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Local governments may soon have to adopt ordinances that would make it mandatory for all businesses to recycle paper and cardboard containers.

Metro is considering taking a stronger stand on boosting recycling in the region, and is hoping to keep 80,000 tons of paper and containers out of landfills with the proposal. If approved, Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin and other local governments would have to adopt the new recycling rules by Feb. 28.

Currently, Beaverton businesses are recycling 78 percent of their paper and containers. Metro’s proposal would bump that figure up to 90 percent.

Exceptions to the proposal would be made for firms with space issues beyond their control. Metro is expected to have a public hearing on the process some time in September.