Recycling Modernization Act Comes Online To Improve Statewide Recycling System -07/01/25

Today, Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) officially goes into effect after five years of planning and preparation.

The RMA introduces significant changes to how Oregon funds, collects, and recycles packaging, paper, and food serviceware. It also introduces RecycleOn Oregon, a new, trusted source for recycling information.

Over the next few years, local governments, as well as recycling and waste companies across the state, will collaborate with Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the organization selected by the state of Oregon to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program created by the RMA to update the recycling system.

Residents and businesses may notice changes in their recycling services, receive updated information about what can be recycled, and learn more about where the recycled materials end up. The goal is to enable all Oregonians to recycle with confidence and have certainty that their recyclables will find a new life.

“I am excited about what the RMA and RecycleOn Oregon mean for residents across Lane County,” said Jeff Orlandini, Lane County Waste Management Division manager. “For now, we encourage folks to continue recycling as they have been and to follow the new Recycling Guide to know what can be recycled. For residents with curbside service, check with your hauler if you have any specific questions.”

Recycling changes include the addition of food and beverage cartons, delivery pizza boxes, round plastic containers such as margarine tubs, plant pots, and buckets.

Because the law will impact the entire recycling system, some details will be worked out gradually over time, said Angie Marzano, Lane County Waste Reduction Program supervisor.

“While many residents may not notice a massive change in what is and isn’t collected, our rural communities and waste haulers may see some significant differences over the next few years as the law matures,” Marzano said. “Ultimately, this law will help to save natural resources, reduce pollution, and create jobs, which is very exciting.”

For residents and businesses of Lane County, this means recycling cardboard and cartons, paper, plastic, and metal. Glass should be recycled separately in a glass-only bin or brought to a drop-off site. All items must be empty and dry and placed loose into recycling containers. No bagged recyclables.

RecycleOn Oregon Recycling Centers or drop-off locations will become available for stretchy plastics, plastic lids, and other items in the coming months and years.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) selected Circular Action Alliance as the producer responsibility organization to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program created by the RMA. Before the RMA, accepted recyclable materials, recycling services, and collection options for residents varied across the state.

The new law requires producers and manufacturers of packaging, printing and writing paper, and food serviceware to contribute to funding recycling services. That funding will be used to modernize and standardize recycling across the state.

“Oregon is the first state to implement an extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for packaging and paper which intends to make significant improvements to recycling and help the state meet its recycling goals,” says Kim Holmes, executive director of CAA Oregon. “The work done by the state and communities as a result of the RMA will create a modernized system that shares the cost to fund recycling programs, supports innovation and makes recycling easier and more effective for Oregonians.”

For more information about the local recycling program in Lane County, visit lanecountyor.gov/recycle. For more information about the RMA, visit the State's website.

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About Lane County Waste Management Division

The Lane County Waste Management Division oversees the management of solid recycling and solid waste in Lane County. Its mission is to provide, safe, responsible and economical recycling and disposal services, while respecting the environment and communities it serves. Learn more at lanecountyor.gov/waste.

About RecycleOn Oregon

Oregon is taking bold steps to create a more effective and accessible recycling system through the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), a groundbreaking law designed to expand access to recycling, reduce contamination and ensure producers take greater responsibility for the materials they create. RecycleOn Oregon is the statewide campaign created by Circular Action Alliance (CAA) with help from local governments, service providers, community members and branding experts to help Oregonians understand, engage with and navigate these changes. CAA is leading education and outreach efforts to help local governments and service providers prepare communities for the upcoming updates, which take effect in July 2025. Learn more at RecycleOn.org/Oregon.

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Lane County Ranks No. 1 On List Of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers For Fifth Year In A Row (Photo) -06/30/25

Lane County has been recognized as the #1 healthiest employer in Oregon (1500-4999 employees) by the Portland Business Journal.

The County’s dedication to wellness: 1) supports the reduction in health care related costs, allowing Lane County to invest more of its limited resources into direct services for the community, and 2) increases employee productivity, engagement, recruitment and retention.

The Live Well Center, Lane County’s employee health and wellness center, continues to help employees maintain and improve their overall wellbeing at a reduced cost to the County. Marathon Health, the operator of the Live Well Center, reported that the County saved 14.8 percent in health care costs for engaged members of the program. Lane County is continuously looking for low-cost, creative, and effective ways of engaging employees in their personal wellbeing. Seventy-six percent of employees engaged in the County’s wellness program showed a decrease in health risks in at least one area of concern.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized again this year as the healthiest large employer in the state,” said Lane County Chief Human Resources Officer Alana Holmes. “Our efforts to invest in the health and wellbeing of our employees pays dividends in two ways: it helps us better control the rising cost of providing healthcare services as well as helps us take better care of our employees and, in doing so, they can show up and provide the critical services our communities depend upon.”

