Portland composting gets enthusiastic green light

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Portland City Council approved a city compost plan Wednesday.

Portland City Council Wednesday unanimously passed a new city ordinance that adds food-scrap compost pick-up to residential solid waste service.

The vote came on the heels of a 2,000-home pilot project, carried out by the city's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.

During the vote, the council members commented on the importance of the program and addressed some common concerns overheard from citizens during the public comment period.

Before voting "aye," Commissioner Dan Saltzman acknowledged that the change would have it's share of bumps during the adoption period. Reflecting on his own habits, he said "I am prepared to adapt, and to learn."

Commissioner Amanda Fritz addressed rumors of "compost police," indicating that people who failed to compost properly would not be slapped with fines or fees, unlike San Francisco's program.

Mayor Sam Adams commended the work of several individuals and agencies in bringing the change forward for City Council to vote on. He also indicated that Portland is hardly breaking new ground in this arena – there are at least 70 U.S. cities with residential composting programs in place.

Commissioner Nick Fish was absent for the vote, but returned later in the council session and voted "aye" to round out a 5-0 decision.

The program will kick off with the delivery of 2-gallon compost bins to all 165,000 Portland homes and residences by the city's franchised haulers.

The new rates and services go into effect on October 31st.

The council held a preliminary hearing on the topic last week, giving every indication it would pass easily.