Garbage and Recycling

Donating food ensures edible items you cannot use go to families and individuals in need. Donations are the highest and best use for surplus food, are tax deductible, and protected under Good Samaritan laws. 

Getting Started 

Even with careful planning, leftover or unused food is inevitable. Local food banks, pantries, and meal sites welcome donations from grocers, restaurants, caterers, and food service businesses. 

Steps to Donate Food 

1. Identify Food to Donate 
   • Prioritize healthy, wanted foods (shelf-stable, perishable, or prepared). 
   • Excess ingredients can be transformed into meals at donation sites. 
   • Avoid sending unusable food. 
   • Determine how much and how often you can donate (daily, weekly, or monthly). 
   • Follow proper food safety practices for preparation, storage, and handling. 
2. Find a Local Food Donation Partner 
   • Small amounts can go to employees first, then food assistance programs. 
   • We can help you identify partners in your community who accept donations. 
   • Search the Oregon Food Bank tool to find organizations near you. 
3. Plan and Establish a Routine
   • Work with your donation partner to coordinate pickup, storage, labeling, and record-keeping. 
   • Set a regular schedule to make donations consistent and manageable. 
4. Train Staff 
   • Teach employees how to identify, store, and label food safely for donation. 
   • Integrate donation procedures into your standard operating protocols. 
   • Post guidelines and tracking logs near storage and prep areas. 

Benefits of Donating Food 

• Feed people in your community. 
• Divert edible food from landfills, avoiding disposal costs. 
• Qualify for tax deductions. 
• Build stronger relationships with customers, community members, and local organizations. 

Additional Resources 

• Business Guide to Donating Food (PDF) 

Contact Clackamas County Sustainability Advisors 

We help businesses set up donation programs, identify partners, and train staff (English & Spanish). 

Email: greenbiz@clackamas.us 
Call: 503-742-4458 

It’s never too early to start planning waste prevention and recycling strategies for your community event. Public events and festivals often generate large amounts of waste.

Let your next event help you fundraise and protect the environment. We loan containers to collect deposit bottles and cans,

Free bottle and can collection containers 

The county loans ClearStream recycling containers for collecting deposit ($0.10) bottles and cans at events in Clackamas County (e.g., athletic events, community celebrations, concerts, fairs, farmers markets, runs, and more). The containers are available on a first-come basis.

• Folding frames are easy to transport, set up, and tear-down.
• Clear bags are provided so you can encourage beverage bottle and can recycling; remove items that don’t belong and replace the bag when full.
• We can guide appropriate container set-up at the event
• Bottles and cans can be redeemed at BottleDrop locations.

Recycling tips for events

• Place the bottle and can recycling containers next to trash containers in areas where waste will be generated. If additional recycling containers will be used (for cardboard, paper, etc.), keep all bins together and clearly labeled. Do not place a wire frame container alone – it will fill with trash.
• Put recycling and waste stations in highly visible and convenient locations.
• Limit the number of recycling and waste stations to allow for easy monitoring by event staff or volunteers. If possible, staff recycling stations at all times. If this is not possible, assign a “floater” to check each area periodically.
• Communicate with vendors prior to the event about using more recyclable and reusable products to reduce waste.
• Redeem bottles and cans to fund activities in your organization, or donate to a nonprofit organization

Request Containers or Assistance 

Assembling the ClearStream frame and bag

Each rack requires, at minimum, a 35-40 gallon bag (approximate dimension 40” X 48”). An initial bag will be provided per rack. Use only clear bags on the rack to help identify and remove items that don’t belong.  

Throwing out food is a major missed opportunity. There are enormous benefits if we handle our food a little differently. You can order just the right amount, use first-in-first-out inventory management, reduce portion sizes, and promote your eco-friendly efforts to customers and colleagues. 

If you find yourself with surplus food, donation may be an option. And be sure to divert food scraps from your garbage where collection service is required or available. The information below feature quick steps to get started and links to learn more.

We are available to support you with free personalized assistance and tools, referrals to food assistance organizations, and share best practices in preventing food waste from industry leaders.  

Meet Local Requirements

Implementation of a regional requirement begins March 2022 and many businesses within the Metro boundary will need to comply by 2023. All businesses generating more than 1 roll cart of food waste per week will be required to separate their food scraps by the end of 2024.  

Here’s how easy it is to get started – watch this short video and follow these simple steps below. More detail on each of these steps are provided under the “Set up a compost program” section.

What's required?

1. Set up service
   Contact your franchised waste provider to learn more about service options (size and frequency) and to start Food Only service. In many urban cities and within the urban unincorporated area there is no extra cost for the service.
   *Property owners and managers must allow for the collection of food waste by these businesses or help secure the service for lessees that are covered under the requirement.
2. Set up internal containers with labels 
   Free signage and stickers are available
3. Put all food scraps* in compost instead of garbage
   *This requirement does not apply to public or customer-facing areas of your business. It only applies to food scraps handled by employees.

Support and tools

Our staff are here to help. Contact us at 503-742-4458 or greenbiz@clackamas.us.

The cities of Gladstone, Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Milwaukie, West Linn, and Wilsonville have designated Clackamas County waste prevention staff to provide free personalized assistance and supplies to all business in the county impacted by this requirement.

Notification

Businesses will be notified of the Food Waste Requirements one year before enforcement begins. 

