The changes come on the heels of the announcement last week of the upcoming closure of the WestRock paper mill in Newberg, which has used the majority of the wood waste generated in the Portland region as a source of energy.
Due to ongoing changes in the wood market, Metro has already been engaged in a search for additional places that can accept wood waste from the Portland region as a way to ensure some value can be recovered from these types of discards. That search will continue. In the meantime, Metro facilities, as well as other facilities around the region, are adjusting what they accept until other solutions emerge.
Here’s what you need to know if want to bring wood waste or yard debris to Metro Central or Metro South.
- Wood waste loads and yard debris loads cannot be mixed and must arrive separately.
- Loads charged as yard debris can include leaves, brush, limbs (fruit on limbs OK), grass clippings, and branches and stumps no larger than 18 inches. Dirt, sod and rocks cannot be included.
- Wood waste loads can include only raw dimensional lumber, pallets or packing crates free of paint, stain and other treatments and free of strapping, shrink wrap, shipping labels and hardware (nails OK).
- Loads with engineered wood (plywood, oriented strand board, particle board), laminated wood and paneling, and painted, treated, stained or varnished wood will be charged at garbage rates.
You can search Metro’s online database for other facilities that may take wood waste, but be advised that these changes also affect those facilities so it’s best to call ahead to make sure you know what they’ll accept.
If you have further questions, check out this fact sheet, or ask Metro at 503-234-3000.