Five local artists will glean materials discarded at the Metro Central Transfer station and turn the waste into art. The art will be put on display later this year.

Both of Metro's waste transfer stations are a little greener after spring projects to add more garden space at the facilities.

About 1,800 tons of organics, collected curbside in Portland since Oct. 31, has been trucked as far away as central Washington because of state regulations and contractors' reluctance to do business with competitors.

Metro folks want to know what you think about trash – even if you don't that often.

Award to Lift Urban Portland expands successful community garden project

After a week of record rainfall, clouds are expected to part and let the sun shine in on Portland. The weather forecast is especially happy news for green-thumbed volunteers that will build raised garden beds at a White Shield Home for teenaged- and soon-to-be-mothers in Northwest Portland. Funds for the planters were awarded by Metro’s community enhancement grant program.

In the proposed budget, ratepayers whose hauler uses Metro's waste transfer stations could see their rates increase by 27 cents a month in the coming fiscal year. It's up to cities to decide whether rates are adjusted to match Metro's fee increases.

Letters of Intent deadline for neighborhood cleanup matching grants program approaches

Is your neighborhood planning a spring cleanup event? Let your local government know – and let Metro help cover the cost.

ODOT is closing Highway 213 near Metro South from March 22-27, and garbage and recycling customers are encouraged to take loads to Metro Central during the closure.

The hazardous waste facility at Metro South transfer station celebrated two decades and a ton of stories in paint and jars this week. Most of the materials that come through the doors are mundane – old paint cans, car batteries, fluorescent lights and propane tanks – but there's the occasional jar with a human brain or pickled pet.