Waste Prevention and Reuse

Waste Prevention Strategy

DEQ has adopted a Waste Prevention Strategy to set priorities and define direction for its work in waste prevention.

• Waste Prevention Strategy Updates
  A page dedicated to periodic updates with information on selected projects being implemented as part of DEQ's Waste Prevention Strategy.

Oregon law defines waste prevention and reuse as the top priority methods for managing solid waste, and Oregon statute establishes waste generation goals – first to stop the growth in per capita solid waste generation and ultimately to stop the growth in total solid waste generation. DEQ has prepared its Waste Prevention Strategy to identify priority areas of waste prevention work and project initiatives that the Department proposes to undertake over a ten-year period. This work is being done to protect the environment through prevention of solid waste generation and associated “upstream” (resource extraction and production of goods) and “downstream” (end-of-life/waste management) impacts.

For more information on DEQ's Waste Prevention Strategy, please contact David Allaway at 503-229-5479 or via .

• Download the Waste Prevention Strategy and Appendices PDF
• Background Papers:
  • Background Paper #1 PDF
    How waste generation has changed and the possible causes of these changes.
  • Background Paper #2 PDF
    The relationship between waste prevention, generation, consumption and broader environmental concerns.
  • Background Paper #3 PDF
    State of Oregon waste prevention efforts to date.
  • Background Paper #4 PDF
    Local government waste prevention efforts in Oregon.
  • Background Paper #5 PDF
    Waste prevention/reuse “infrastructure” provided by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Oregon, with a focus on edible food rescue, building material reuse, computer/electronics reuse, clothing/household goods reuse, and educational efforts.
  • Background Paper #6 PDF
    Waste prevention opportunities and barriers in the for-profit business sector.
  • Background Paper #7 PDF
    Waste prevention initiatives outside of Oregon (both domestic and international).
  • Background Paper #8 PDF
    Product stewardship as a tool to achieve waste prevention.

[print version]