Notification letter:

• English letter (PDF)
• Spanish letter (PDF)
• Russian letter (PDF)
• Vietnamese letter (PDF)
• Thai letter (PDF)
• Korean letter (PDF)
• Japanese letter (PDF)
• Simplified Chinese letter (PDF)

Enforcement

Enforcement is phased based on businesses’ estimated volume of food scraps.

• March 2023
  Businesses that produce over 1,000 pounds of food waste or more per week are required to compost by March 31, 2023. 1000 pounds is about four full 60-gallon compost roll carts.  
• September 2023
  Businesses that produce over 500 pounds of food waste or more per week are required to compost by September 30, 2023. 500 pounds is about two full 60-gallon compost roll carts.
• September 2024
  Businesses that produce 250 pounds of food waste or more per week are required to compost by September 30, 2024. 250 pounds is about one full 60-gallon compost roll cart. 

Get Started Setting up a Compost Program

Donate Excess Food

While steps can be taken to plan and prepare food carefully, sometimes leftovers and unused ingredients are inevitable. Food banks, pantries and meal sites can take some donations. Join area grocers, restaurants, caterers and food service companies that are helping people who experience hunger.

Get started

1. Identify food to be donated
   • What type of shelf-stable, perishable or prepared foods could be donated? Prioritize the donation of healthy food most desired by food donation organizations and the people they serve. Don’t worry about donating complete meals. Excess ingredients can be made into meals at the food assistance organizations as well. Avoid sending unusable food they may be burdened with disposing of later.
   • Access how much food could be donated and how often: every day, once a week or once a month?
   • Follow food-safety practices for handling preparation, cooking, cooling, and storing. Concerned about liability? Learn more about the Good Samaritan Laws.
2. Find a local food donation partner
   • For smaller, more sporadic amounts, consider donating to employees first, then look for food assistance programs in your area.
   • Let us help you identify potential partnerships within our community. We have a good understanding of who takes what and capacity. Connect with us.
   • Search the Oregon Food Bank tool to get an idea of what organizations are in your neighborhood that you might partner with.
3. Plan accordingly and establish a routine
   • A donation partner will need to assess the time, effort and coordination necessary to pick up or receive your donation. Often these are volunteer ran organizations.
   • Work with a chosen donation partner to set up a process to identify, gather, safely store, label, and record food for donation and create a pick-up schedule.
4. Train staff
   • Train employees to identify, safely store, and label food properly for donation. We can help. Assistance in English and Spanish.
   • Build it into your standard operating procedures. Post donation protocols and tracking logs near storage and prep areas. 
   • Download the Business Guide to Donating Food flyer

Liability

You are protected by both state and federal laws when you donate food in good faith. The federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and Oregon Laws (ORS Chapter 30.890 and 30.892) state that the donor shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of apparently wholesome food or an apparently fit grocery product that is donated in good faith to a nonprofit organization for ultimate distribution to needy individuals.

Tax Benefits 

The federal enhanced tax deduction for food donation, Internal Revenue Code 170(e)(3), states that businesses may be eligible to deduct some of the cost to produce the food and part of the lost profit. For more information about how the deduction works, visit Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic (from the Center For Health Law and Policy Innovation) and consult your accountant for eligibility requirements.

Local food assistance programs 

There are several different types of food assistance programs across the county, and region. The kind of food items you may have to donate (shelf-stable, perishable or ready-to-eat) will determine what type of agency to work with. Please note that some agencies help their clients with food in multiple ways. We’re familiar with all the options in Clackamas County and can connect you with suggestions on where to start. 
Some general guidelines for organizations include:

• Food Bank/Pantry: The service offered usually mirrors a shopping-style experience that allows clients to pick and choose items that are shelf-stable, fresh or frozen from each category of food.
• Meal Site: This service tends to consist of a hot meal, dessert and a beverage.
• Emergency/Supplemental Food Box: This is a prepacked bag or box of food that consists of pantry staples and shelf-stable items that can be supplemented with fresh and frozen items.

If you are a representative from one of these food assistance programs, please connect with us. 

Prevent Food Waste

The restaurant industry is in a unique position to help reduce the amount of food that goes into the trash. An operation can end up throwing out 4% to 10% of the food it purchases, and that percentage can rise in buffet-style concepts and at restaurants with diverse menu offerings requiring large and varied food inventories. The first step is always the hardest. Build a plan and get started.

• Download the Guide on How to Track Food Waste in Your Kitchen Flyer (PDF)
• Download the Food Waste Tracker (PDF)

Start by auditing and measuring your food waste 

• Expose where the largest sources of food waste were generated internally
• Underscore areas in the restaurant where staff can most effectively reduce food waste as a team
• Reveal the size and scope of an “invisible food waste problem” and make it more “visible” and understandable
• Highlight that food waste reduction can save money

Menu Redesign Concepts

• Offer multiple portion sizes such as “full” and “half” so guests can customize based on appetite.
• Serve smaller portions of side dishes with “bottomless” or “refill” options.
• Allow customers to choose the sides they prefer and train staff to ask for preferences.
• Implement an “eat half, take half” option that wraps up half a portion before it’s served.
• Print storage and re-heat instructions on doggie bags or take-home containers to maintain the quality of leftovers when guests take them home to enjoy. (We have these available for you!) 

Customer Messaging 

• Printing it on the menu.
• Including it on the website.
• Printing it on packaging and supplies (e.g., napkins, to-go containers).
• Sharing it on social media.
• Showing it on wall plaques or posters
• Having staff tell them about it.
• Learn more from the National Restaurant Association 

Employee Engagement 

Businesses across the region are reducing food waste. Learn from local champions at Food Waste Stops With Me — a collaboration between city and county governments in the Portland area, Metro, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality.

