City of Bend
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Managing waste and materials effectively is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable system where materials and products are reused, repaired, refurbished, remanufactured, recycled, and composted.
Emissions from Waste & MaterialsWhat We're DoingWhat You Can DoGot an Idea?
Materials are central to our economy, environment, and communities. Everything we buy or use starts with extracting natural resources, producing goods, transporting them, using them, and then either recycling, composting, or throwing them away.
Preventing waste has a greater positive impact than recycling or composting because it reduces the need for more resources, energy use and emissions associated with transportation, extraction and production. Reducing how much we consume and improving waste management are crucial for addressing climate change. To reduce our impact from materials and waste, the city is prioritizing work to reduce edible food waste, expand composting programs, implement construction and demolition material recycling programs, encourage repair and reuse, and promote the use of low-carbon concrete.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Materials & Waste
The 2021 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory reported that waste-related emissions make up a small but critical portion of Bend’s total emissions profile. While local emissions from waste management account 2% of Bend’s total greenhouse gas emissions, the environmental impact of materials extends far beyond what is thrown away. Imported emissions—generated during the production and transportation of goods, food, and packaging—contribute significantly to the city’s carbon footprint. In fact, the emissions from what we consume (1.2 million MT CO2e) are nearly equal the total emissions from local energy use in vehicles, homes, and buildings in our community (1.3 million MT CO2e).
Bend’s 2021 Local GHG Emissions (left) and Local + Imported GHG Emissions (right)
Between 2016 and 2021, Bend’s waste-related emissions remained relatively stable at about 2% of total local emissions, but imported emissions from consumption increased significantly, by 10%. Methane emissions from landfills remain a concern, emphasizing the need for increased composting and waste reduction efforts. Expanding recycling and compost programs, along with reducing material consumption, are key strategies to cutting emissions and supporting a circular economy.
2016 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Comparison
What the City is Doing
What You Can Do
For all things waste-related, Rethink Waste (an Environmental Center program) is the go-to resource in Bend. Check out their Rethink Waste Guide for detailed guidance on waste prevention, recycling, and composting.
Got An Idea?
Check out The Environmental Center’s Community Innovation Fund, a grant that supports programs aimed to reduce waste in our neighborhoods, workplace, schools, restaurants, and other community spaces. The program awards grants to individuals, businesses, non-profit and community organizations to support waste reduction, reuse, repair, and sharing projects throughout Deschutes County.