On June 10, 2008, the McMinnville City Council adopted Resolution 2008-20, which committed the city to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to promoting sustainability.

Under direction of City Manager Kent Taylor, an employee committee was formed to further meet the goals expressed in Resolution 2008-20.  Now known as the Sustainability Committee, it is composed of representatives from nearly every city department as well as McMinnville Water & Light, and a local environmental group, Cool Mac.

This partnership has provided the city with resources and trainings on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable behavior.  As first set out by the Sustainability Committee, sustainability is considered to be:

'Using, developing, and protecting resources at a rate and in a manner that enables people to meet their current needs and also provides that future generations can meet their own needs.  Sustainabilty requires simultaneously meeting environmental, economic, and community needs.'

                                         - City of McMinnville Sustainability Committee

While the long-term goals of this committee and the City of McMinnville's sustainability goals and metrics are still being established, there are many actions the City and its citizens can take now to promote a healthy and sustainable community.  Please see below for links to local recycling facilities, educational resources, and other sustainability related items. 

If you have any questions or comments on the City of McMinnville's Sustainability activites, please contact the Sustainability Committee chairperson, Lucy Falcy, via email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). 

Sustainability Links / Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How can I get recycling information related to trash pickup in my neighborhood?

A: Many items such as yard waste, plastic and glass, etc., can be recycled for free at Western Oregon Waste's 'Recovery Zone' (click here for details!)

To find out what you can recycle curbside, click here.

Q: How can I get more information about residential and commercial sustainability efforts, such as appliance rebates, green power efforts, and other energy conservation strategies?

A: Visit the McMinnville Water and Light website! Click on the Sustainability button there for more information on sustainable energy goals.