Reuse, recycling, and garbage resources for Portland residents are essential to understanding how and where to dispose of waste properly. Recycling, trash disposal, and composting can vary depending on where you live, but every resident has the right to participate. The collection system depends on whether you own or rent and the number of units on your property. More details become clear once you’ve settled in.
Reuse, Recycling, and Garbage Resources for Portland Residents
How and where you recycle and dispose of trash – and whether you can compost – can look different depending on where you live. What stays the same is your right to participate. The collection system depends on whether you buy or rent, and whether there are multiple units in your building or property. More on those specifics once you’ve moved in.
Residential Collection
Residential service is garbage, recycling, and food scrap collection for homeowners or renters in one to four units (single-family, duplex, triplex, fourplex). Landlords are required to provide and pay for curbside collection services for renters of any building size. Within Portland, residential curbside collection service includes weekly composting and recycling, and every other week garbage collection.
Each Cart Plays A Part
- Garbage is collected every other week for most residential customers and every four weeks for some customers by request.
- You have options! Right size your garbage container to fit your household’s needs with one of four sizes available.
- Mix paper, plastic, and metal together in the blue Portland Recycles! roll cart.
- Keep glass bottles and jars separate in a yellow recycling bin.
- Include the food! Collect food scraps while preparing meals, scraping plates, and cleaning the fridge of leftovers, and add them to the green Portland Composts! roll cart, along with yard debris.
- 70% of what is collected is recycled or composted!
Take the Guesswork Out of Garbage Day!
Sign up for free email reminders at www.garbagedayreminders.com.
We’re here to help you make the most of your curbside system.
www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling
503-823-7202
Multifamily Collection
If you’re new to Portland, there’s a good chance you’re renting an apartment, buying a condo, or living in some type of multifamily community with five or more units. As a resident, information and resources are available free of charge and include:
- how and where to dispose of garbage and recycling
- what items can be recycled
- where to take things that don’t belong in the garbage or recycling
- who to contact with questions
Contact the property owner, manager, or the City of Portland for free information and resources.
www.portland.gov/multifamily-recycling | 503-823-5054
Questions about items not accepted at your building? Ask Metro.
www.oregonmetro.gov/recycling | 503-234-3000
Request your free Portland Relocation Guide here
