Our Community

WM-Riverbend is a community asset because of our direct economic contributions as well as our work to be a valued community partner.

Economically, we provide 20 jobs as well as a strong and steady revenue source for Yamhill County. In 2014 we paid the county approximately $1 million, based on waste volumes. Also in 2013 and 2014, we spent more than $16 million on capital projects at the site. Beyond this, Riverbend provides a distinct economic advantage for area businesses because of the low transportation costs. This competitive advantage is especially important for companies that generate sizable amounts of material that today cannot be recycled. Businesses that do not have a safe and modern landfill close by pay far more because they have to transport waste hundreds of miles.

In terms of community partnerships, WM-Riverbend gives back to a long list of organizations working to a build a stronger, healthier Yamhill County. We also recycle bikes for re-use by people in need, and we host more than 200 students and community members for tours every year.

Here’s more about our work in communities across the county:

Waste Management grants will support economic development in Carlton, Dundee, Lafayette and Sheridan

Each city will receive $15,000 from the Waste Management Green4Growth. grant program. Cities will use the grants to make business districts more inviting through facade updates and street improvements. Funds will even help re-life a community pool as part of vibrant and healthy downtown Carlton!

YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. – April 27, 2015 – Waste Management today announced grants to four more cities to stimulate economic development across Yamhill County.

The purpose of the Waste Management Green4Growth. grant program is to support economic development in Yamhill County through business, industry, education, recreation, culture, the arts, stewardship or innovation. This special program is funded by Waste Management and inspired by Yamhill County’s commitment to economic development (GROW Yamhill County).

Jackie Lang of Waste Management said the company’s local leadership team has approved grants for the cities of Carlton, Dundee, Lafayette and Sheridan. Each city will receive a $15,000 grant.

Waste Management announced last fall that it would award $150,000 to stimulate economic development in Yamhill County. Company managers have already approved $75,000 in grants for Amity, Dayton, Newberg, Willamina and Yamhill.

Funding for the grants originated with a charity golf tournament that Waste Management hosts each year in a different part of the country. The 2014 event was held in Oregon, with Waste Management donating proceeds in Oregon communities to support social services, environmental education and economic development.

“This is an opportunity for Waste Management to make investments that will enrich Yamhill County communities in important and lasting ways,” Lang said.

Here’s more on the latest Green4Growth grants to receive approval:

The City of Carlton will receive $15,000 to help construct a new swimming pool house, pending community approval of a levy. The community pool connects to economic development because of its visible downtown location and its impact on quality of life as Carlton seeks to recruit business investment. Should levy fail, the grant will help repair the existing pool building.

The City of Dundee will receive $15,000 to help businesses make exterior facade improvements as part of a grant and loan program.

The City of Lafayette will receive $15,000 to help businesses enhance exterior facades to meet the City’s new downtown design standards.

The City of Sheridan will receive $15,000 to launch a low interest loan program to fund facade and street improvements for commercial properties in a designated area.

WM Pedal Power Partnership

WM-Riverbend partners with YCAP and retired veteran Dean Williams to recycle used bikes and distribute them across Yamhill County. The program is important because it reduces landfill waste and provides bikes to children and adults in need. Riverbend provides the replacement parts while Dean Williams volunteers his labor and often organizes additional volunteer labor to repair the bikes. So far, the WM Pedal Power Partnership has rescued more than 1,600 bicycles from the landfill.

To donate a used bike or bike parts, go to
Riverbend Landfill, Recycling Center and Green Energy Plant
13469 SW Hwy 18 (three miles west of McMinnville)

To request a recycled bike, contact
YCAP at (503) 472-0457

Good Neighbor Grant

WM-Riverbend is proud to partner with local non-profit organizations and schools to make Yamhill County a cleaner and healthier place to live, work, and play.

To show our support for schools and groups that share our commitment to building a stronger, healthier community, we now offer Good Neighbor Grants. Many of our community friends will remember that we donated free disposal after community events; now our donations are in the form of Good Neighbor Grants - gifts of $75 to $200 to qualifying organizations.

If you think you qualify, or if you've previously received free disposal from us, take a moment to submit the form below. If you have questions, please contact Angela Timmerman at riverbend@wmnorthwest.com.

Community Support

WM-Riverbend is also pleased to support these important community organizations and events:

Awards and Honors

Riverbend is the proud recipient of prestigious honors including “Business of the Year” from the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce and “Excellence in Engineering” from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers.