2026 Fall Policy Forum

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AOR's Fall Policy Forum
Advancing Oregon's Bottle Bill & Materials Management

DATE: November 3, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Crowne Plaza Portland - Downtown Convention Center, 1441 NE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97232
RECEPTION: Retirement reception honoring Kristan Mitchell (ORRA), 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
PRICE: AOR Members: $125 | Nonmembers: $195

REGISTER

Join the Association of Oregon Recyclers for our full-day forum dedicated to unpacking the evolving landscape of Oregon’s iconic Bottle Bill and broader materials management policy.

Stay for a Special Retirement Reception!

Immediately following the forum, join us from 4pm to 6pm for a retirement reception honoring Kristan Mitchell. Come toast and celebrate her years of leadership as Executive Director and CEO of ORRA and her long-time support of AOR as she steps into her next chapter!

Who Should Attend?

Recycling professionals, municipal staff, policymakers, waste haulers, nonprofit community leaders, and advocates interested in extended producer responsibility, retail redemption pathways, and materials management legislation.

Forum Agenda Framework

OPENING: Welcome & Setting the Stage (10:00 AM – 10:15 AM)

• 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Opening Remarks & Welcome
  • Setting the stage for the day, forum objectives, and opening context.
     

PART 1: A Program Shaped by Oregonians: The Evolution of Oregon's Bottle Bill and What We Value About It Today (10:15 AM – 11:45 AM)

• 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Historical Context & Modern Legacy
  • Exploring how Oregon's Bottle Bill has evolved from a pioneering anti-litter law into a modern recycling system shaped by and responsive to the needs of Oregonians.
• 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM | Public Perception & Data Insights
  • A deep dive into recent DHM survey data highlighting public sentiment, awareness, and strong continued community backing for the program.
• 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | Networking Lunch
   

PART 2: Convenient Access, Complementary Systems: Building Recycling Choices for Modern Oregon (12:45 PM – 2:00 PM)

• 12:45 PM – 1:30PM | On-the-Ground Realities: How Do We Define “Convenient Access” for Container Redemptions (Portland Spotlight)
  • Examining redemption access in the Portland region through the lens of recent legislative changes, evolving return patterns, operational trends, and community redemption operator perspectives, including the impacts of the Delta Park closure, growth in Green Bag use, alternative return options, discussion around refund payment methods, and the challenges of siting redemption facilities in Portland.
• 1:30 PM – 2:10 PM |Complementary by Design: Oregon's Dual Approach to Recycling
  • Crossover discussion that explores how curbside recycling and the Bottle Bill meet different needs and maintain their value to Oregon today.
• 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Afternoon Break
   

PART 3: Broader Legislative Updates & Looking Ahead to 2027 (2:30 PM – 3:45 PM)

• 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) Working Group Update
  • Progress report from the RMA Partners Working Group, legislative outreach strategies, and joint organizational efforts.
• 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Future Outlook: 2027 Session Preparation
  • Anticipated legislative efforts, legal activities, appeals, and key bills on the horizon for the 2027 legislative session.
• 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Summary & Next Steps
  • Wrap-up, key takeaways, and call to action for joint advocacy efforts.