Portland’s diversion of waste began in 1970 with a student from Portland State University, Jerry Powell started a recycling center on campus (1). He ran the center as the Portland Recycling Team, which soon after had a second outpost in the southeast region of Portland (1). Yet because of diverging interest the outpost broke off creating Sunflower competing with 140 existing waste management companies (2). To this day, waste companies are ran as private entities (2). By 1983, Oregon required every community to set up its own system to offer residents recycling(2). In 1987 Portland established its own system mandating the companies still operating in a “free market” clearly offer both trash and recycling services(2). In 1992 the city chose a franchise system for the residential sector so that the companies could only serve residents in specified districts(2). By 1996 the city made it required for commercial and multifamily housing to have a recycling rate of 50% of their waste(2). This eventually became expected of all customers of the waste management companies(2). As of 2005, the recycling rate was at 52% and aims for a 75% rate by 2015(2). In 2011, the city began curbside composting for single family homes(2).
1. Johnson, Steven. "Origins and Development of Environmental and Sustainability Movement in Portland, Oregon." Steven Reed Johnson Portland Oregon, USA. stevenreedjohnson.com/stevenreedjohnson/civicpdxEnriro_files/Environment.pdf (accessed February 16, 2013).
2. "History of Portland's Garbage and Recycling System | About Garbage and Recycling in Portland | The City of Portland, Oregon." City of Portland Bureau of Transportation. http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/109782 (accessed March 1, 2013).
2. "History of Portland's Garbage and Recycling System | About Garbage and Recycling in Portland | The City of Portland, Oregon." City of Portland Bureau of Transportation. http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/109782 (accessed March 1, 2013).
Lara Jansen