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Portland, OR Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
PCC Ch. 17.102
Compost cart bans
plastic bags, diapers, Styrofoam, pet waste
Rental owner duty
subscribe to weekly compost service
Backyard exemption
actively maintained compost pile
Enforcing agency
Bureau of Planning & Sustainability

Summary

Portland residents get weekly curbside compost collection through the city's franchised haulers, but contaminating the compost cart with plastic bags, diapers, Styrofoam, pet waste, or solid waste is a code violation.

It is a violation of Chapter 17.102 for any customer to:

A. Place in a recycling cart, recycling container or recycling bin any plastic bag, diapers, pet waste, Styrofoam, wood, food, yard debris, or any solid waste; or,

B. Place in a compost cart or compost container any plastic bag, diapers, pet waste, Styrofoam, or any solid waste.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Portland City Code Chapter 17.102 governs residential compost collection through franchised haulers regulated by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Section 17.102.295 makes it a violation to place plastic bags, diapers, pet waste, Styrofoam, or any solid waste in a compost cart or compost container. Separately, rental owners of four or fewer units must subscribe to weekly composting and recycling service under § 29.30.140(C), and a backyard 'maintained compost area' with actively managed yard debris is exempt from the property-nuisance rules on accumulated organic matter under § 29.20.010(H)(5).

Violations & Fines

Contaminating a compost cart, or an owner's failure to maintain required collection service, is a civil infraction under Chapter 17.102, subject to a City-assessed penalty collectible as a debt to the City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can't go in my Portland compost cart?
Plastic bags, diapers, pet waste, Styrofoam, or any solid waste: placing these in a compost cart or container violates PCC § 17.102.295.
Do I have to subscribe to composting service?
Owners of rental properties with four or fewer units must subscribe to weekly composting and recycling service under PCC § 29.30.140(C).
Can I keep a backyard compost pile instead?
Yes: an actively managed 'maintained compost area' for yard debris is exempt from the city's nuisance rules on accumulated organic matter (PCC § 29.20.010(H)(5)).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Portland

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All Portland rules

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