Resources for a Cleaner Community
Guest Article from Metro’s Recycling Information Center
Illegal dumping is the act of disposing of waste in places where it’s not allowed, such as on roadsides, in vacant lots, or in natural areas. Dumped trash not only diminishes the beauty of our neighborhoods and parks but can also attract pests, contaminate water supplies, and pose hazards to our communities.
Fortunately, residents of the Portland Metro region have access to valuable resources that can help address illegal dumping. As a Master Recycler and trusted community resource, knowing where to refer people that encounter dumped waste will help keep our community clean and safe. In this article, we will dive into the resources available to address illegal dumping in our region, with a particular focus on the RID Patrol, a program managed by Metro, which plays a crucial role in cleaning up abandoned waste and investigating dumping incidents on public property within the Metro boundary.
RID Patrol: Cleaning Up and Investigating Dumped Waste
Founded in 1993, RID (Regional Illegal Dumping) Patrol is a Metro program that has made a significant impact on the cleanliness and safety of our community. In 2023, RID cleaned up over 789 tons of dumped waste, including 3,970 tires, 1,190 mattresses, and 27,558 medical sharps.
RID also investigates illegal dumping incidents, using evidence found at the dump sites or witness accounts to track down those responsible. If RID Patrol finds evidence, they collaborate with local law enforcement to pursue fines or other legal actions against illegal dumpers. This dual approach—cleanup and investigation—ensures that both the symptoms and the root causes of illegal dumping are addressed.
How Does RID Patrol Work?
Imagine you find yourself looking at illegally dumped garbage on public property – what should you do? Residents within the Metro boundary can submit a report to RID via phone or online:
Phone: Call the Recycling Information Center hotline at 503-234-3000 and press 6 to make a report to RID.
Online: You can also report illegal dumping online by visiting the RID website at: https://ridpatrol.oregonmetro.gov/report/#/start. The online reporting form allows photos to be uploaded, which helps crews locate and assess the site.
After a dump site is reported, RID Patrol will send a crew to clean it up, usually within 3 business days. Reporters can check the status of a submitted report by entering their 6-digit ID code online. RID also publishes before and after photos, site locations, and waste data on their real-time Data Dashboard.
Other Resources for Handling Dumped Garbage
RID Patrol does not clean up waste on private property, outside the Metro boundary, or within an occupied encampment site. They also do not handle abandoned vehicles. Here are some additional resources available for dealing with dumped waste in these situations:
Dumped Waste Outside the Metro Boundary: Where to report dumped waste outside the Metro boundary can change depending on location and local city or county enforcement. Residents can start by contacting their local city or county Nuisance or Code Enforcement Department to discuss options for dumped garbage. In cases where illegal dumping is extensive or frequent, contacting local law enforcement is an important step. They can work with local agencies to investigate the dumping and pursue those responsible.
Dumped Waste on Private Property: Residents within the Metro boundary can contact RID Patrol for help investigating dumped garbage on private property. For large-scale cleanup on private property, private companies that specialize in junk removal can help manage removal and disposal.
Dumped waste around Campsites: Portland residents can report campsites online within city limits. Gresham residents can report campsites (and concerns such as potholes, graffiti, and roadway debris) on the MyGresham webpage.
Abandoned Vehicles: Portland residents can report abandoned vehicles online.
How Can Master Recyclers Help Prevent Illegal Dumping?
While resources like RID Patrol play an essential role in cleaning up dumped waste, preventing illegal dumping in the first place is just as important!
Educate About Proper Waste Disposal: Illegal dumping often happens when people don’t know where or how to properly dispose of waste. Make sure your community understands proper disposal practices for household waste and recycling, bulky items, and hazardous materials. Also mention special drop-off programs for electronics, paint, medications, and other materials that can’t be put in regular garbage bins.
Report Dumping Early: Encourage your community to report dumped trash. Reporting as soon as you notice it can help RID Patrol and other agencies respond quickly, preventing the waste from attracting more garbage or becoming a public health hazard.
For more information, please visit Metro’s RID website at: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/garbage-and-recycling/report-dumped-garbage#Resources.
