Welcome

We are South Oregon Master Recyclers in Action (SOMRA) our mission is to create, promote and implement projects that support the practice of zero waste. Zero waste is about not using single use items whenever possible, reducing the amount of trash we generate, helping our community develop a zero-waste mind set.

Reduce | Reuse | Zero Waste

About Us

Mission Statement: To create, promote and implement projects that support the practice of zero waste.

Southern Oregon Master Recyclers in Action (SOMRA) is a group of individuals who have completed the eight-week Master Recyclers course offered by the Jackson County Recycling Partnership and who are passionate about reducing waste!

We meet regularly to develop projects and volunteer on issues in our community related to waste reduction and prevention.

We believe achieving Zero Waste requires new approaches to waste management with policies that emphasize waste prevention as opposed to “end of the pipe” waste management. These new approaches require massive changes in the way materials currently flow through society. We’re working to shift the focus from simply recycling to reducing waste at its source.

Zero waste is part of a larger concept called circular economy which is an approach to production and consumption that aims to reduce waste by keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible. Instead of the traditional “take–make–dispose” model, it focuses on designing goods to be durable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable, so resources continually flow in closed loops. By rethinking how we design, use, and recover products—such as repairing items, sharing assets, and turning old materials into new ones—a circular economy helps conserve natural resources, lower pollution, and create more resilient, sustainable systems that benefit both the environment and the economy.

SOMRA implemented the “Lend Me A Plate” (LMAP) project and SOMRA encouraged Recology in Ashland to partner with Klamath Works in Klamath Falls to find a way to divert mattresses from the local landfill. Information about the successful program that was launched in 2022 can be found at https://ashland.news/climate-spotlight-recycle-your-mattress-for-the-environment/.

We are always looking for volunteers who are also passionate about reducing waste, if you’re interested in joining us, you may contact us here.

Other projects we are working on:

Bulk purchasing options
Reducing food waste
Developing Repair Cafes
Developing directions on “How To Make Your Event Zero Waste”
Conducting waste audits of local organizations and businesses
Supporting legislative and other community efforts to reduce waste
Teaching the concept of Zero Waste at every educational opportunity

Contact Us

If you have questions about our programs, Lending Me A Plate requests, how to volunteer or anything about reducing waste, please reach out!