Rural Deschutes County residents may see new recycling service in 2026
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Wednesday, February 11th, to discuss a proposal to allow Republic Services to provide curbside recycling in distant rural areas. The plan would bring commingled recycling collection to households that currently have trash service but no recycling pickup.
Under the proposal, affected households would see a $6 monthly increase on their trash collection bills. The service expansion would cover areas south of Sunriver as well as regions north and east of Bend, Redmond and Sisters.
Residents in the proposed areas currently receive garbage collection from Wilderness Garbage and Recycling, Bend Garbage and Recycling and High Country Disposal. While these companies handle trash pickup, they do not provide curbside recycling service to these specific rural zones.
If the board approves the proposal, Republic Services would begin the commingled recycling collection after July 1st, 2026. The hearing is a necessary step in the county's review process for the service expansion.
The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in the Barnes Sawyer Room of the Deschutes Services Building. The facility is located at 1300 NW Wall St. in Bend.
The public is invited to attend the session in person or participate virtually. The meeting agenda and virtual log-in information can be accessed through the county website at www.deschutes.org/meetings.
Residents who are unable to attend the hearing can submit their feedback through other channels. Comments can be emailed to Tim Brownell at Tim.Brownell@deschutes.org or provided by calling 541-317-3177.
