Tour and Session Descriptions
TOURS
Tour #1: Reuse in Action
Time TBD
Location TBD
Tour #2: The Hierarchy Tour
Time TBD
Location TBD
Tour #3: EPR Programs in Practice
Time TBD
Location TBD
Tour #4: Equity in Waste, Equity in Practice
Time TBD
Location TBD
More details coming soon.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
OPENING PLENARY: What's in the Mix? The Role that Waste & Recycling Composition Data Play in the Rollout of the Recycling Modernization Act (RMA)Tuesday, 6/18, 9:00am - 10:15am |
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Peter Spendelow from Oregon DEQ wrapped up work on three separate waste and recycling composition studies in late 2023/early 2024 - a waste disposal study, an inbound commingled recycling study, and an outbound commodity and residue study at MRFs. The results of these studies will provide us with keen insights into how our recycling system is working in Oregon, and will be vitally important to the development of many of the main features of the Recycling Modernization Act as it rolls out over the next couple of years.
CONCURRENT SESSION: Western Oregon Regional Sustainable Materials Management Plan: Collaboration and Co-Investment in the Development of Shared SolutionsTuesday, 6/18, 10:45am - 11:45am |
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The Western Oregon Regional Sustainable Materials Management Plan is an effort spearheaded by Benton County to provide Western Oregon with an action-oriented plan to significantly reduce negative and maximize positive environmental, health, social, and economic impacts of materials; explore innovative opportunities across the complete life cycle of materials to address current and future regional needs; and provide a plan that leverages regional approaches and outcomes through extensive collaborative engagement across the life cycle of materials. Sharing the stage, partners from throughout Western Oregon will provide attendees a look into the work to-date and how this regional effort will complement the implantation of the State’s Recycling Modernization Act.
CONCURRENT SESSION: Human-Centered Approach to Illegal Dumping in the Portland and Eugene CommunitiesTuesday, 6/18, 10:45am - 11:45am |
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This session will highlight government and nonprofit approaches to responding to and preventing illegal dumping in the Portland Metro and Eugene communities. Speakers will share examples of centering community and lived experiences when developing and implementing programs. Hear from front-line workers about their experiences, challenges, and successes working in illegal dumping. Learn about unique challenges and strategies to serve different settings including commercial areas, multi-family housing, student housing, and the unhoused community.
CONCURRENT SESSION: Legislative UpdateTuesday, 6/18, 12:45pm - 1:45pm |
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Join AOR's Legislative Chair for a look back at the 2024 legislative short session, and what we may anticipate for the coming 2025 long session.
CONCURRENT SESSION: Abandoned Boats, RVs, and Asbestos – Oh My!: A Look Into Illegal Dumping of Particularly Challenging Materials Across Rural and Urban Oregon CommunitiesTuesday, 6/18, 12:45pm - 1:45pm |
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This session will highlight government approaches and challenges when responding to abandoned boats, RVs, and other particularly challenging materials. We'll share examples from across Oregon to reveal similarities and differences in experience. Hear from front-line workers about their successes, challenges, and suggestions for the future of systems addressing cleanup of particularly hazardous, expensive, and logistically challenging materials.
CONCURRENT SESSION: Compostable Packaging: Impacts on Materials Management SystemsTuesday, 6/18, 2:15pm - 3:15pm |
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California's SB 54 and the push for all packaging to be compostable, recyclable, or reusable presents potential risks for Oregon’s food-only composting efforts. This session will dive into SB54, why Oregon continues to favor a food-only approach, and the risks compostable packaging poses to the environment and soil health.
CONCURRENT SESSION: What's Next for EPR in OR: Focus on Batteries and ElectronicsTuesday, 6/18, 2:15pm - 3:15pm |
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This session will examine Oregon's “new" Oregon E-Cycles program, which will launch Jan. 1, 2026, and explore the realities of processing the growing e-waste stream. We'll also hear how battery EPR can tie into Oregon's existing e-waste EPR program and support the state's recently passed right-to-repair legislation.
CLOSING PLENARY: Conversations with CAATuesday, 6/18, 3:45pm - 5:00pm |
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