Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association (ORRA) - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association (ORRA), established in 1965, is a voluntary association representing roughly 200 solid waste management companies and businesses critical to the industry. ORRA's core mission is to enhance the efficiency of collecting and processing recyclables and solid waste in Oregon. The organization plays a vital role by offering legislative advocacy, educational resources, group insurance, meeting facilities, and regulatory advice to its members. ORRA members are responsible for collecting and processing most of Oregon's residential and commercial refuse and recyclables, as well as operating material recovery facilities, compost facilities, and numerous municipal solid waste transfer stations and landfills throughout the state. ORRA actively collaborates with city and county governments in many communities to perform this essential work.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

ORRA's main objective is to advance effective solid waste management, encompassing the collection, transportation, disposal, and incidental recovery of solid waste. It aims to empower its members by providing essential information and analysis crucial for successful operations within Oregon's solid waste management sector. The association focuses on leadership and promoting activities directed towards efficient waste management.

Specialization Areas

ORRA specializes in legislative advocacy, acting as a unified voice for its 200 members on policy matters related to waste and recycling in Oregon. This includes navigating complex legislative landscapes, such as their engagement with Senate Bill 726 concerning advanced methane monitoring technologies in landfills, and advocating for practical, technologically feasible regulations. The association also provides education and advice on regulatory matters, directly influencing the operational environment for its members.

Target Markets

ORRA's primary target market comprises solid waste management companies and businesses that provide equipment and services vital to the industry across Oregon. Its members serve both residential and commercial sectors, managing refuse and recyclables collection, and operating various waste processing facilities like material recovery facilities, compost facilities, and landfills throughout the state. ORRA also works in partnership with city and county governments in nearly every community in Oregon.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

As a non-profit organization, ORRA's financial information is accessible through public tax filings.
FYE 12/2024: Total revenues of approximately $1.51 million and expenses of $1.54 million. Total assets were $668k, with total liabilities at $1.34k.
FYE 12/2023: Total revenues were $1,398,583 and total expenses were $1,442,406. Total assets were $725,912.
The majority of ORRA's revenue stems from program services, accounting for $1,319,804 in FYE 12/2023. Additionally, they received $31,077 in grants, contributions, and similar amounts in FYE 12/2023, along with $12,690 in investment income and dividends during the same period.

3. Product Pipeline

ORRA, as a trade association, does not develop proprietary products or services. Instead, it offers resources and support to its members, which can be considered "services" that enhance their operations.

Key Products/Services

Legislative Advocacy:
Description: ORRA actively represents its members' interests in legislative and policy discussions at the state level. This includes lobbying for or against bills that impact the solid waste and recycling industry.
Features & Benefits: Provides a unified voice for the industry, influencing regulations, and working to ensure policies are practical and do not create undue burdens or costs for members and consumers. Examples include their stance on methane monitoring technologies (SB 726) and the Advanced Clean Trucks Act (ACT) rules.
Education and Regulatory Advice:
Description: ORRA disseminates essential information and analysis to its members, offering guidance on operating successfully within Oregon's solid waste management sector and advising on regulatory matters.
Features & Benefits: Helps members navigate complex operational landscapes and adapt to evolving environmental standards. Resources provided include the MRC Cost Calculator and the DEQ E-Cycles Manufacturer Compliance List.
Group Insurance and Meeting Facilities:
Description: Offers group insurance programs and provides meeting facilities for its members.
Features & Benefits: Enhances member benefits and fosters networking and collaboration among industry professionals.
Networking and Community Engagement:
Description: Facilitates networking opportunities and promotes community engagement within the solid waste and recycling industry.
Features & Benefits: Sponsors events like the ORRA Fall Convention Program and the Hall of Fame Tournament to encourage interaction and shared learning among members.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

ORRA's "technology stack" is observed through its engagement with and advocacy for technological advancements relevant to the solid waste management industry rather than internal proprietary development. The association actively participates in shaping the dialogue around new scientific methods and technologies.

