Using GIS to Improve Solid Waste Management and Recycling Programs

Metro is a regional government serving a population of 1.3 million in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan region. Metro's Solid Waste Department has been a leader in incorporating GIS as a decision support tool for solid waste management. Metro's GIS has been in use for over four years and this paper will present several examples of how the GIS has been effectively used to improve the services we provide with respect to waste prevention and reduction and recycling program implementation. Case studies will include the following:

• Analyzing participation rates at Household Hazardous Waste Facilities
  
• Assisting haulers with routing collection vehicles
  
• Evaluating service levels of yard debris programs
  
• Developing travel time models for transfer stations
  
• Inventorying of multifamily complexes and recycling levels
  
• Calculating recycling participation rates
  
• Distributing compost bins and evaluating

Keith Massie
Metro
Solid Waste Department
600 NE Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97232
Telephone: 503-797-1667
Fax: 503-797-1795
Email: massiek@metro.or.gov