In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Lane County was ranked third healthiest large employer in Oregon, and in 2018 was listed within the top 100 healthiest employers nationally. In 2020, Lane County was ranked second healthiest larger employer. In 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, Lane County was ranked the #1 healthiest larger employer and in 2022 was listed sixth on the healthiest 100 workplaces in America.

Employers are ranked on six categories which include: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analytics. There are five employer size categories: small (2-99 employees), medium (100-499), large (500-1499), larger (1500-4999), and largest (5000+).

See the announcement from Portland Business Journal.

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LANE COUNTY RECOMMENDS DRUG OVERDOSE PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR SUMMER EVENTS -06/27/25

Lane County Public Health recommends safety precautions around substance use at festivals, concerts, and events. There is a continued prevalence of fentanyl in Lane County’s illicit drug supplies. The effects of fentanyl, a powerful illicit opioid, are seen in increased calls to 911, emergency room visits, and deaths.

In summer months, Lane County residents attend increased outdoor events that may include alcohol and illicit substance use. Because fentanyl is undetectable, public health officials recommend being educated and prepared to save lives.

An overdose from fentanyl can be reversed with the use of naloxone, sometimes known as Narcan, an overdose reversal medication that is safe, legal, and available over the counter for anyone to use in an emergency.

The signs of a fentanyl overdose include being unresponsive, having slowed or no breathing, having gray skin, or making gurgling or snoring sounds. If someone has these symptoms, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone.

Some substances can be tested for fentanyl with fentanyl testing strips. And many festivals and events may offer drug testing services to reduce risk but it’s important to know that no test can be 100% accurate. 

You can learn more through Fentanyl Aware Lane County by visiting www.fentanylaware.com

Ribbon Cutting On June 27 Celebrates Trail Improvements At Howard Buford Recreation Area -06/26/25

Media partners - I forgot to ask that you not publicize the event ahead of time. The parking lot is really tiny and we're saving that space for you! - Devon

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Lane County Parks and the Friends of Buford Park & Mount Pisgah will hold a ribbon cutting celebrating recent improvements to Trail 3E at Howard Buford Recreation Area on Friday, June 27, at 10:00 a.m.

The project improves accessibility on a popular section of trail and re-routes a portion through the woods to provide more space for ground-nesting birds, helping reduce disturbance in sensitive habitat areas. The result is a more welcoming and accessible trail experience for all visitors.

Media are invited to attend the ribbon cutting. Parking is limited; a map to the East Trailhead parking area on Ridgeway Road is available online. The location of the ribbon cutting is approximately 1,500 feet from the parking area on a well-graded gravel path.

The trail work was led by the Friends of Buford Park, who also secured a state grant to cover much of the cost. Lane County Parks contributed funding through the voter-approved Parks Levy, which helps improve safety, accessibility, and infrastructure throughout the park system.

Who: Lane County Parks and Friends of Buford Park
What: Ribbon cutting for Trail 3E improvements
When: Friday, June 27, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Howard Buford Recreation Area East Trailhead
Why: Celebrate a community partnership improving access and habitat at one of Lane County’s most loved parks

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HELP YOUR COMMUNITY BEAT THE HEAT WITH OPERATION SUMMER HYDRATION -06/25/25

Supporting water needs in the community during hot temperatures this summer

Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the Severe Weather Collaborative and First Christian Church, is calling the community to join in helping others to Beat the Heat by donating cases of water to Operation Summer Hydration. Operation Summer Hydration is an effort to collect much needed water supplies to help our unhoused neighbors stay safe during the high and extreme temperatures we continue to experience during the summer months. This water supply can also be accessed by local area cooling spaces who offer short term respite from the heat to both the housed and unhoused, when temperatures reach 90 degrees and above. These water donations can mean the difference between safety and hazardous health risks for those exposed to prolonged extreme heat and dehydration. Your generosity can make a life-saving difference for someone facing the elements this summer.

To kick off Operation Summer Hydration, the Severe Weather Collaborative and First Christian Church will host a one-day donation drive on Friday June 27th from 1pm-4pm where community members can drop off water donations. After the event, water donations will be accepted Monday through Thursday from 10am to 2pm at First Christian Church.

Water donations and other essential outdoor survival items to support those experiencing homelessness can also be purchased from the Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to First Christian Church at 1166 Oak Street, Eugene, OR 97401.

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share

Road Closure: Laura Street (Springfield) -06/24/25

Road Name: Laura Street

Location: Springfield

Closure Area: From near the north end toward the south to the section of road adjacent to 2095 Laura Street (milepost 0.120 to milepost 0.339)

• Southbound Laura Street will be closed to through traffic. Access from Lindale Drive to Laura Street will be closed as well.
• Laura Street will remain open for northbound traffic.

