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Neighborhood Cleanup Event (Click to enlarge)

Wilkes East Neighborhood Cleanup Event May 10, 2025

By Greg Hartung, WENA Board Member

Wilkes East Neighborhood Cleanup event was held on May 10th 2025 at the Moose Lodge. The day marked the much-anticipated neighborhood cleanup, an event that—thanks to the collective effort of residents, local organizations, and Metro officials—would become a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on our community’s environment and spirit.

Every great accomplishment is rooted in thoughtful preparation, and this year’s cleanup was no exception. Planning began months in advance. Flyers were hand delivered to residents, newsletters detailed the event’s objectives: to have a place to bring bulky waste that normally would not have been able to place in a garbage can. The event was free to all to help all residents clear their yards, homes, and garages of no longer needed trash. Donations were collected to help offset the expenses.

The planning committee—comprised of residents young and old, representatives from the neighborhood association, Moose Lodge, Metro, and Waste Management. Metro provided grant money for the dumpsters. The Moose Lodge provided the location and refreshments.

More than 5 tons of bulky waste were collected. Additionally, another 4 tons of scrap metal was diverted to local recyclers.

One of the defining features of the cleanup was the diverse collaboration it fostered. Residents who had rarely exchanged more than a passing wave now worked side by side, sharing stories and laughter as they tackled shared tasks. Yet the true impact of the cleanup reached beyond the day’s visible results. Neighbors, once strangers, now felt a sense of camaraderie forged in shared effort. Throughout the day, conversations among participants revealed a deepened appreciation for both the neighborhood and those who call it home. One resident, originally hesitant to join, was inspired by the sight of so many coming together.

Plans are already underway for next year’s cleanup, with organizers eager to build on this year’s momentum. Suggestions have poured in. If you would like to donate your time and energy for next years plans, you can drop us a line at info@wilkeseastna.org. We welcome ideas and volunteers.

The legacy of this year’s cleanup will live on, not just in the tidy streets and blooming gardens, but in the friendships, goodwill, and renewed sense of belonging it inspired.

Event Photos

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Don't Let Old Paint Cans Get In Your Way - Recycle At These Locations!

Recycling old paint offers several benefits, including resource conservation, landfill space reduction, and potential reuse for others. It helps prevent environmental pollution from toxic chemicals and reduces the need for new paint production, saving energy and resources.

For residents of Wilkes East, the primary locations for dropping off unwanted paint for recycling is:

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
  610 NE 181st Ave
  (503) 575-7336
• Sherwin-Williams
  18179 NE Halsey St
  (503) 666-1258

Quantity accepted varies between 20-25 gallons per visit. Both sites accept latex and oil-based house paint, stains and varnish in containers up to 5 gallons in size.

They do not accept aerosols (spray paint or other spray products), containers without original labels, or containers that are leaking or empty. Contact store for details.

For more paint recycling info visit PaintCare at https://www.paintcare.org/drop-off-sites/

Did You Know? You can toss opened and fully dry paint cans in your weekly trash.

Hi! My name is Ed Spradlin, I am 77yrs young, and I have lived in Portland/Gresham all my life. I grew up in North Portland across from Columbia Park. I attended grade school in Portsmouth and Highland. I then attended Jefferson Hight School, followed by Oregon State University. I was drafted to Vietnam, and after my return continued my education to graduate from Portland State University.

Ed Spradlin

My family ultimately moved out to Gresham 45 years ago, and I have lived there ever since. I am now involved in volunteering for a non-profit that helps under privileged children get access to dental care. The Dental Foundation of Oregon is the non-profit organization that supports and funds the "Tooth Taxi". This is basically a large rolling dental clinic on wheels that travels across Oregon to schools and communities not only educating families but giving actual dental care to children in need.

My family and friends have also joined me in my efforts to help raise money for this cause. What started as me walking the streets in search of cans and bottles to raise money, has now blossomed into an ever growing team of individuals sharing in this effort. Team "Can Do".

Some of the many bottles & cans Ed has collected for the the 'Tooth Taxi'

Every day I am overwhelmed by the beauty of all these individuals who have eagerly stepped up to be a part of something that is growing in support. People want to help. They just, often, don't know how. I have realized something in this process, and it is validated everyday by all the people who have joined this cause. We can do amazing things alone, but even more amazing things together. Together we are team "Can Do".

Outstanding job Ed!

When: Sat, Apr 02, 2022 9AM-12PM
Where: Gresham City Hall
1333 NW Eastman Pky
Get Map!

Join us for a free document shredding and block Styrofoam recycling event. This is a drive-through, drop-and-go service with a limit of two grocery sized bags per vehicle.

What to shred and recycle

• Credit card and bank statements
• Paycheck stubs
• Investment statements
• Paper with personal data
• Block Styrofoam used in product packaging

Not accepted:

• Items with any food/liquid residue
• Styrofoam with tape
• Packing peanuts
• Hot tub covers
• Colored foam
• Dirty foam
• Squishy foam

For more information, email Recycle@GreshamOregon.gov or call 503-618-2525.