Learn from your peers

• Businesses across the region are reducing food waste. Learn from local champions at Food Waste Stops With Me — a collaboration between city and county governments in the Portland area, Metro, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality.
• The Bomber Restaurant and Catering in Milwaukie highlights how to divert food waste from the landfill while saving money and improving company culture. Listen to the Boiled Down podcast: Food Waste Stops With Me.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square engages employees and guests to prevent food waste. Watch the video.
• Old Spaghetti Factory in Tigard developed a sustainable compost program.
• How 8 Portland restaurants minimize food waste
• Testimonials from 5 food waste champions in Washington County.  

Why Reduce Food Waste?

• Food production and preparation require tremendous resources including farmland, clean water and air, labor and energy. Yet millions of tons of food is wasted each year.
• In 2019, an enormous 35% of all food in the United States went unsold or uneaten. That’s $408 billion worth of food – roughly 2% of US GDP – with a green house gas equivalent to 4% of total US GHG emissions. (Refed)
• According to a report from October 2021 from OSU (PDF from Oregon State University), 1 in 10 Oregonians experience food insecurity.
• Food is the single largest component of garbage in the region. Food makes up 28% of the total waste that grocery stores, restaurants, caterers, commercial kitchens, food manufacturers and food distributors send to the landfill each year. (Metro)
• Oregon has a statewide goal to reduce food waste by 50% by the year 2030. 

More Information

• Local business examples (Food Waste Stops with Me)
• Restaurant actionable steps (86 Food Waste Initiative-National Restaurant Association)
• Restaurant food loss checklist (PDF from the Environmental Protection Agency)
• Grocery store guide (PDF from the State of Oregon’s Wasted Food, Wasted Money)
• Hotel tool kit and case studies (Hotel | Kitchen)
• Restaurant best practices (ConServe by National Restaurant Association)

These organizations are Clackamas County-certified Leaders in Sustainability, recognized for going beyond business as usual to benefit our community and shared environment. Click the names in the directory on the left or the icons on the map to learn more about the these places and their green practices.

Interested in certifying your organization? Find out how.

= Certification: Complete at least 15 total practices, 1 new goal, 1 community action 
= Silver: Complete at least 35 total practices, 1 new goal, 1 community action + 20 additional actions 
= Gold: Complete at least 55 total practices, 1 new goal, 1 community action + 40 additional actions 
= Business Mentor

Categories

Food Service

Babica Hen Cafe
15964 Boones Ferry Rd, Lake Oswego
Babica Hen Cafe bakes cupcakes, cookies, muffins and pies daily, serves breakfast and lunch made from scratch with Northwest ingredients, and offers event space and catering for special occasions.

Cup of Tea
10117 SE Sunnyside Rd, Suite J, Clackamas
Cup of Tea is a loose-leaf tea house and gift shop that prioritizes environmental stewardship and social responsibility in their daily routines and overall mission. They educate customers and encourage them to participate in eco-friendly behaviors, such as reusing tea transfer bags and using their own cups and containers. They also support local eco-initiatives through their donation programs.

Gubanc's Pub
16008 Boones Ferry Rd, Lake Oswego
Since 1976, Gubanc's Pub has served its guests the best quality food, made from scratch with great care in their kitchen. Gubanc's uses only all-natural, locally raised beef and pork, and source as much possible from the local area.

Happyrock Coffee Roasting Co.
1085 Portland Ave, Gladstone
Happyrock Coffee is a small-batch artisan coffee roaster located in downtown Gladstone. Their beans can be found in restaurants, cafes, grocers, farmers markets and specialty stores.

Kelly's Jelly
5833 Jean Rd, Lake Oswego
Kelly's Jelly is a family-owned and -operated maker of specialty foods such as their popular pepper jellies. A family recipe for jelly with a kick – initially made for fun – was soon being sold at local farmers markets, and now it's available in over 160 stores (and counting) around the country. The team at Kelly's Jelly has been recognized both locally and nationally not only for how good their food tastes, but also for their commitment to going beyond business as usual to make a positive difference for others and our planet.

Lake Theatre and Café
106 N State St, Lake Oswego
Lake Theater & Cafe is a popular destination for food, drink, lakeside dining, movie showings, private events and live music. They partner with area farmers and NW-specific purveyors to provide sustainable, farm-fresh produce and meats whenever possible.

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt - Oregon City
1408 Moilalla Ave, Oregon City
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt makes yogurt from happy cows and real ingredients. The Oregon City location took sustainability into consideration before opening in the fall of 2016.

New Seasons Market Mountain Park
3 Monroe Pkwy, Lake Oswego
As the first grocery store in the world to become a certified B Corporation, New Seasons Market's goal is to build community, champion the regional food economy, and be sustainable to the core by continually finding creative ways to keep their environmental footprint small.

New Seasons Market Happy Valley
15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Dr, Happy Valley
As the first grocery store in the world to become a certified B Corporation, New Seasons Market's goal is to build community, champion the regional food economy, and be sustainable to the core by continually finding creative ways to keep their environmental footprint small.

Unity Foods
7750 NE 17th Ave, Portland
Unity Foods is a local food distributor for independent restaurants and food carts in the Portland Metro area. . They exceed industry standards to deliver the highest quality products and service and bring a sustainability lens to their supply chain, fleet and decisions.

