By: Cameron Shultz

The landfill at Short Mountain has been in operation for the past 38 years. In that time, attitudes toward waste and recycling have undergone numerous changes in an effort to maintain high waste recovery rates in Lane County communities. According to the 2012 waste recovery report by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the state of Oregon recovered 53.4 percent of waste material. This is the highest recorded number since the surveys began in 1992, and the third consecutive year at over 50 percent. According to the DEQ, Lane County earned the 2nd highest recovery rating in the state in 2012 (61.2%) behind Metro County (62.2%). This rate was achieved in no small part by institutions on the University of Oregon campus and throughout Eugene. Keeping waste out of the landfill is essential to maintaining a high recovery rate and avoiding long-term environmental damage. Redevelopment and expansion projects have been in effect since the landfill began operation, though questions over the construction of new sections – or phases – have been raised concerning their impact on nearby wetlands and wildlife. This has led the county to produce additional acres of wetland to account for these expansions. Five phases currently exist at Short Mountain, with an additional six planned for the surrounding areas in order to maintain the landfill over the next several decades. To slow or prevent sustained landfill growth, a greater emphasis on recycling & reuse education, practice and exposure will be required. Local leaders such as St. Vincent de Paul, and those serving in and around the campus community will provide critical roles moving forward.