In 2022, the State of Oregon allocated $10 million one-time investment to Metro to fund regional cleanup efforts. The funding, from House Bill 5202, was created to address the waste impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding enabled Metro, in partnership with local governments, nonprofits and community organizations to more effectively tackle public dumping, litter, graffiti and abandoned vehicles.
At the direction of the State of Oregon, these funds were not used for activities associated with campsite removal or to backfill existing funding.
The funding supported projects that fit into three main categories:
- Expansion of cleanup crews along Oregon Department of Transportation rights-of-way.
- Investments in partner-led regional cleanup efforts.
- Targeted removal of key problematic dumped items.
Over the course of two years, Metro, local government and community partners initiated and completed cleanup efforts which improved livability in regional neighborhoods, streets and waterways. Some cleanup project highlights include:
- 9800 miles of highway litter patrols, with sites being visited at least twice per week.
- 231 abandoned boats were removed from public spaces, including the two largest derelict vessels in the region.
- 222 abandoned recreational vehicles that were towed and disposed of.
- Over 3755 tons of trash thrown away.
As of June 30, 2024, all $10 million of this funding has been allocated or spent for cleanup efforts throughout greater Portland.