Manufacturing

Bob's Red Mill Natural Food
5000 SE International Way, Milwaukie
Founded by Bob Moore in 1978 and located in Milwaukie, Bob's Red Mill is a leader in nutritious, organic and gluten free foods. They are proudly 100% employee-owned and guided by their mission to promote whole grain foods for every meal of the day.

DW Fritz Automation Inc. 
9600 SW Boeckman Rd, Wilsonville
DWFritz Automation is a leading global provider for advanced manufacturing solutions. They develop, design, build and support engineered-to-order automation systems, specializing in high-speed, complex inspections to enhance product quality and maximize manufacturing throughput. They are set to find better ways to improve the social and environmental impacts of their work.

Eaton Portland Power Center
26850 SW Kinsman Rd, Wilsonville
Eaton's Portland Power Center in Wilsonville designs and builds electrical distribution and control switchgear. As a global corporation, Eaton has committed to a 50% reduction in its current greenhouse gas emissions and carbon neutrality by 2030. The staff green team advances sustainability projects to improve the site's overall environmental efficiency, educate staff, and give back to the community.

Form Factory Holdings, LLC
​​​3417 SE 21st Ave, Portland
Form Factory, Inc. is the first Oregon-based company licensed by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC)'s Recreational Cannabis Division to pack and bottle cannabis-based food and beverages. They exceed industry standards and regulations to deliver the highest quality, safe and consistent product to a fast emerging market.

General Sheet Metal
16345 SE Evelyn St, Clackamas
General Sheet Metal specializes in mechanical, architectural and heating-ventilating-air conditions (HVAC) fabrication, installation and repair services for the commercial and industrial markets. General Sheet Metal actively encourages a culture of safety and environmental consciousness.

Hoptown Handles
15140 SE 82nd Dr, Suite 200, Clackamas
Hoptown Handles manufactures and designs tap handles for craft breweries around the world. Using FSC-certified woods and water-based finishes, they strive to be the sustainable, high-quality, American-made alternative to mass-produced tap handles manufactured overseas.

OECO
4607 International Way, Milwaukie
OECO, a Meggitt company, designs and manufactures products for the defense, commercial aviation, space, industrial and medical industries. They are committed to the prevention of pollution, the protection of the environment and the health and safety of their employees, customers and neighbors. Whenever possible, they reduce the consumption of natural resources, generation of waste, and emissions of harmful substances to the environment.

Oregon Tool
4909 SE International Way, Portland
Oregon Tool is a global company specializing in professional grade precision cutting tools for forestry, lawn and garden; farming, ranching and agriculture; and concrete cutting and finishing. Headquartered in Milwaukie, with a multinational manufacturing and distribution footprint, Oregon Tool sells its products in more than 110 countries.

Rose City Label
7235 SE Label Ln, Portland
Rose City Label is a family-owned and operated manufacturer of custom printed labels for small to midsize northwest companies. They serve nearly 700 companies annually in a variety of industries including local beer and wine,specialty foods, and beauty products. They've been committed to sustainability since 2009 and in 2018 were recognized by their industry trade association.
Certified

STANLEY Infrastructure
3810 SE Naef Rd, Oak Grove
STANLEY Infrastructure designs and builds hydraulic tools for construction and infrastructure projects across the world, with private and public sector customers. A strong corporate commitment to not only reduce negative impacts on the environment, but to contribute positively, is demonstrated in a range of sustainable practices at its two locations in Clackamas County.

TE Connectivity
8700 Nimbus Ave, Beaverton
TE Connectivity is a technology designer and manufacturer with more than 80,000 employees in over 140 countries. They work with customers on innovations in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications, and the home. TE Connectivity's global and local commitment to sustainability include efforts in its production processes, product design, supply chain, and community engagement.

Wyld
P.O. Box 456, Clackamas
Wyld makes cannabis edibles using real fruit and natural flavors. The company, with roots in a tiny farm building in Central Oregon, believes taking responsibility for business-related impacts on climate change requires immediate action and is committed to minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment. Three Clackamas locations, comprising of manufacturing facilities and corporate offices, earned Gold certification.

Yakima Products, Inc
4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego
Yakima Products, Inc. is a world leader in vehicle racks and cargo solutions. They offer a variety of cargo management products, including racks for bikes, boats, ski equipment, fishing rods, and other gear, as well as cargo boxes and bags, roof-top tents and awnings, water transport, and high performance multi-sport trailers. They make sure their products have as small of an environmental footprint as possible by integrating sustainability at the product development stage and making better design choices from the beginning.

Property management, retirement facilities

Colliers International Center Pointe
851 SW 6th Ave, Portland
Colliers International is a full-service commercial real estate firm with brokerage, asset/property management and commercial finance divisions. The company strives to maintain consistent, sustainable practices for a healthy and safe environment for their tenants and visitors.

Mary's Woods
17400 Holy Names Dr, Lake Oswego
Mary's Woods at Marylhurst, a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names, is a provider of housing, health and vital aging services for older adults. Mary's Woods is committed to the full development for every individual at each life stage.

Rose Villa
13505 SE River Rd., Portland
Rose Villa is a nonprofit senior living organization with a mission to support older adults to live the life of their own choosing. From independent living to 24-hour nursing, Rose Villa works with individuals every step of the way in their personal journey. Rose Villa partners with the community by providing resources for local groups and engaging in sustainable practices wherever possible.

