreement that expires Sept. 28, 2026.

Stein described the county’s franchise-review process, citing Washington County code chapter 8.08 and listing staff and board criteria the county will use to make findings—applicant qualifications, equipment and facility capability, integration with existing regional systems, compliance with state statute and Metro requirements, and proof of financial assurance required under referenced state and Metro provisions. "These findings are then brought forward to the Board of Commissioners with a formal recommendation for their consideration to renew the agreement," Stein said.

She said staff had checked in with the state and Metro and found permits in good standing, and that materials are now in final legal review. Staff plans to bring a formal staff report to the advisory committee on Aug. 13 and then to the Board in late August or early September, pending schedule availability.

Stein cautioned the committee that franchise agreements differ from the county’s hauler franchises; agreements can be negotiated and either party may withdraw with on‑ramps and severability clauses. Committee members asked procedural questions about what would happen if a franchise holder chose not to renew; Stein said a nonrenewal would be a public closure scenario and staff would manage the transition process.

The committee did not take formal action on the franchise renewal at the June meeting; staff will return with a written staff report and code references in August.