Legislative and Advocacy
- Helped launch the Master Recycler program
- Recycling Advocates initiated public discussion regarding the environmental costs associated with the massive use of paper and plastic check-out bags.
- Recycling Advocates closely monitored the Bottle Bill legislation (SB707) and the E-waste legislation (HB2626) in 2007 as the bills progressed through both houses. RA kept its members informed and recruited their testimony resulting in passage of both bills.
- RA has been working with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation to increase collection in Oregon.
- Sponsored the first electronics product stewardship legislation in Oregon, Senate Bill 867, which passed and was signed into law in 2003, creating an advisory group for solutions.
- Launched the ongoing Western Electronic Product Stewardship Initiative (WEPSI), a multi-stakeholder process intended to institute shared responsibility for electronic waste. For the latest on the successful product stewardship electronic collection and recycling, go to Oregon E-Cycles.
- Advocated to maintain the quality of curbside collectibles in the Metro region during the transition to commingling.
- Helped eliminate polystyrene foam food containers in Portland restaurants.
- Helped achieve weekly curbside recycling service with containers in the Metro region.
- Led a nationally recognized campaign to discontinue PVC (#3) plastic packaging.
- Currently leading a campaign in Portland metro to reduce disposable single-use coffee cups
- Established the first Zero Waste Conference in Portland (2018)
Zero Waste Conference video presentations now available for viewing!
