What is City of Roses (COR) Disposal and Recycling?
City of Roses (COR) Disposal and Recycling is a unique waste management company based in Portland, Oregon. It stands out as the only Black-owned B-Corp waste company in the United States, with a strong focus on sustainability and community building. COR is a fully integrated organization dedicated to diverting waste from landfills by recycling and reintroducing materials back into the supply chain. Their mission? To lead the circular economy movement in Portland and beyond, making waste management smarter and more sustainable.
Main Benefits and Key Figures of COR
COR’s impact is impressive, and the numbers tell a compelling story:
- Over 10,000,000+ pounds of waste diverted yearly from landfills
- More than 25 years serving the community
- Over 50% of employees are valued members contributing to the company’s success
These figures highlight COR’s commitment not just to waste management but to creating a cleaner, safer, and more efficient environment for everyone.
Who Does COR Serve?
COR’s services are designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of clients. They work with:
- Waste haulers
- Contractors
- Public agencies
- Waste producers
This broad client base allows COR to have a wide-reaching impact on waste diversion and sustainability efforts across various sectors.
The Story Behind COR
The journey of COR began in 1996 when founder Al Simpson, after over a decade working for the City of Portland, decided to take a leap of faith. He took out a second mortgage on his home to buy the company’s first roll-off waste truck. Al noticed a lack of diversity in Portland’s waste disposal industry and wanted to change that. His vision was simple but powerful: build a sustainable waste company that also provides real career advancement opportunities for people of color (BIPOC). And so, City of Roses Disposal and Recycling was born.
Company Timeline Highlights
Here’s a quick look at some key milestones in COR’s history:
- 1992: Al Simpson starts working for the City of Portland’s maintenance bureau, operating a roll-off truck.
- 1995: COR is founded with just one roll-off truck and a dumpster.
- 2005: Acquisition of a 2-acre site to develop a recycling facility.
- 2014: COR’s first recycling facility officially opens after years of planning and permitting.
- 2018: COR moves to a larger 12-acre facility with a 100,000 sq ft building.
- 2019: COR’s Transfer Station becomes the first privately owned transfer station permitted in Portland and the first in the nation fully owned and operated by African Americans.
- 2020: COR wins a five-year contract for East Portland Public Trash Can Collection.
Impact on Sustainability and Community
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Through its operations, COR contributes to cleaner neighborhoods, more efficient resource use, and economic opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Certified B Corporation Status
COR proudly holds the Certified B Corporation status, which means it meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. This certification reflects COR’s dedication to balancing profit with purpose, accelerating a global culture shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy. It’s not just about waste management—it’s about redefining what success looks like in business today.
