The closure of ReWorld Marion County in Oregon has created a significant problem for law enforcement agencies and hospitals that relied on the facility for the disposal of biohazardous waste, confiscated drugs, and other evidence.
The facility was the only one on the West Coast capable of processing certain medical and hazardous waste, and now agencies must explore alternatives, including transporting materials across state lines to distant locations like Spokane, Washington, or even further to Kansas or Texas.
Senate Bill 488, which introduced stricter regulations on municipal solid waste incinerators, was the primary cause of the shutdown.
Critics argue that existing technology could have allowed ReWorld to comply with the new rules, but the company contends that the reclassification of the facility made it unfeasible to continue operations.
Law enforcement agencies, including Corvallis and Albany police, are facing increased logistical challenges and higher costs to properly dispose of drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. The situation is complicated by storage concerns as evidence piles up without a local incinerator option, and some waste is now being directed to Coffin Butte Landfill, which has capacity limitations.
Environmental advocates suggest exploring alternative waste disposal methods, but law enforcement insists that no viable alternatives are available for certain types of hazardous waste. The search for a solution may take years, and the ongoing challenges are testing the resilience of the state’s waste management systems.