

What really happens to your trash? 🚮 A WALKING TOUR
Ever wonder what happens to your trash after it leaves the curb? 🚮
Join us during PNW Climate Week for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes tour of Metro Central Transfer Station, where you'll gain a deeper understanding of our region’s waste system — and our role in it.
This outdoor walking tour will help you visualize where our waste goes, how materials are sorted and processed, and how we can all play a part in waste prevention and proper disposal.
A powerful look at the last stop before the landfill.
Tour schedule:
We will be on our feet for up to 90 minutes.
10:00 am :: Welcome, orientation, safety
10:15 am :: Tour the self-haul transfer facility
10:45 am :: Tour the hazardous waste facility
11:15 am :: Regroup + 2nd part of transfer facility
11:30 am :: Depart!
Attire:
The tour takes place entirely outdoors, and depending on the weather, can be sunny, hot, windy, cold, and/or wet. Bring sunscreen. Wear comfortable footwear that can get dirty – for example, work boots, tennis shoes, or rubber boots. We’ll be walking on ground where 2 million lbs of trash are processed every day! Closed-toed shoes are required.
Safety:
The transfer station is a busy place with loud noises, smells, and machinery. Metro will provide a safety vest, safety glasses, and a hard hat. If you are sensitive to smells and dust, we’d recommend you bring a mask.
Driving directions from NW Portland:
🚙 Drive northwest on US-30
➡️ Right on NW Kittridge Ave (at🚦)
⬅️ Left on NW Front Ave
⬅️ Left on NW 61st Ave
⬆️ Go past the stoplight
➡️ Right into the second driveway
See detailed map here.
Public transit:
Bus #16 is your best bet, but the nearest bus stop is still 1 mile away from the destination.
NOTE:
If there is a heat advisory on the day-of, we will need to cancel the tour.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of PNW Climate Week, receive communications about PNW Climate Week, and acknowledge that photos/videos may be taken for promotional use.