Legislation Would Require Food Recycling In Oregon

Under a bill in the Oregon Legislature, restaurants and other food producers in the state would be required to recycle food waste.  Mandatory commercial food waste recycling would be phased in starting in 2028, under the bill.  State Representative Courtney Neron also wants to reduce food waste with a label change.

"Sell By would be replaced by Used By, a less confusing term that will prevent more food from being unnecessarily wasted, saving Oregonians money and keeping more edible food in our kitchens and out of our landfills," she noted.

Turning food waste into compost is a complex process.  Craig Campbell, with the Oregon Refuse and Recycling Association, says the mix needs to be accurate.

"If you increase the amount of composting you expect from food waste, you're going to have to include anywhere from a four to one, five to one, or even more ratio of non-food compostable material that you're currently not getting."

Campbell said other issues include getting permits for larger recycling facilities, finding a market to sell the compost, which is currently at its limit, and getting federal funding to help implement the program.

The bill remains in committee.  Click Here to learn more about House Bill 3018.

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