Clackamas County Newsletter for Multifamily Property Managers 
Winter/Spring 2021
Your quarterly guide to successful recycling & waste reduction
from Clackamas County's Sustainability & Solid Waste Program
In this edition:
  • ClackCo Sustainability & Solid Waste's Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
  • Oregon's Opportunity to Recycle Reminder
  • Self-Score Your Community & Get Compensated!
  • Special Recycling (Free and Low-Cost Drop-Off Options)
  • RSVP Today: Multifamily Property Manager Virtual Gathering (April 22)
  • Landlord Compensation Fund
  • Energy Savings for Multifamily Communities and Residents
Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
As 2021 gets rolling, we want to affirm our commitment to everyone who lives, works and plays in Clackamas County.
Following the discovery of racist and prejudiced statements by a newly-elected County Commissioner, Clackamas County as an organization has been outspoken that those words are reprehensible, harmful, and do not represent us or our mission. We would like you, our partners, customers, and community members, to know that we, along with every other elected Commissioner and department director, denounce these statements. We believe aiming to be a sustainable community requires equity. This also means acknowledging the historic and current role racism plays in Oregon, and taking steps to undo it. We are committed to acting in ways that embody these values. Here are a few examples:
  • Seeking out voices that have historically been excluded in local government (e.g. development of a youth task force around climate change). 
  • Including equity in our Leaders in Sustainability certification, because true sustainability requires equity at its core.
  • Working with partners to connect with businesses and individuals who may have been unaware of or perceived barriers to using our services.
  • Speaking out against hateful rhetoric and action.
  • Acknowledging that we're not always going to get it right, and encouraging the community to let us know when/how we can improve.
While the COVID-19 pandemic persists, we are available to support you through virtual meetings and contactless deliveries. To request free resources or assistance, contact us today or use our online order form (linked at bottom).
Do you manage communities outside of Clackamas County? See our list of regional multifamily contacts throughout the tri-county area who are ready to help with your waste prevention, reuse, and recycling efforts.
Oregon's Opportunity to Recycle Reminder
With the start of the new year, we want to remind you of Oregon's Opportunity Recycle Act requirements. 
In Clackamas County (and MultCo and WashCo, too), property owners/managers are required to provide residents:
  • Access to regular recycling service (this includes a separate bin for glass recycling)
  • Recycling education (at least annually)
To help fulfill this requirement, we offer education materials and free technical assistance. Request free waste reduction and recycling resources online or by email (linked at bottom).
Self-Score Your Community and Get Compensated 
That's right! Taking a few minutes to review your community's garbage and recycling set-up won't just help you identify ways for improvement, but it also comes with a bonus: a $100 garbage bill credit!*
Here's how it works:
1. Self-score your community using our online rating tool. It will help you identify successes, as well as opportunities for improvement.
2. Share your completed rating tool with us via email or call us at 503.742.4451. 
3. We will verify scores and award $100 garbage bill credits to the first 30 communities with shared recycling service that respond.
It's not the score that's important, but the process. We want to help make your garbage and recycling system better for everyone: residents, staff, and your garbage company. Self-scoring can help identify areas for improvement, and we're here to help you from there!
*Available for the first 30 scores received from communities with shared garbage/recycling service.
Special Recycling - free and low-cost drop-off options
In Oregon, recycling is a part of how we do things. We are fortunate to have a system that allows us to recycle at home, work, and school. However, due to processing logistics and/or safety concerns, some items must be taken to drop-off locations to be recycled. Here are some free and low-cost drop-off options for special recycling:
TVs, Laptops, Computers, etc. - Oregon E-Cycles allows individuals to drop off up to seven accepted items a day for free recycling at Goodwill stores and other participating locations. To find a drop-off location near you, visit www.oregonecycles.org
Plastic bags and plastic wrap - Plastic bags and other flexible plastic packaging (like the wrap around toilet paper and paper towels) can be returned to participating retailers (e.g. Safeway, Fred Meyer, etc.) for free recycling. To find a drop-off location near you, visit www.plasticfilmrecycling.org.
Batteries - Alkaline, lithium-ion, and rechargeable batteries can be recycled for a small fee at the following locations (these locations also accept and properly dispose of CFL and LED light bulbs):
Paint - Unused paints and stains can be recycled for free. To find drop-off locations and limits, visit www.paintcare.org
Styrofoam- A couple of drop-off locations exist in the region:
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 when you drop off your recyclales by wearing a mask!
To find other recycling options for these or other items throughout the region, visit Metro's Find-A-Recycler or call Metro's Recycling Information Hotline at 503.234.3000. 
Multifamily Virtual Gathering 04/22/21
Join us (virtually) for lunch!
Spend your lunch hour with us from the comfort of your home, office, or home office! On Thursday, April 22 from noon-1pm, we will be hosting a virtual gathering for multifamily owners, managers, and staff to learn about: 
  • Upcoming changes to multifamily garbage and recycling throughout the tri-county area (e.g. minimum service, color, and signage standards)
  • Free resources and services available to you/your residents
  • Tips for success
Communities* will receive a $50 garbage credit for their time and participation.
RSVP to receive a Zoom link to participate from your computer or smartphone. 
*Communities whose residents have their own garbage/recycling accounts are exempt from compensation, but encouraged to attend and request free resources/assistance.
Landlord Compensation Fund
As the global pandemic continues, so do its impacts, and housing has been at the forefront. The statewide eviction moratorium (HB 4401) has been extended until June 30, 2021. This new moratorium includes money for residents and landlords. As stated on the state of Oregon's website:
"The Legislature allocated $200 million in rent assistance to support tenants and landlords."
More details can be found about the Landlord Compensation Fund on the Oregon Housing and Community Services website. 
Energy Savings 
Energy Trust of Oregon provides free energy-saving advice and assistance to multifamily property owners and renters. Check out these resources to help your community become more sustainable and save money in the process:

Questions? Have a suggestion?
Download our Recycle Guide
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