Medford, OR Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MMC § 5.502
- Minimum capacity
- 30 gallons per dwelling unit
- Effective date
- January 1, 1997
- Collection frequency required
- Weekly, via city-franchised hauler
- Maximum fine
- $250 (MMC § 5.990(2))
- Responsible party
- Owner of the rental dwelling
Summary
Medford requires owners of rental dwellings to provide a watertight, lidded garbage receptacle of at least 30 gallons per unit under Code Section 5.502, and to subscribe to weekly pickup with a city-franchised hauler. The rule has applied to every rental dwelling since January 1, 1997.
5.502 Owners to Provide Garbage Receptacles.
(1) Effective January 1, 1997, the owner of any dwelling who rents, leases, or lets dwelling units for human habitation shall provide, in a location accessible to all dwelling units, one (1) 30-gallon receptacle for each dwelling unit, or, if a multiple family unit, a receptacle with a combined capacity of 30 gallons per dwelling unit, into which garbage and rubbish from the dwelling units may be emptied for storage between days of collection. Receptacles and lids shall be watertight and provided with handles. All receptacles shall be maintained free from holes and covered with tight-fitting lids at all times. The owner of the units shall subscribe to and pay for weekly garbage removal service for the receptacles with a City of Medford refuse collection franchise holder.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-32, passed May 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
502, "Owners to Provide Garbage Receptacles," places the receptacle obligation on landlords rather than tenants. Effective January 1, 1997, any owner who rents, leases, or lets dwelling units for human habitation must provide, in a location accessible to all units, either one 30-gallon receptacle per dwelling unit or, for a multifamily building, a shared receptacle with combined capacity of 30 gallons per unit. Receptacles and their lids must be watertight and fitted with handles, kept free of holes, and covered with tight-fitting lids at all times so garbage and rubbish can be stored between collection days without attracting pests or spilling.
The same section obligates the owner to subscribe to and pay for weekly garbage removal service through a City of Medford refuse collection franchise holder, meaning tenants cannot be left to arrange their own hauling. The requirement was added by Ordinance No. 8147 in 1996 and amended in 2000 for penalty cross-references. 502 and a separate nuisance case if garbage accumulates as a result.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Section 5.502 is classified as a violation, not a crime, and is punishable under the general penalty schedule in Section 5.990(2) by a fine not exceeding $250. Medford Code Enforcement, operating under the Police Department, cites the property owner rather than the tenant, since the section places the duty on the owner of the rental dwelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for garbage cans at a Medford rental?
What condition must the receptacles be kept in?
What happens if a Medford landlord doesn't provide receptacles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Medford
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