Core Platforms and Technologies (Advocacy Focus):
Methane Monitoring Technologies: ORRA engages with advanced technologies like drones for methane emission monitoring in landfills. While supporting the concept for improved accuracy and access to unsafe areas, they advocate for the readiness and reliability of such technologies, as well as fair competition among vendors, as seen with their position on Senate Bill 726.
Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rules: ORRA has engaged with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding the implementation of ACT rules, raising concerns about the availability of highly customized trucks required by its members and advocating for delayed implementation.
Waste Processing Facilities: ORRA members operate material recovery facilities and compost facilities, which integrate various technologies for sorting, processing, and converting waste into resources.
Scientific Methodologies (Impacted by Advocacy):
Methane Data Collection: ORRA influences policies related to the methodologies used for collecting and reporting methane data from landfills, aspiring for more efficient and accurate methods that can replace labor-intensive manual monitoring.
Technical Capabilities (Support for Members):
ORRA provides its members with access to resources such as the MRC Cost Calculator and the DEQ E-Cycles Manufacturer Compliance List, which are tools designed to aid in industry compliance and financial analysis. These demonstrate their role in ensuring members are equipped with relevant industry tools and updates.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Kristan Mitchell
Position: Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Professional Background: Key spokesperson for ORRA, actively involved in legislative and policy discussions concerning the waste and recycling industry in Oregon. She is a member of the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council, representing Solid Waste Service Providers.
Key Contributions: Leads ORRA's advocacy efforts, facilitates partnerships (such as the MOU with NWRA), and represents the association in discussions with policymakers and regulatory bodies like the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Craig Campbell
Position: Governmental Affairs Director
Professional Background: Actively involved in government relations for ORRA.
Key Contributions: Responsible for navigating legislative landscapes and advocating for the interests of ORRA members at the governmental level, as evidenced by his testimonies on bills like SB 726 and the Advanced Clean Trucks Act.
Beth Vargas Duncan
Position: Director
Key Contributions: Involved in the leadership and strategic direction of the association, and has participated in discussions regarding the structure of the regional garbage and recycling system.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

In 2023, ORRA had 5 employees. As a voluntary association with approximately 200 member companies, its growth is primarily indicated by its expanding membership and increasing influence within the industry, rather than a large internal workforce. The focus is on providing value and advocacy for its member businesses.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

ORRA maintains a digital presence through its website, serving as a central hub for information for its members and the broader industry. The website provides access to policy documents, event announcements (such as the 2025 ORRA Fall Convention and 2026 Hall of Fame Tournament), and membership directories.

Brand Messaging & Positioning: ORRA positions itself as the unified voice for solid waste management companies in Oregon, advocating for efficient and practical solutions in waste and recycling. Its messaging emphasizes balancing environmental protection with operational feasibility and cost-effectiveness for its members and consumers.
Community Engagement Strategies: ORRA engages its community through:
Legislative Comments: Actively submits comments on proposed legislation and rules, such as their feedback on the Clean and Affordable Act (CAA) proposed PRO Program Plan and DEQ NOx Rulemaking, demonstrating a proactive stance on policy.
Event Promotion: Uses its platform to promote industry events, fostering networking and knowledge sharing among members.
Resource Dissemination: Provides members with crucial industry resources and updates, reinforcing its role as an educational and advisory body.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Association of Oregon Recyclers (AOR):
Overview: A 501(C)(6) trade association founded in 1977, focused on sustainable materials management.
Focus Areas: Supports high-quality recycling and composting, thoughtful consumption, and producer responsibility.
Technological Capabilities: Provides value through educational events and publications, and lobbies for legislation supporting sustainable materials management.
Notable Achievements: Considered a significant voice of recycling advocacy in Oregon, with a large network committed to advancing recycling practices and policies.
Competitive Positioning: Directly competes in advocacy and education within the Oregon recycling sector, but focuses specifically on sustainable materials management, with a broader membership including individuals, governments, nonprofits, and businesses.
Metro Recycling Information:
Overview: Provides recycling and disposal information and referrals.
Focus Areas: Specific to the Portland metropolitan area.
Technological Capabilities: Primarily an information and referral service, likely leveraging digital platforms for accessibility.
Competitive Positioning: Serves a localized informational role rather than broad industry advocacy or operational support.
National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA):
Overview: A prominent trade association representing the private sector waste and recycling services industry across all 50 U.S. states.
Focus Areas: Manages waste, recycling, and medical waste, and includes equipment manufacturers and distributors.
Technological Capabilities: Influences national policy and standards, supporting technological advancements across the industry.
Notable Achievements: Has 26 state chapters and works at the national level, formalizing partnerships with state associations like ORRA to advance shared interests.
Competitive Positioning: A national counterpart to ORRA, with whom ORRA has a strategic partnership to enhance policy influence and resource sharing.
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA):
Overview: An organization of over 10,000 public and private sector professionals dedicated to advancing from solid waste management to resource management.
Focus Areas: Emphasizes education, advocacy, research, safety, and sustainability in waste and resource management.
Technological Capabilities: Promotes and represents waste and resource management professionals, highlighting the sector's contribution to economy and society. Focuses on new and improved technology for safety and operational efficiency within the industry. Has updated educational offerings with training and courses in areas like landfills, recycling, and landfill gas.
Notable Achievements: Has 47 chapters in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Offers technical training, credentials, publications, and research.
Competitive Positioning: A broader North American association that focuses on a wide range of industry aspects including safety and professional development.
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI):
Overview: Represents over 1,600 for-profit companies in the recycling industry.
Focus Areas: Focuses on the for-profit scrap recycling sector.
Competitive Positioning: Represents a specific segment of the recycling industry (scrap materials) at a national level.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