Shorenstein Realty Services, L.P.
5335 Meadows Rd, Lake Oswego
Shorenstein owns and manages high-quality office and residential properties including a 20-building office campus with 1.8 million square feet in Lake Oswego. Shorenstein embraces environmental, social, and governance best practices as an opportunity to improve their business. Their efforts have added measurable value through reduced operating expenses and increased tenant satisfaction.

Willamette View
12705 SE River Rd, Portland
Willamette View is the first continuing care retirement community founded in the Portland metro area. They are a not-for-profit organization offering a wide variety of services and programs for the people who live and work there and are an active participant in the local community. Willamette View's staff and residents work together on a range of sustainability practices.

Services, retail

Akana
6400 SE Lake Rd, Suite 200, Portland
Akana is a Native American-owned firm providing design and consultation services in architecture, engineering, planning, and construction management. Sustainability and care for future generations are central to their design projects, consulting work, and office's daily operations. Their services begin with a basis in ecology, protecting resources while utilizing locally sourced, resilient materials. They also provide continuous sustainability education for staff to adopt best practices in their daily lives.

Aspen Pest Control
8305 SE Monterey Ave, Happy Valley
Aspen Pest Control is a locally owned pest management company offering residential and commercial services that are as safe as possible for children, pets and the environment. They prioritize integrated pest management practices that minimize the need for chemicals to begin with and, when needed, use the lowest toxicity chemicals they can. Sustainability practices that reduce waste and conserve resources are integrated across their operations, both in the field and in the office.

Canby Restore Habitat for Humanity
411 South Redwood St, Canby
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.

Century West Engineering 
Century West Engineering is a civil engineering and planning company focused on improving communities by providing caring, creative, and collaborative public infrastructure design solutions. Founded in Bend in 1969, the company has grown to offer aviation, transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, recreational facility, and electrical services from eight offices in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Century West Engineering is committed to designing and implementing sustainable solutions that minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote resilient communities. 

Commercial Furniture Distributors
27180 SW 95th Ave, Wilsonville
Commercial Furniture Distributors are the northwest's largest wholesale distributor of used and refurbished office furniture. They receive collections of furniture from commercial offices and stock a large inventory at their Wilsonville warehouse, giving their customers – furniture retailers – the ability to offer used merchandise at a discount. Commercial Furniture Distributors also have an in-house repair and refurbish shop that can repaint and reupholster items to make them good as new.

Cumming Group 
Founded in 1996, Cumming Group is one of the nation's fastest-growing providers of sustainability and program management services. They deliver sustainability and climate solutions for the built environment that improve quality of life today and for future generations. Their expertise and collaborative approach empower clients and team members alike to champion environmental stewardship, build resilience in infrastructure the community, and cultivate social equity. 

Dyke Vandenburgh Jewelers
27 A Ave, Lake Oswego
Dyke Vandenburgh Jeweler's studio and showroom features a wide selection of Dyke's one-of-a-kind creations and fine quality designer jewelry from around the world. They also offer a variety of services, including laser welding technology, on-site gemologist, diamond and gemstone re-cutting, pearl and bead restringing, expert restoration, appraisals, engraving, and gemstone inlay and lapidary work.

Elevate Wealth Advisors
615 High St, Oregon City
Elevate Wealth Advisors specialize in retirement planning and asset management, with a focus on serving their local community. They incorporated sustainability decisions into an office move in 2016 and continue to evaluate day-to-day operations with sustainability in mind.

FCS Group
5335 Meadows Rd, Lake Oswego
FCS Group provides financial, economic and utility management consulting services to the public sector. They provide analytical solutions to solve complex issues tailored specifically to their own communities. They strive to take care of our built, natural and social environment through internal and external sustainability practices including recycling beyond the basics, supporting low-impact commuting practices, buying recycled-content supplies and using municipal drinking water over bottled water.

GeoEngineers, Inc.
4000 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego
GeoEngineers is an earth science and engineering firm with roots in the Pacific Northwest and a commitment to balancing the needs of the present with long-term planning for the future. GeoEngineers' team strives to bring sustainability to all aspects of their business through reusing project materials when possible, promoting a culture of sustainability and greening their purchasing practices.

Great American Video Espresso
6130 King Rd, Milwaukie
Great American Video & Espresso is a family-owned and operated business serving the Milwaukie area since 1983. They offer espresso drinks, ice cream, authentic Mid-Western style frozen custard, which can be difficult to find this side of the Mississippi River. Plus, they still rent movies. They are committed to reducing their environmental impact where they can by recycling, composting, conserving energy and water usage and engaging their staff and customers in their efforts.

Kwindie 
Kwindie helps businesses bring their brand to life with graphic design, websites, customized apparel, and branded merchandise. Sustainability has been a key part of Kwindie's mission since opening in 2019, aiming to help create more demand for sustainable materials in the notoriously unsustainable apparel and merchandise industries. 

Live Edge Eco Salon
613 Railroad Ave, Oregon City
LiveEdge Eco Salon is a full service, eco salon and artistry using fair-trade, ethically harvested, organic products. At LiveEdge, the mission is to make people feel beautiful and pampered while leaving the smallest footprint on our planet as possible. LiveEdge prides themselves in recycling or reusing over 95% of their waste, and continues to strive to better the planet. They embrace sustainability in a range of ways, thinking about what products are used and how they are treated after use, and always having the planet and the well-being of guests in mind.

Lush Cosmetics
708 NW 23rd Ave, Portland
Lush Cosmetics makes fresh, handmade cosmetics with over 200 shops in North America, supplied by two cosmetic kitchens in Vancouver, Canada.

Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc.
3140 NE Broadway, Portland
Maul Foster & Alongi is an employee-owned Pacific Northwest consulting firm providing diverse client types with services for environmental and engineering, planning and development, GIS and data analysis, communications, and health and safety. Sustainability is integrated into the company's core and day-to-day operations.

OBEC Consulting Engineers
16651 Southeast McGloughlkin Blvd, Portland
OBEC is a multi-discipline engineering firm that has provided practical engineering to Pacific Northwest clients since 1966. With six offices across Oregon and Washington, OBEC has enhanced its sustainability practices by adopting a range of policies related to employee education, resource conservation, and green purchasing.

Government, nonprofits and educational institutions

Bridges to Change
7916 SE Foster Rd, Portland
Bridges to Change strengthens individuals and families affected by addiction, mental health, poverty and homelessness. Through a partnership with Clackamas County Community Corrections, mentoring and transitional housing is offered for a variety of populations throughout the county. By incorporating sustainable business practices and policies on economic, environmental, and social levels, Bridges to Change hopes to reduce its global impact while increasing awareness of employees, participants, and partners.

City of West Linn
22500 Salamo Rd, West Linn
The City of West Linn serves residents, businesses and the natural environment by pursuing council goals to support a sustainable, healthy environment for all. The city's five main buildings – city hall, the public library, the adult community center, the police station, and operations – all earned Gold or Silver certification thanks to green practices that prevent waste, maximize resources, protect the health of staff and visitors, and build long-term resiliency.

Clackamas County Department of Transportation and Development
150 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City
The Department of Transportation and Development assists Clackamas County residents and businesses in creating vibrant, sustainable communities through responsive public service. Sustainability efforts help serve the public by minimizing waste, conserving materials responsibly and promoting a healthier shared environment now and for generations.

Clackamas Water Environment Services 
150 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City
Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) protects public health and the environment by collecting and cleaning more than 6 billion gallons of wastewater every year for more than 165,000 customers. WES also recovers energy and nutrients from the waste stream, and protects and improves watershed health through infrastructure development and community engagement. The Surface Water Management program provides water quality protection for the community through programs that reduce pollution in our rivers and wetlands caused by urban storm water runoff.

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
24499 SW Grahamas Ferry Rd, Wilsonville
CCCF is a multi-custody prison that accommodates all of Oregon's female inmates. The prison has cell and dormitory housing, inmate work programs, skills training, education, treatment programs, health services, religious services, physical plant, warehouse space for on-site storage, a central records unit and administration areas.

Exceed Enterprises
5285 SE Wallard Way, Milwaukie
Exceed Enterprises, founded in 1968, provides training and employment for people with disabilities. Exceed's trained work teams perform a variety of jobs at customer sites around the metro region, including services that help other businesses achieve sustainability goals and recycle more. Many manufacturers rely on Exceed to do light manufacturing, packaging and assembly.

 

Friends of Robinhood Station
3706 Cedar Oak Dr, West Linn
Robinwood Station, a West Linn Community Center, is improved, managed and operated by the Friends of the Robinwood Station in conjunction with the City of West Linn. A variety of private and community events are held at the Station, and it has become a hub for the community.

Guide Dogs for the Blind
32901 SE Kelso Rd, Boring
Guide Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit that prepares guide dogs and K9 Buddy dogs, provides guide dog readiness skills, and offers youth programs to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Long-term sustainability is essential to successfully delivering GDB's mission and vision over time: Their sustainable actions in day-to-day operations, as well as their core mission, support the Triple Bottom Line by being good for the planet, for people, and for their finances. Their park-like campus in Boring is a welcoming space for clients, volunteers, staff, dogs, and wildlife alike.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest
2780 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie
Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest has been responding to local community needs in the northwest for more than 60 years by recruiting, placing and supporting volunteers with organizations dedicated to social and environmental justice and advocacy. Each year, over 150 full-time Jesuit Volunteer AmeriCorps members commit to a year or more of service.

Lake Oswego City Hall
380 A Ave, Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego's new city hall opened in 2021 and houses several city departments, including the manager's office, police department, council chambers, municipal court and more. Construction followed LEEDTM standards for green building, incorporating materials and design features that save energy, conserve water, maintain healthy indoor air quality, and make ongoing operations more efficient. Policies also keep staff engaged with day-to-day sustainability efforts.

Lake Oswego United Church of Christ
1111 Country Club Rd, Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego United Church of Christ is an open and affirming, Earthwise and Just Peace congregation that holds a weekly Sunday morning worship as well as ongoing activities for faith education, spiritual growth, and community mission.

Sandy Community Action Center
38982 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy
The Sandy Community Action Center is a hunger relief agency that serves the residents of the Oregon Trail School District. The Center provides residents food boxes, daily bread and pastries, clothing cards, monthly food baskets and energy assistance.

Get Certified

The Leaders in Sustainability certification program provides workplaces with guidance and recognition for meaningful achievements in sustainability practices. There are proven benefits of environmental, social and economic advancements (called the triple bottom line) for workplaces of all types and sizes. 

Starting is easy. First, review the eligibility criteria, certification requirements and steps to certification below. Then download the application and get to work!

Leaders in Sustainability Application (PDF)

See who’s certified on our Green Business Directory.

Eligibility requirements

• Be located in Clackamas County
• Comply with all applicable environmental ordinances and regulations, such as:
  • business recycling requirements
  • proper disposal/recycling of paints and electronics
  • food scraps collection requirements (only for food-related businesses)
  • Oregon environmental laws banning single-use plastic bags and providing straws by request only​

Certification requirements

All certification levels require a Leader in Sustainability to:

• Meet basic eligibility requirements above
• Complete at least 1 practice in each of sections I-IX (pp. 2-6)
• Identify a new sustainability goal on p. 7
• Formalize the finished list of practices as official policies (see p. 7)

...and complete a minimum number of overall practices:

• 1-39 employees on staff:
  • Certified: Complete at least 15 total practices
  • Silver: Complete at least 30 total practices
  • Gold: Complete at least 45 total practices
• 40 or more employees:
  • Certified: Complete at least 20 total practices
  • Silver: Complete at least 40 total practices
  • Gold: Complete at least 60 total practices

Some corporations with fewer than 40 employees on site locally will need to reach the numbers of practices required of companies with 40 or more employees. This is to account for corporate-level policies, managed by corporate staff elsewhere, that help the location achieve certification.

Employee count dictates the numbers of practices required because some practices on this application are not feasible for smaller organizations. Larger organizations have larger environmental impacts but also larger budgets – and therefore have both the responsibility and the opportunity to do more.

Steps to certification

1. Complete the application
   • Check off practices you currently follow and identify others that you want to explore. 
   • Get assistance through the process with our online sustainable best practices guide or we can connect you with a personal sustainability coach.
   • Once you are ready for verification and review, send your working application to greenbiz@clackamas.us.
2. Make it official
   • Formalize any new practices as official policies and ensure staff know what’s expected of them.
3. Schedule a consultation
   • We’ll review your application and schedule a meeting (either virtual or in person) to verify the practices you’ve checked off.
4. Celebrate and share
   • Receive your award plaque and plan promotion to share the good news with your staff and customers!

Why get certified?

Organizations that go through the Leaders in Sustainability application process take concrete steps to:

You’ll become part of a network of businesses sharing sustainability solutions and broadening one another’s reach.  By joining, your workplace can:

Promote your certification

Certification lasts for 3 years. Certified workplaces receive:

• a custom plaque
• a window decal showing your certification level
• a listing on Clackamas County's Green Business Directory
• promotion in the County newspaper, our e-newsletter, and other outlets when available
• resources for the organization's own promotion, including the logo to include on marketing materials, the website, email signatures, etc.

But the best promotion will always be what you do, so shout it from the rooftops! Promote your accomplishment on social media, tell customers and partner organizations about it, and show off your award plaque where people will see it.

Logos

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See what businesses are doing

Businesses generate over half the waste in our region. 

Businesses are responsible for meeting local regulations to separate certain materials for recycling and to have identifiable internal bins and educational signs for employees. Food businesses must also minimize plastic waste and in some areas, separate food scraps to be composted. To help you comply with these requirements, we provide free tools and support.

• Request assistance and supplies
• Complete five question survey to show compliance

Recycling

Effective 2009, all workplaces — including businesses, schools, public agencies and non-profit organizations—are required to recycle the materials listed below, have internal containers designated for recycling, post signs showing employees what can be recycled, and at least once a year educate employees on the guidelines of what is allowed in the program.

Separate these materials for recycling:

• Paper and cardboard
• Plastic bottles, jugs, round tubs and buckets
• Metal
• Glass – bottles and jars (collected separately)

Everyone in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties can include the same items in their recycling at work and home. Businesses with dumpster or cart-based garbage service have access to mixed recycling service as part of the fee.

For more information about the requirements, view Clackamas County Code (see Chapter 10.03.145 Business Recycling Requirement).

Download and print recycling posters

Food Waste

Food businesses within the Metro District that dispose of at least 60 gallons of food waste per week must separate that material for collection. This requirement covers all businesses that sell, cook, serve, process, and/or assemble food: restaurants, grocers, manufacturers, hospitality, etc. The covered material includes all waste from fruits, vegetables, meats, breads and grains, dairy, fish and shellfish, nuts, seeds, coffee grounds, and other foods.

Food businesses within the Metro District that dispose of at least 60 gallons of food waste per week must separate that material for collection. This requirement covers all businesses that sell, cook, serve, process, and/or assemble food: restaurants, grocers, manufacturers, hospitality, etc. The covered material includes all waste from fruits, vegetables, meats, breads and grains, dairy, fish and shellfish, nuts, seeds, coffee grounds, and other foods.

 The regulation only applies to wasted food handled by employees. Businesses are not required to collect food scraps that have been disposed of directly by customers in front-of-house operations.

Property owners and managers must allow for the collection of food waste by these businesses or help secure the service for lessees that are covered under the requirement.

For more information about the requirements, view Clackamas County Code (see Chapter 10.03.147 Food Waste Requirement) or visit How to Reduce Food Waste.

Statewide Policies

Single-use Plastic Bag Ban

Retail stores and restaurants are prohibited from providing single-use plastic checkout bags to customers. Businesses may still provide reusable or recycled-content paper bags and must charge a fee for providing the bag.

Paper bags must be made with at least 40% post-consumer recycled fiber. Reusable bags include fabric bags or thick plastic (4 mil or more). The per-bag fee for paper or reusable plastic is 5 cents in Clackamas County, except in Lake Oswego, where it is 10 cents.

