The Recycling Information Center (RIC) is a phone hotline that operates Monday-Friday answering approximately 150 calls, emails, and voicemails a day and over 37,00 total calls a year! The RIC answers calls in both English and Spanish from businesses and residents seeking information about recycling, reuse, repair, and more.   

Using a custom-build database and years of experience, RIC staff refer members of our community to local facilities and business, while helping callers navigate our garbage and recycling systems. Shadowing the RIC is a great opportunity to hear what kinds of questions our community has about recycling and disposal. It is also a perfect way to spend time with an expert and get some of your own burning questions answered!

If you are interested in shadowing an RIC staff member, please review the details below and contact Jaylen Schmitt (jaylen.schmitt@oregonmetro.gov) to sign up. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. RIC staff will reach out directly to schedule the exact time that works best for both of you.

RIC Shadowing Details

• Shadowing will take place in-person at the Metro Regional Center (600 NE Grand Ave, Portland)

• Shadowing shifts are 1.5 hours long

• You will sit in an open office setting or small huddle room with an RIC staff member to observe calls from the public. You will not be asked to speak on the phone or to respond to questions. This is observation-only!  

• Please indicate if you would prefer to shadow a Spanish speaking RIC staff member*

* We cannot guarantee that Spanish-speaking members of the community will call during your shadowing shift. Most of the calls we take are in English. However, the RIC staff member will be Spanish-speaking and can converse with you in Spanish.