Metro Food Scraps Mandate

Update Jan. 15, 2021: Food Waste Policy Delayed
Effective February 1, 2021 Metro is delaying implementation of the Business Food Waste Requirement by an additional year. The policy, which requires establishment of a business food waste collection program for certain food service businesses, was originally scheduled to begin on March 30, 2020. On September 10, 2020 Metro amended associated administrative rules to delay the effective date by one year to March 30, 2021. After careful consideration of the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on the business community, implementation for the largest businesses will be delayed by an additional year--to March 30, 2022. Administrative rules will again be amended effective February 1. Read rules here.

Update Aug. 25, 2020: ORLA commends Metro for taking action in response to these uncertain times by drafting rules to delay the business food waste requirement by one year. We have submitted comments to Metro asking that the implementation be delayed until all jurisdictions enter into Phase 3. To read our comments, click here. 

Update Sept. 21, 2018: Metro has updated draft administrative rules to guide the implementation of its business food scraps separation policy, adopted by the Metro Council on July 26. The draft administrative rules were available for public comment through Friday, Sept. 28. Read more.

Portland Area Businesses to Be Subject to Food Scrap Policy
As part of ORLA's ongoing engagement with Metro on the food scraps, ORLA President & CEO Jason Brandt and Director of Business Development Marla McColly recently testified at Metro’s public hearing against the proposed food scrap mandate. ORLA and our members have been involved in the past in the voluntary collection of food scraps and we testified to that fact and the fact that participants in the past have exceeded the goals set by Metro. (Read ORLA's comments)

We also raised concerns about the logistics of food scrap collections across the Metro area, about the implementation dates and about issues around public health and safety if food scraps are not picked up in a timely manner. In addition to ORLA there was opposition to the plan from local governments in both Sherwood and Hillsboro, citing the lack of analysis on the costs to implement the new mandate and the ability of local governments (especially in Washington County) to efficiently dispose of food waste. Despite ORLA’s efforts and those of local governments, Metro Council voted in favor of the staff recommendation for a food scrap mandate on a 7-0 vote. 

The mandate is scheduled to start on March 1, 2020 and will be implemented based on the amount of food waste generated by businesses. ORLA will continue to monitor the implementation of this program and provide information to our members. As the program is rolled out, if you experience problems or have concerns, please share those with Greg Astley, ORLA Director of Government Affairs, at Astley@oregonrla.org so we can keep Metro informed as to the effectiveness and success of their mandate.

In the news

• Mandatory scrap food recycling coming to Portland area restaurants - KGW8, 9.18.18
• Metro issues 'fine print' to regulate mandatory food scraps recycling - Portland Tribune, 9.14.18​
• Revised business food scraps rules available for public comment - Metro News, 9.5.18
• ​Starting in 2020, many businesses must keep food out of the garbage - Metro News, 7.27.18