Workplace Recycling and Waste

From recycling to food scraps, workplace waste systems can cover many waste types while remaining simple and understandable. 

There are many resources to help you streamline your garbage, recycling, and food waste systems to reduce your organization's contributions to the waste stream.

Requirements for Local Business Recycling

Businesses within Clackamas County have access to recycling as part of their dumpster or cart-based garbage services. Milwaukie has a local ordinance regarding business recycling including:

• Requirements for businesses to recycle paper, cardboard, glass and plastic bottles and jars, and metal cans
• Requirements for internal and external recycling containers
• Requirements to display educational signage showing employees what can be recycled and where

Clackamas County is here to help your business manage waste appropriately. Clackamas County provides free support and tools to help your business meet the recycling requirements, including free signage and posters, recycling sorting materials, and customized on-site assistance. To learn more, visit their website at:  www.clackamas.us/recycling/work

In addition, Milwaukie has a Plastic Bag and Polystyrene foam ban for certain retailers and organizations - learn about it here.

Ready to Green your Business?

Visit Clackamas County's Sustainable Workplace page to learn about greening your businesses waste management processes, facilities, and operations in a single easy and understandable process.

Clackamas County also offers free waste reduction support and on-site assistance for your workplace. Sustainability advisors are available to help make it easy to waste less, recycle more, set up a compost program and earn recognition.  Common support advisors provide includes:

• Recycling presentations
• Waste audits
• Green team support
• Sustainable purchasing support
• Reducing food waste from your restaurant
• Recognition as a Leader in Sustainability

Visit Clackamas County's Sustainable Workplace page to learn more.

Reduce food waste in the workplace

Clackamas County provides free customizable tools, resources and support to help your business reduce food waste, donate edible food to people in need, and separate food scraps for compost. 

Access Clackamas County resources here. Looking to donate edible food? Read about Clackamas County food donation FAQs and contact information here.