Oregon is recognized as a leader in recycling, actively working to modernize its recycling system. The state's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, enacted in 2021, began implementation on July 1, 2025, a significant milestone as Oregon is the first of seven U.S. states to reach this level of implementation. This EPR initiative mandates producer funding to improve the collection, sorting, and end-market processing of recyclables, with substantial investments directed towards communities.

Total Addressable Market Size: The market in Oregon encompasses all residential and commercial refuse and recyclables managed by solid waste companies, including material recovery facilities, compost facilities, and landfills.
Growth Potential: The implementation of EPR for packaging signifies substantial growth potential within the recycling sector, driving investments in infrastructure and program expansion. The focus on waste prevention, circular economy principles, and sustainable materials management further contributes to this growth.
Key Market Trends:
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): This mechanism shifts the financial and operational responsibility for managing end-of-life products (like packaging) to producers, driving system modernization and increased recycling rates.
Advanced Technology Adoption: Growing interest in using advanced technologies, such as drones for methane monitoring, to enhance efficiency and safety in waste management operations.
Circular Economy Principles: Increasing emphasis on reducing waste, reusing materials, and maximizing resource recovery to create a more sustainable economic model.
Collaboration: Strong focus on partnerships among local governments, industry associations, and producer responsibility organizations to optimize environmental benefits and maintain public trust.
Market Challenges and Opportunities:
Contamination in Recyclables: A persistent challenge requiring ongoing education and improved sorting technologies.
Resilient Supply Chains: Ensuring robust supply chains for collected recyclables to reach end markets effectively.
Technological Readiness and Cost: While new technologies offer opportunities, concerns remain regarding their readiness for commercial application, reliability, compliance, and potential for increased costs, as highlighted by ORRA’s position on SB 726.
Rural vs. Urban Disparities: Addressing the financial and logistical challenges of recycling programs in rural areas compared to urban centers. The Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) component aims to mitigate these disparities through funding for new or expanded programs.

11. Strategic Partnerships

National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA):
Nature of Partnership: In August 2023, ORRA and NWRA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their relationship.
Strategic Benefits: This partnership aims to advance the interests of the private sector waste and recycling industry in Oregon, allowing for resource sharing and joint efforts on priority issues. It also connects Oregon's policy work with NWRA's national advocacy.
West Coast Refuse & Recycling Coalition (WCRRC):
Nature of Partnership: ORRA is a member of this regional alliance, alongside the Washington Refuse and Recycling Association (WRRA) and the Resource Recovery Coalition of California (RRCC), and the California Waste Haulers Council (CWHC).
Strategic Benefits: Facilitates regional cooperation and strengthens strategic reach and policy influence across the West Coast.
Recycling Steering Committee:
Nature of Partnership: A collaborative effort involving ORRA and various stakeholders, including the Association of Oregon Counties, Association of Oregon Recyclers, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and several waste management companies.
Strategic Benefits: Aims to modernize Oregon's recycling system through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
* Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council: