Garbage and Recycling

Knowing how much food you are wasting sets up opportunities for cost savings and waste prevention.

Establishing a food waste tracking system is the first step to understand what foods may be wasted and why. The information gathered from tracking helps you identify how waste prevention can make the biggest difference in your overall food costs and your business’s commitment to sustainability. An ongoing tracking system sets a baseline and shows progress as you initiate food waste prevention steps.

Get started

• Identify areas where pre-service food waste may be generated (prep stations, hot and cold line).
• Determine how many and what size of bins you need. Smaller bins or see-through Cambros may make it easier to identify items in the bin.
• Label bins to indicate which bins to be used. Start with a bin labeled Pre-Service. You could also separate waste by loss reason (e.g. overproduction, expired).

Train staff

• Inform staff the plan, when and how long you will measure food waste.
• Show staff the bins, explain where they will be placed. Make it clear that all pre-service food waste will be separated and collected in designated bins.
• Ask staff scraping wasted food into the bins to fill out the tracker sheet each time. Emphasize that it’s important to record how full the bin is, what food was collected and the reason the food was wasted.
• Engage staff in discussions about how to reduce food loss.

Track waste

• Place labeled containers and tracker sheets in each location where you will collect food waste, such as the prep station, dish pit, etc.
• Record information on the tracking sheet each time wasted food is scraped into the bin. Check in with staff and answer any questions.

Analyze data

Use the data to start conversations and generate ideas about how to prevent waste.

• Tally the total number of bins or gallons of food waste during a week, and convert to weight of wasted food (use the conversion table).
• Divide the total number of covers during a week by the total pounds of food waste to determine how much food is being wasted per cover.
• Calculate the cost per pound of wasted food. If you don’t know the per pound cost of food items you can use $1.17, which is the estimated median 
  cost/lb across all food categories. For higher-priced items it will be more valuable to use actual average cost/lb to know how much money you can save through waste prevention.
• Once you’ve determined the cost of wasted food, you can compare that to the cost of food purchases or sales. Ask us for a Food Waste Analysis Spreadsheet that provides more detailed instructions and analysis formulas.

Tracking Food Waste

A strategy to reduce food waste (for employees)

Reasons for food loss

• Trim waste: Food that was cut or trimmed off because it’s inedible or not used in menu items.
• Overproduction: Food donation organizations need to access the time, effort and coordination necessary to pick up or receive your donation.
• Spoilage: Food that goes bad or spoils before it is used.
• Expired/dated: Food that was prepped or prepared but not used as planned.
• Burned/contaminated: Food that is not usable because it was improperly cooked or contaminated.
• Dropped: Food that was dropped or mishandled before it reached the customer.
• Equipment failure: Food that was wasted because equipment breaks or power is lost.

For more information, contact:
Clackamas County Sustainability & Solid Waste
503-742-4458
greenbiz@clackamas.us 

Disposal, rental, mileage & other fees are additional

Open Drop Box:

• 10-20 cubic yard: $177.50
  • Lidded/Specialized-requiring deadhead roundtrip: $202.50
• 30 cubic yard: $187.50
• 40 cubic yard: $197.50

Compacted Drop Box:

• Less than 25 cubic yards: $202.50
• 25 - 34 cubic yards: $231.50
• 35 cubic yards and greater: $250.50

Industrial Special Waste Drop Box:

• 10-20 cubic yard: $188.50
• 30 cubic yard: $205.50

Other fees

Rental Fee:

• Per day (after 2 working days at one site): $7.00
• Per month (Occasional Customer collection of less than one load per week): $70.00
• Per month (Permanent customer): $70.00
• Per Month Equipment Fee: Lidded/Specialty Drop Box: $20.00

Delivery Fee¹:

• Urban zone: $40.00
• All other zones: $50.00

Mileage Fee: 

• $4.70 per mile over 18 miles roundtrip from where the truck is stationed (if in Clackamas County, if not then from the Metro South Transfer Station) for a repeat customer and for over 18 miles of truck operation for a one-stop drop
  box customer.

Multifamily Service Fee:

Additional fee for communities using compactors and drop boxes to collect garbage. Fee is charged per unit per month.

• 5-299 units: $1.60
• 300 - 399 units: $1.45
• More than 399 units: $1.40

Incidental Service Fees:

• Stand by time - waiting for box to be cleared, cars to be moved, etc.²: $7.00
• Leveling load - if driver must spend time leveling load to safely haul.²:  $7.00
• Wash out - if requested by customer or box is contaminated: $30.00
• Compactor turn-around - if repositioning required to enable collection and tip: $40.00
• Deadhead round trip - specialized boxes that cannot be exchanged: $25.00
• Dry run - if scheduled collection is prevented because box is blocked or customer is not ready: $30.00

¹For the occasional customer, the delivery charge shall be made for the first drop box at a given location within a 30-day period. For the repeat customer, the delivery change shall be made for service at different locations.

