Oregon is considering significant changes to how we plan for and manage solid waste infrastructure through the proposed Waste Infrastructure Partnership Act (WIPA).
Benton Clean & Strong supports thoughtful, long-term planning for Oregon’s solid waste future. We also believe major changes to a system that every Oregon household, business and community relies on should be based on clear facts, realistic timelines and a full understanding of the consequences.
What is WIPA?
The Waste Infrastructure Partnership Act (WIPA) is a proposal being considered as part of Oregon’s broader conversation about the future of the state’s solid waste system.
At its core, WIPA is intended to change how Oregon plans for and invests in the infrastructure needed to manage waste in the years ahead. That includes questions about how Oregon reduces and recovers more material, what new infrastructure may be needed, and how the state manages the waste that remains.
The proposal is part of a larger discussion now underway with Oregon’s Solid Waste Task Force, which is examining the state’s long-term solid waste needs and potential policy changes.
Why does it matter?
Decisions about Oregon’s solid waste system affect much more than where garbage goes. They can affect:
- How much disposal capacity Oregon has in the future;
- What new facilities and infrastructure will need to be built;
- How far waste must travel;
- Costs for households, businesses and local governments; and
- Communities that host or depend on solid waste infrastructure.
Benton Clean & Strong supports planning for Oregon’s future and continued investment in waste reduction, recycling and innovation. We also believe any major changes should account for the waste that will still require disposal and ensure Oregon maintains safe, reliable and affordable capacity throughout the transition.
That’s why we believe WIPA deserves careful consideration — and why it’s important for Oregonians to be part of the conversation.
What Should Oregon Consider?
Before moving forward, policymakers should answer some important questions:
- How much disposal capacity will Oregon need? Even as we reduce waste and increase recycling, some material will continue to require safe and reliable disposal.
- Where will our waste go? If existing capacity is reduced before alternatives are available, waste may have to travel farther or be sent out of state.
- What will new infrastructure cost? New facilities, equipment and transportation require significant investment — and those costs can ultimately reach households and businesses.
- How long will the transition take? New infrastructure takes time to plan, permit, finance and build.
- How will local communities be affected? Oregon’s regions have different needs, infrastructure and challenges. Local voices should be part of the conversation.
We Can Do Both
Oregon should continue investing in waste reduction, recycling, reuse, recovery and new technologies. Those efforts can reduce the amount of material requiring disposal and help build a more sustainable system.
But progress does not require us to ignore the continued need for safe, reliable and affordable disposal capacity.
A responsible long-term plan should account for both.
Get It Right
The decisions Oregon makes today will shape our solid waste system for decades.
Before making significant changes, we should understand the capacity Oregon needs, the infrastructure required, what it will cost, how long it will take and where our waste will go along the way.
Oregon should get this right — not simply get it done.
Add Your Voice.
Benton Clean & Strong is a coalition of more than 3,600 residents, businesses and community leaders working for practical solutions, responsible environmental stewardship and a strong future for Benton County.
