Portland, OR Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Set-out window
- 2 hours before/after collection
- After-hours collection
- carts in by next business day
- Outer limit
- 24 hours from set-out
- Permit needed for
- longer right-of-way storage
- First-offense fine
- up to $500
Summary
Portland caps how long garbage, recycling, and compost carts can sit in the public right-of-way: no more than two hours before or after collection without a City permit.
No person may store, or cause to be stored, containers of solid waste, recycling or compostables in public right-of-way without a permit from the City Administrator. For the purposes of this Section, storage means leaving containers in the right of way for more than two hours either before or after collection during normal business hours. If collection occurs after normal business hours, containers may be placed in the right of way at the close of business but must be removed from the right of way by the start of the following business day or within 24 hours of set out...
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Chapter 17.102, no one may leave solid waste, recycling, or compost containers in the public right-of-way more than two hours before or after collection during normal business hours without a permit from the City Administrator. If a hauler collects after normal business hours, carts may go out at close of business but must come back in by the start of the next business day or within 24 hours of set-out, whichever comes first. The City Administrator can grant hardship exemptions, renewable up to two years at a time.
Violations & Fines
First violation: assessment up to $500. Second violation by the same person: up to $1,000. Third and later violations: up to $1,500. Assessments can be charged per day, per month, or per incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my garbage cart out in Portland?
What if my hauler collects at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon trash & recycling overview
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Bin Placement Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle bin placement rules.