The Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) contains funding for counties and service providers to obtain new trucks, cover transportation costs over 50 miles, provide public education around reducing contamination in the recycling system, expand recycling services, and purchase new curbside recycling containers.
The bulk of the funding is scheduled to go out in 2026 and 2027, as waste producers don’t begin paying into the system until July 1, 2025. There’s a total of $81.5 million available, which is a revised amount based on a survey of actual need.
In order to allow your local service providers to directly access funding from the organization operating the RMA, the Circular Action Alliance (CAA), you must complete the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s funding authorization form and return it to DEQ by March 31, 2025. DEQ has provided a copy to staff in every county. Once the authorization form is completed, CAA will reach out to all the parties to complete the final funding agreement.
Counties can also opt to receive funds directly from CAA and then pass them through to your service provider. This will require coordination with DEQ and CAA for reporting.
DEQ has hired 3 new regional Technical Assistance staff to help facilitate RMA implementation. Please reach out to them with any questions. Their contact information is below:
RMA TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS
NORTHWEST
Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook, and Washington
Steven Chang, steven.chang@deq.oregon.gov, 971-803-2493
WESTERN
Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill
Telicia Hixson, telicia.l.hixson@deq.oregon.gov, 503-995-9491
EASTERN
Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler
Rachel VanWoert, rachel.vanwoert@deq.oregon.gov, 971-269-7671
Contributed by: Tim Dooley | Legislative Affairs Manager