Grants In Action

Wheeler County - Container Loan Program

What we are doing?

In 2007, Wheeler County received a DEQ solid waste grant of $3,718 to purchase clear, portable recycling containers and several boxes of bags, to be loaned out for various events held throughout the year. Events such as the ABATE Motorcycle Run, Spray Rodeo; Wheeler County Blue Grass Festival, Fossil Cruz-in; Wheeler County Fair and Rodeo, and the Painted Hills Festival have used the recycling containers. The County purchased 25 trash, 25 paper and 25 bottle/can containers. Each set of containers has distinctive colors, receptacle lid shape and instructions.

The County manages a “check out” system for the recycling containers, including a reservation form and a schedule of pick-ups or deliveries. The County requires that each event user report back on the amount of waste versus recyclables collected, and what was done with the collected recyclables. The County also created, promoted and implemented the “Wheeler County Recycles!” program and used flyers, brochures and public service announcements to promote the program.

During the term of the grant (March 2008 through June 2009), Wheeler County collected the following information:

• ABATE Fossil Campout used 10 bins in 2008, resulting in the return of 3,200 bottles and cans for deposit, collection of 100 pounds of miscellaneous recyclables, and an approximate 20% reduction in the amount of solid waste generated by the event. In 2009, they increased the number of units to 22, resulting in the recovery of 4,800 bottles and cans.
• Wheeler County Fair & Rodeo borrowed 10 bins in 2008 and collected approximately 1,400 recyclable bottles and cans. In 2009, they plan to increase the number of units to 15.
• Wheeler County Mule Days used 4 bins, collecting 4 bags of bottles and cans.
• Painted Hills Natural Beef, Annual Meat & Greet, borrowed 4 units and collected 5 bags of bottles and cans.
• Wheeler County Blue Grass Festival used 6 bottle and can units in 2008 and collected 8 bags of recyclables. They will use 10 units in 2009.
• Fossil Little League used 1 unit for the 2009 season, recovering 2 bags of bottles and cans.

Where is it?

Located in north-central Oregon, Wheeler County is the least populated county in Oregon. The County’s three communities are: Fossil, Spray and Mitchell. The largest town and County seat is Fossil, with a population of approximately 470. Fossil is located about 108 miles from Bend and about 173 miles from Portland. The town of Spray is located adjacent to the John Day River, with a population of approximately 160. The town of Mitchell, located about 67 miles from Bend and about 44 miles from Fossil, has a population of approximately 175 and is considered the Gateway to the Painted Hills.

Who is involved?

Wheeler County Judge Jeanne Burch served as project officer for the grant, and Paula Fontenot with Wheeler County Recycles program coordinator, administered the project. Shari Harris-Dunning in DEQ’s Bend office provided technical assistance and grant oversight.

Why we are doing it?

This project is designed to both increase the amount of recycling in Wheeler County and simultaneously decrease the amount of solid waste generated at community/public events. Since the inception of this program, more than 8,000 bottles and cans, more than 19 large bags of bottles and cans and more than 100 pounds of miscellaneous recyclables have been collected. In at least one event, a 20% reduction in the amount of solid waste generated was recorded.

Overall, the effect of the project on the County’s generation of solid waste is an observable decrease of solid waste generated at these public events and a marked increase in the amount of recyclable items collected. Through the DEQ grant and the efforts of Wheeler County staff, this project will continue to make a major change in the way community/public events throughout Wheeler County handle their solid waste and recyclables.

One measure of success is an effective education and outreach program that resulted in the immense popularity of the program and the overall increase of units being used at subsequent events.

The project officer believes that this type of project is technically and economically feasible in other Counties. Wheeler County has received several inquiries from other counties in Oregon interested in the program and from merchants at the community/public events who are interested in purchasing recycling containers for their business use.

Total Project Cost

The total amount of the grant was changed from $3,718 to $3,706, which reflects the actual amount spent on the containers. Wheeler County provided personnel at a cost of $1,620.00 and services and supplies at a cost of $160 for a total match cost of $1,780. Total project costs were $5,496.

For more information on this project, please contact Paula Fontenot, Wheeler County, 541-763-2191.

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