Food Scraps

Start dates are based on businesses’ estimated volume of weekly food scraps. Businesses with the largest amounts of food waste are required to comply first. Businesses must start composting by these dates.

March 31, 2023

• For businesses producing 1,000 pounds of food scraps or more per week.
• 1,000 pounds is about four full 60-gallon compost roll carts.  

September 30, 2023

• For businesses producing 500 pounds of food scraps or more per week.
• 500 pounds is about two full 60-gallon compost roll carts. 

September 30, 2024

• For businesses producing 250 pounds of food scraps or more per week.  
• 250 pounds is about one full 60-gallon compost roll cart.

Customer food scraps

This does not apply to public or customer-facing areas of your business. Food prep waste and plate scraping handled by employees go in the provided compost bin. 

• The City will notify all businesses meeting the food scrap requirement criteria.
• City staff will conduct on-site visits to distribute information and provide training.
• Qualifying businesses (with 1,000 pounds or more of food waste) must compost food. Penalties will be charged for noncompliance. 

Food-generating businesses are required to comply with the food scrap requirement. In 2024 businesses that do not comply will be subject to enforcement action.

1. The City will provide written notice to the business. The notice will include the nature of the violation and the steps needed to avoid additional enforcement actions. The City will offer support or training.
2. The business will have 14 days to take corrective action.  
3. If a violation is not corrected within the time specified in the notice of noncompliance, the City may issue a citation or civil penalty. Gresham Revised Code (Section 7.50.500)

Waiver

A 12-month waiver may be submitted for review. Waiver considerations include physical barriers, unreasonable capital expense, or violation of other government rules that impact a business’s ability to implement the policy.

• Phase 1 waiver 
• Phase 2 waiver

Contact Gresham Green Business staff at 503-618-2518 or GreenBiz@GreshamOregon.gov.

Metro passed an ordinance in 2019 requiring food-generating businesses region-wide, including Gresham, to reduce food waste. Food is the largest form of waste at landfills and creates harmful gases that contribute to climate change.  

Benefits of composting food waste: 

• Food businesses can save money by reducing waste that goes to landfill.
• Food waste can be turned into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizers for farms. 
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions at landfills.  

Metro resources 

• Food scraps separation policy
• Frequently asked questions
• Preventing food waste
• Donating food

Video resources

Find out how other businesses are implementing sustainable practices. 

• Food scraps and recycling training video
  • Español
• Building a sustainable composting program
• Business compost tips

Related programs and services 

• Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG): Food service businesses use grease removal devices to separate FOG from their wastewater. Keeping FOG out of the sewer system helps avoid dangerous sewage spills and costly cleaning. 
• The Small Business Center provides resources, guidance and step-by-step assistance through the permitting/licensing process. 
• City of Gresham Business Services.