Dates and Times: 24/7 now through approximately August 31, 2025

Reason for Closure: Utility relocations, storm system upgrades, sidewalks and concrete paving.

Alternate Routes: Southbound traffic should use Pioneer Parkway.

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Lane County Veterans Services To Host 3rd Annual Women Veterans Day Celebration -06/16/25

Lane County Health & Human Services’ Veterans Services Program invites women veterans, their families, and the broader community to the 3rd Annual Women Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the American Legion, 3650 River Road in Eugene.

This free, family-friendly event honors the service and sacrifices of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It commemorates the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of June 12, 1948, which granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. military.

The event is open to all and offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women veterans while connecting with others in a welcoming, community-centered space.

Event Highlights:

• Live music, food, and entertainment
• Activities for all ages
• Veteran resource booths
• Information on employment, education, housing, and health services
• Parenting resources
• Local vendors and community organizations

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or a community supporter, this is a chance to come together, celebrate, and uplift the voices of women who have served.

Event Details:

3rd Annual Women Veterans Day Celebration
Saturday, June 21, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
American Legion, 3650 River Road, Eugene, OR

Board Of County Commissioners Appoints Carl Wilkerson To Serve As Lane County Sheriff (Photo) -06/11/25

Carl Wilkerson has been unanimously appointed Lane County Sheriff by the Board of County Commissioners. Sheriff Wilkerson will serve in his appointed capacity through 2026 and, if elected by voters in 2026, would begin a full four-year term in 2027.

“I am both honored and humbled to continue to serve the Sheriff’s Office and our community in this new capacity,” said Sheriff Wilkerson. “I am very proud of the men and women who make up the Sheriff’s Office. I appreciate how hard they work and their passion to serve the Lane County community.  I want to thank the Sheriff’s Office staff, the community, and most importantly, my family in supporting me throughout my career.”   

Sheriff Wilkerson has served as Chief Deputy of the agency since 2019 but began his career with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office more than 30 years ago as a cadet in the Explorer Post, a Marine Patrol boat aid, and as a reserve deputy sheriff before being hired as a deputy with the agency in 1996.

Sheriff Wilkerson was first assigned to the Corrections Division where he worked in the Security Section for more than three years.  He transferred to the Police Services Division in 2000, where he worked in the Court Security / Inmate Transport Section until he completed the Basic Police Academy and was ultimately transferred to the Main Office Patrol Section. 

Sheriff Wilkerson worked Main Office Patrol for a short time and was then transferred to the Traffic Safety Team where he primarily focused on DUII Enforcement.  While assigned to the Traffic Safety Team, he became a drug recognition expert for investigating drug impaired drivers and was assigned to the joint Lane County Sheriff’s Office/Eugene Police Department Metro SWAT Team. Sheriff Wilkerson also served as a field training officer.  In 2004 he was assigned to Creswell under the contract the city holds with the Sheriff’s Office, and worked there until he transferred to the Criminal Investigations Section in 2005 as a detective where he would serve until his promotion to sergeant in 2013. 

As a sergeant, Sheriff Wilkerson was responsible for managing the Reserve Deputy Program and the Police Services Taser Program.  In 2014, he was reassigned to the Criminal Investigations Section as the Detective Sergeant and worked in this role until being promoted to Police Services Division Lieutenant. He also acted as the Special Response Team Assistant Team Commander. 

In 2019, Sheriff Harrold appointed him to the Chief Deputy position.  During his tenure as the Chief Deputy, Sheriff Wilkerson supervised the division commanders of the Police and Corrections divisions and was the Division Commander for the Operations Support Division.  He was responsible for personnel, labor relations, budget, training, the Office of Professional Standards, the radio-network, and a variety of other tasks, including serving as incident commander of Lane County’s emergency operations center during the Holiday Farm Fire and other wildfires.

Sheriff Wilkerson is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Class 277.  He has attended the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Command College, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Sheriff’s Institute, and he holds an executive police certification through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.  Sheriff Wilkerson earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Bushnell University. 

“We are fortunate to have had a tradition of Sheriffs serving Lane County who not only enforce laws but have developed a culture of caring and professional public safety servants—putting the department head and shoulders above any in the state,” said Lane County Board of Commissioners Chair David Loveall. “Carl will not only continue that work, but I believe will lead our Sheriff’s Office to new heights and increased public trust with his leadership and experience. I couldn’t be more pleased and encouraged with this transition and for the county’s future with Sheriff Carl Wilkerson.”

Sheriff Wilkerson’s appointment follows the retirement of former Sheriff Clifton Harrold who served as Sheriff from 2019 to 2025.

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