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Dish sorting stations like this one have become a Portland Farmers Market staple as the nonprofit seeks to reduce the amount of waste getting sent to the landfill.

(Courtesy of Portland Farmers Market)

The Portland Farmers Market, already a destination for local and organic food consumers, is boosting its green image by doing away with disposable dishware.

The nonprofit, which runs seven markets throughout the city, has made the switch to reusable dishes at its Portland State University, King, Northwest, Buckman and Kenton outposts.

All prepared food vendors at those markets have begun serving meals on hardy plates and silverware. When they finish eating, customers bring their dishes to a wash station where market staff take care of the rest.

Metro's new composting rules, which no longer allow businesses to include compostable dishware along with food scraps in the compost bins, inspired the change.

Dishes that used to get composted were ending up in the landfill.

"As part of our mission to support local farmers and food producers, it's our responsibility to implement practices that have a real, measurable impact on our waste stream, the environment, and ultimately, the farmers and food producers who make up the market," market director Trudy Toliver said in a statement.

So far, the reusable dishes have accomplished that goal. The market's figures show waste at the PSU market has dropped by two-thirds since the switch.

To-go boxes are still available for shoppers who don't want to stick around to eat their meal.

-- Kelly House

khouse@oregonian.com

503-221-8178

@Kelly_M_House