²Charged in 5 minute increments.

e.g.: one 20 gallon box would cost $81.45 to collect. Seventy-five 20 gallon boxes would cost $17.45 each.

• Residential Service
• Multifamily Service
• Commercial Service

Residential Service

Weekly Pick Up¹

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. The garbage cart size determines the rate paid.

Monthly Pick Up³

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. Garbage collection is monthly; recycling and glass is weekly.

On-Call Pick Up³

Includes one cart for garbage

Other Services and Fees 

Multifamily Service

(for shared containers, see commercial service)

Weekly Pick Up¹ 

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. The garbage cart size determines the rate paid.

¹More than one cart/can per week, use multiples of single cart/can fee

²At House Service is when garbage carts/cans are picked up at house instead of curb/roadside. Must be within 50 feet of curb/road. At House Service is not available for recycling or yard debris. 

³Putrecibles must not be placed in cart/can in excess of 7 days prior to scheduled collection.

Commercial Service

Commercial Containers

Weekly recycling included

Commercial Cans

Monthly fee; weekly recycling included  

Additional fees may apply

See misc. services, distance fees, and container fees.

• Residential Service
• Multifamily Service
• Commercial Service

Residential Service

Weekly Pick Up¹

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, glass, and yard waste. The garbage cart size determines the rate paid.

Monthly Pick Up³

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. Garbage collection is monthly; recycling and glass is weekly.

On-Call Pick Up³

Includes one cart for garbage

Other Services and Fees 

Multifamily Service

(for shared containers, see commercial service)

Weekly Pick Up¹ 

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. The garbage cart size determines the rate paid.

Additional fees may apply

See misc. services, distance fees, and container fees.

¹Greater than one cart/can per week, use multiples of single cart/can fee.

²At House service is when garbage carts/cans are picked up at house instead of roadside (must be within 50 feet of curb/road). At House Service  

³Putrecibles must not be placed in cart/can in excess of 7 days prior to scheduled collection.

Commercial Service

Commercial Containers

Weekly recycling included

Commercial Carts/Cans¹

Monthly fee; weekly recycling included  

Additional fees may apply

See misc. services, distance fees, and container fees.

¹The use of a cart and the type of customer using a cart for commercial waste collection services shall be at the discretion of the collector.

• Residential Service
• Multifamily Service
• Commercial Service

Residential Service

Weekly Pick Up¹

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, glass, and yard waste. The garbage cart size determines the rate paid.

Monthly Pick Up³

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. Garbage collection is monthly; recycling and glass is weekly.

On-Call Pick Up³

Includes one cart for garbage

Other Services and Fees 

Multifamily Service

(for shared containers, see commercial service)

Weekly Pick Up¹ 

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. The garbage cart size determines the rate paid.

Additional fees may apply

See misc. services and distance fees.

¹Greater than one cart/can per week, use multiples of single cart/can fee.

²At House service is when garbage carts/cans are picked up at house instead of roadside (must be within 50 feet of curb/road). At House Service  

³Putrecibles must not be placed in cart/can in excess of 7 days prior to scheduled collection.

Commercial Service

Commercial Containers

Weekly recycling included

Commercial Carts/Cans¹

Monthly fee; weekly recycling included  

Additional fees may apply

See misc. services, distance fees, and container fees.

¹The use of a cart and the type of customer using a cart for commercial waste collection services shall be at the discretion of the collector.

• Residential Service
• Multifamily Service
• Commercial Service

Residential Service

Weekly Pick Up¹

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, glass, and yard waste. The garbage cart size determines the rate paid.

Monthly Pick Up⁴

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. Garbage collection is monthly; recycling and glass is weekly.

On-Call Pick Up⁴

Includes one cart for garbage

Other Services and Fees 

Multifamily Service

(for shared containers, see commercial service)

Weekly Pick Up¹ 

Includes one cart/bin each for garbage, recycling, and glass. The garbage cart size determines the rate paid.

Additional fees

See misc. services and distance fees.

¹More than one cart/can per week, use multiples of single cart/can fee.

²At House Service is when garbage carts/cans are picked up at house instead of curb/roadside. Must be within 50 feet of curb/road. At House Service is not available for recycling or yard debris. 

³Available to customers without weekly garbage service. Requires full year subscription. May be billed annually or monthly, depending on provider.

⁴Putrecibles must not be placed in cart/can in excess of 7 days prior to scheduled collection.

Commercial Service

Commercial Containers

Weekly recycling included

Commercial Carts/Cans¹

Monthly fee; weekly recycling included

Additional fees may apply

See misc. services, distance fees, and container fees.

¹The use of a cart and the type of customer using a cart for commercial waste collection services shall be at the discretion of the collector.

Article I

The name of the organization shall be the Clackamas County Solid Waste Commission (the "Commission").

Article II

BOUNDARIES. The boundaries of the Commission shall be the same as those established by Clackamas County.

Article III

PURPOSE, GOALS AND DUTIES. The purpose, general goals and duties of the Commission are as set forth in Chapter 10 of the Clackamas County Code

Article IV

MEMBERSHIP. The Commission shall be made up of five voting members as set forth in Chapter 10 of the Clackamas County Code.