Learn more about the statewide single-use bag ban.

Print and hang educational posters to inform and educate customers. 

Single-use Plastic Straws in Food Service Facilities

Effective January 2020, food service establishments (restaurants, bats, hospitality, etc.) are prohibited from automatically providing plastic, single-use straws (PDF from the Oregon Health Authority). They are to be available by request only. Automatically providing single-use plastic straws to customers is prohibited. Dine-in customers must request plastic straws. Drive-thru and takeout customer can be asked if they need one. Paper or bamboo straws can still be provided automatically.

Polystyrene Foam and PFAS Container Ban

Oregon is foam-free starting 2025!

In 2023, Oregon adopted SB 543 that bans the use and sale of polystyrene foam containers and containers with intentionally added PFAS for prepared foods. It also bans the sale of foam packing peanuts and single-use foam coolers.

Please refer directly to the bill or the Department of Environmental Quality for more details and definitions.

Free Assistance

We’re here to help you meet and maintain compliance. Every year we provide hundreds of workplaces with free tools and support to make recycling easier for their employees. We offer the following at no charge:

• Virtual consultations and customized assistance
• Virtual presentations and staff trainings
• Customized posters and educational flyers
• Curbside delivery of resources
• Help navigating waste options and service with your franchised waste hauler

Beyond Recycling to Sustainability

We also help workplaces go beyond basic recycling to reduce waste, operate more efficiently and receive recognition for their sustainability efforts. Contact us today!

There are several locations within Clackamas County where you can take your garbage, recycling, household hazardous waste and yard debris. Make sure to call locations ahead to confirm hours and materials accepted.

Large appliances, furniture, and other items can be picked up by the garbage and recycling company, even if you are not a regular customer. Call your franchised garbage and recycling company for a quote and arrange a pickup time.

Find a Disposal Location

Unsure where to properly dispose of an item? Search using the Metro Find a Recycler tool or call 503-234-3000.

Transfer stations

Construction, demolition or remodeling debris? The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality requires asbestos testing and documentation before disposal of construction, demolition and remodeling debris. Transfer stations will not accept suspect asbestos-containing materials without documentation.

Recycling, salvaging, and reusing construction debris can reduce disposal costs and save resources.

Note: facilities may close during extreme weather events.

Household hazardous waste facility

Note: facilities may close during extreme weather events.

Yard waste facilities

Always check with the location to confirm accepted items and pricing.

Recycling depots

These locations accept various materials for recycling, including some not accepted in your curbside recycling bin. 

Always check with the location to confirm accepted items and pricing.

Reuse and donation

Buying, selling, and donating good-condition items is a great way to save money and minimize waste.

Find more information and locations near you.

Other options

• Other disposal & recycling options
• Repair Fairs

We’re here to help you design garbage and recycling enclosures that meet county standards. Our team can advise on size, placement, and access, coordinate with your local solid waste collector, and share sample plans.

Before investing in detailed drawings, contact us at 503-557-6363 (option 7) or wasteinfo@clackamas.us to discuss your site’s needs.

Process

Step 1: Pre-Application Meeting

During this informal discussion, county staff—including Sustainability & Solid Waste—review your preliminary plans and outline requirements from solid waste, water, fire, sewer, and other service providers.

Step 2: Update Your Plans

If your project moves forward and is approved by staff and the Design Review Committee, revise your site plan to meet any required conditions. Most projects require meeting garbage and recycling enclosure standards and receiving a sign-off from Sustainability & Solid Waste.

Timing Matters

Engage with us early in your design process. Not meeting ZDO Section 1021 requirements can delay your Certificate of Occupancy or require costly enclosure reconstruction.

Basic Requirements

Size & Access

• Enclosures must accommodate all required garbage and recycling containers.
• Service trucks—similar in size to fire trucks—must be able to access, service, and exit the enclosure with minimal backing.
• See ZDO Section 1021 for full specifications.

Building Materials

Options include masonry, brick, or chain-link with slats, and more. Materials should reduce the visual impact of stored containers.

Pad

Pads must be poured Portland cement concrete on level ground for durability and weight support.

Gates, Bumpers & Signage

• Gates must fully open, be secured in the open and closed positions, and allow straight removal of containers.
• Interior bumpers protect the structure.
• “No Parking” signage and striped curbs keep the enclosure accessible.

What to Avoid

• Inadequate size: Small enclosures lead to containers being left outside or packed too tightly, creating safety and access problems. Larger spaces allow more recycling—saving money as recycling is included in the cost of garbage service.
• Poor siting: Avoid locations without adequate truck maneuvering room, such as dead-end alleys or tight corners. Improper siting puts drivers, pedestrians, vehicles, and property at risk.
• Inadequate gates: Gates that are too narrow or that swing shut can hinder safe collection.
• Insufficient pad: Uneven, soft, or sloped surfaces make moving heavy containers unsafe and can cause water to pool. Access grades must not exceed 3%.
• Failure to post no-parking signs: Parked vehicles can block access and prevent collection at any time—including early mornings, holidays, or staff schedule changes.
• No bumpers: Without interior bumpers, enclosure walls can be damaged by container impacts.

Waste Prevention Assistance for Businesses

We offer free technical assistance to help businesses reduce waste, reuse materials, and improve recycling. Support includes desk-side recycling boxes and guidance for setting up efficient indoor and outdoor systems.

Call 503-557-6363 (option 3) for a free consultation.