4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Multnomah County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
Multnomah County waste collection is franchised by Metro and the cities. Portland contracts with private haulers through PCC 17.102 with weekly trash, weekly composting, and every-other-week recycling. Unincorporated areas are served by Metro-franchised haulers. Metro Regional Government oversees regional solid waste policy and long-haul disposal under its charter authority.
Multnomah County cities require carts placed curbside by 6 AM on collection day with lids closed and at least 3 feet of space between carts and other obstacles. Portland PCC 17.102.210 requires removal from the curb by the end of the collection day. Storage between pickups must be behind the building line or screened from public view.
Multnomah County bulk waste disposal is handled by Metro transfer stations (Metro Central in Northwest Portland and Metro South in Oregon City). Most Portland haulers provide 1 to 2 free Bulky Waste pickups per year (mattresses, furniture, appliances). Metro also operates drop-off events and Neighborhood Cleanup programs. Appliances with refrigerant must be processed separately under ODEQ rules.
Multnomah County residents must separate recyclables from trash under Metro Code 5.01 and each city's solid waste ordinance. Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582, 2021) overhauled the recycling system starting July 1, 2025, creating a producer-responsibility program via Circular Action Alliance. Portland accepts the Metro Regional Recycling List: paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass (separate), and specific plastic containers.
1 cities in Multnomah County have their own trash & recycling rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Multnomah County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Multnomah County Ordinance Hub →