1. Membership shall not be limited by race, creed, color, sex, age, heritage, national origin or income. Membership will be granted upon signing the official membership register. All new members signing up will be required to show proof of eligibility.
2. Members of the Commission representing the public at-large and collection service franchise holders shall be 18 years of age or older and shall be selected from a pool of applicants solicited, received and appointed by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners. Those members of the Commission representing the public at-large shall be a resident of the recognized area.
3. Except for public employees who serve by reason of and for the term of the position they hold, members shall have an appointment term of four (4) years. Members of the Commission shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Expiration dates for the terms shall be staggered so that no more than one-third of the members' terms will expire in any year. Current public members seeking a new term on the Commission shall submit an application at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of their current term. Collection service franchise holder members may not serve consecutive terms. The Clackamas County Refuse and Recycling Association (CCRRA) shall submit two candidates for consideration for each term appointment.
4. The following shall be advisors to the Commission, if they so elect or desire:
   1. Representatives of the Metro Council.
   2. The Director of D.E.Q., or his/her authorized representative.
   3. The Clackamas County Extension Agent, or his/her authorized representative.
   4. Clackamas County Counsel, or his/her authorized representative.
   5. The Advisor to the Clackamas County Refuse and Recycling Association or its authorized representative. vi. Representatives from the recycling Industry or persons interested or associated with recycling.
5. Public employee members, or advisors or the Commission may designate alternatives to serve in their place.

Article V

OFFICERS. The officers of the Commission shall include the following:

1. a. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the Commission and shall co-sign for all authorized expenditures, appoint committee heads and have the responsibility of the performance of such duties as prescribed in these bylaws. The Chairperson shall act as an ex-officio member of all committees.
2. b. Vice-Chairperson: The Vice-Chairperson shall aid the Chairperson and perform the duties of the Chairperson in his/her absence or disability. The Vice- Chairperson shall maintain an accurate record of all income and expenses of the Commission and co-sign authorized expenditures. The Vice-Chairperson may maintain a bank account, if applicable, and present a statement of account at every meeting. The Vice-Chairperson's records shall be made available to any member or the public as required by the Oregon Public Records Law.
3. c. The Commission shall provide the County Public and Government Affairs Department with a current list of officers and members.

SELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers of the Commission shall be held in conjunction with the annual meeting. Members shall assume their duties immediately upon election to office. All members are eligible for election to officer positions. The Chairperson shall not vote for an officer except in the event of a tie when the Chairperson shall cast the deciding vote.

TERM OF OFFICE. The term of office for all officers shall be two (2) years, however, the officer shall continue to serve until a successor is elected or appointed to that office.

VACANCIES. A vacancy occurs when an officer dies, resigns, is removed, or has more than three (3) unexcused absences from meetings during a calendar year. A vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Board of County Commissioners. The person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term and until a successor is elected or appointed to that office.

Article VI

MEETINGS. Meetings of the Commission shall be held in accordance with the Oregon Public Meetings Laws. An annual meeting shall be held once per year for the purpose of electing officers and such other business as deemed necessary.

The Chairperson, the Board, or any three members of the Commission may call special meetings at any time upon ten days notice to other members of the Commission; provided however, members may waive such notice. The time and location shall be determined by the Commission. Notice of all meetings shall be provided as required by ORS 192.640 of the Oregon Public Meetings Law. Minutes of all meetings shall be kept and shall be available for public inspection as required by ORS 192.650 of the Oregon Public Meetings Law. A copy of all meeting minutes shall be provided to the County Public and Government Relations Office.

QUORUM and VOTING. A quorum shall be present at a meeting in order for the Commission to transact business. A quorum consists of four members of the Commission, not just those present. A vacancy on the board does not affect the quorum requirements. The Commission can take official action only with the affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum present.

RECORDS. All records of the Commission shall be subject to disclosure except as allowed by exemptions of the Oregon Public Records Law.

Article VII

HEARING PROCESS AND PROCEDURE. The principles of parliamentary rules of procedures such as Robert's Rules of Order shall govern proceedings at any meeting of the Commission. The Chair shall be guided by these principles in deciding any procedural questions. The Chair's decision on procedural matters may be overruled by a majority of the members voting on the question. The Commission may establish a more detailed hearing procedure to provide for an orderly process for holding a public hearing.

Article VIII

COMMITTEES. The Commission may create committees as required to promote the purposes and objectives of the Commission. A chairperson for each committee shall be selected by the Commission Chairperson.

Article IX

AMENDMENTS. These by laws may be amended. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the County Counsel for approval. Upon approval of the County Counsel, the proposed amendments shall be approved by the members of the Commission. However, the amendments shall not be in effect until approved by the Board of County Commissioners and that approval has been communicated back to the Chairperson. The amended bylaws shall supersede all previous bylaws and become the governing rules for the Commission.