Proposal to move bottle redemption site to SE Portland sparks public backlash

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - A proposal to move a bottle redemption site is sparking community backlash. Hundreds of Portlanders have signed a petition calling for the plan to be paused and for another site to be found.

A petition signed by 1,200 Portlanders hopes to halt a proposed bottle redemption site in Southeast Portland.

“There are times when there is lots of loud screaming, drug use, and it can be really challenging; it doesn’t reflect well on our business,” said Brice Strivers.

The People’s Depot, a bottle redemption site operating under the Morrison Bridge, is set to move to a brick-and-mortar location on Southeast Brooklyn Street. While the petition opposes the move, River City Bicycles Manager Brice Stivers said he supports it after the impact the Morrison Bridge location has had on business.

“We do see a lot of congregating, sometimes, swapping or exchanging money for who knows what. We have had customers tell us that they feel a little uneasy,” said Strivers.

According to Ground Score, the nonprofit that runs The People’s Depot, the move will help support workers and customers in a safe indoor environment. However, the petition alleges these sites attract crime, loitering, trash, and more. Some believe even with the move, those problems will remain.

“Clearly it’s going to be an impact no matter where it’s at, if it’s causing people to congregate, in a way that’s sort of causing problems,” said neighbor Garrett Seward. “The city could try to shift it around, but it’s probably going to bring that problem with it.”

But others said they want to give the move a chance, like Jahiah Shaka, who will be living across from the proposed new location.

“I think it’s going to have its bumpy start or its bumpy go, but it’s still going to have a service no matter what, and I think that’s the purpose of it, whether it’s a challenge or not,” said Shaka.

Though the bottle redemption site is not city-operated, the city provided FOX 12 with a statement on neighbors’ concerns, stating, “We expect operators and funders to prevent or resolve public safety or livability issues before City of Portland staff are forced to intervene. Should any new or existing facility fail to meet community standards, we reserve the right to employ the same enforcement action as we would for any other problematic property.”

And even with the opposition, Stivers said he still believes the move is needed.

“I would say it would be a nice breath of fresh air, absolutely,” said Stivers.

FOX 12 did reach out to Ground Score about The People’s Depot and the planned move, including the petition against it, but did not hear back.