To our valued customers:

Many of you have recently experienced a new policy/procedure which we have adopted at all of our facilities. We understand that this has been cause for confusion. As of December 1, 2014, we began measuring each and every load entering our facilities to ensure that we are properly accounting for all material being dropped off for recycling.

We have been forced into this position by Clackamas County. The county has decided to require us to close our composting facility (Clackamas Compost Products), which has been in operation for over 30 years, and which we have been operating for roughly 15 of those years. We expect to receive formal notice to vacate the property by the end of December, 2015.

We have tried, to no avail, working with the county to find a solution that will work for both parties. After several meetings with county officials, we have come to the realization that they have no intention to assist us in finding a suitable alternative location to operate our business.

We currently process more than 50,000 tons, (100 Million pounds), of yard debris annually­­­­. You may be asking the same questions we are, “Where will the material be received and processed?” The volume of tonnage that is processed through Clackamas Compost would & will create a major problem, not only for the county, but also for the entire region.

As a result, and in preparation for the closure, we are being forced to haul the current inbound material to another of our facilities which is located in Cornelius, Oregon. Our transportation costs have more than doubled, requiring us to make adjustments to our current procedures.

Understanding that this is going to trickle down to not only our business, but yours as well, we felt the need to reach out to you directly, to keep you informed. We apologize for the affect this will have on your disposal expense.

We continue to battle every day in the attempt to save our company from the County’s decision.

Our back is against the wall.  We believe that the Board of Commissioners is not taking into consideration the profound effect this will have on our community and businesses.

Your voice matters to us. We think that it may matter to our County officials as well.

If you are so inclined, please take the time to express your concerns to the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners:

Board Chair: John Ludlow
Commissioners: Jim Bernard  /  Paul Savas  /  Martha Schrader  /  Tootie Smith
503-655-8581
2051 Kaen Road
Oregon City, OR  97045

This decision is already having an impact on us all. We truly appreciate your support and value your business. Perhaps by adding more voices, we will be heard.

If you are interested in discussing this with us, please contact:
David Miller, Vice President
971-235-4639
david@shbark.com

Casey Stroupe, President
503-638-1011
casey@shbark.com