Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) administers residential garbage and recycling, but bulky-waste pickup is not included in the standard franchised service. Residents take large items to Metro's Central or South Transfer Stations, schedule paid bulky pickup with their assigned hauler, or use BPS-funded community cleanup events. Illegal dumping is enforced under PCC 17.36.
Portland's residential garbage and recycling service is delivered by privately franchised haulers assigned to specific service areas under PCC 17.102, with rates and rules set by BPS. The standard cart-based service (gray garbage, blue recycling, green compost) does not include bulky items such as mattresses, furniture, appliances, large electronics, or construction debris. Residents have four main disposal options: (1) Metro's two regional transfer stations — Central Transfer Station (NW Portland, 6161 NW 61st Ave) and South Transfer Station (Oregon City, 2001 Washington St) — accept household garbage, bulky items, recyclables, and hazardous waste; tipping fees are weight-based ($45 minimum). (2) Schedule a bulky-waste pickup directly with the franchised hauler for the address — fees vary by hauler ($25-$80 per item). (3) Free 'Fix-It Fairs' and community cleanup events held seasonally by BPS in each neighborhood district. (4) Donate usable items to organizations such as Free Geek (electronics), the ReBuilding Center (building materials), or Habitat for Humanity ReStore (appliances and furniture). Refrigerators and air conditioners require Freon removal under federal Clean Air Act §608 — Metro and licensed appliance recyclers handle this. Mattresses are recycled through the statewide Mattress Recycling Council program at Metro stations. Illegal dumping under PCC 17.36 is a Class A misdemeanor with fines up to $6,250 and is reported through pdxreporter.org.
Illegal dumping under PCC 17.36 is a Class A misdemeanor — fines up to $6,250 and possible cleanup cost recovery. Repeat offenders face escalated penalties. Setting bulky items at the curb for the regular cart pickup, without a scheduled bulky-waste service, may result in a $50-$150 contamination fee from the hauler.
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See how Portland's bulk item disposal rules stack up against other locations.
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