Portland, OR Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling/compost frequency
- Weekly
- Garbage, 4 units or fewer
- Every other week
- Garbage, 5+ units
- At least weekly
- Who may collect
- City-franchised hauler only
Summary
Portland rental properties must subscribe to a franchised hauler: weekly recycling and composting, garbage every other week for four units or fewer.
The owner of a residential rental property of four or fewer dwelling units must provide for each dwelling unit, or subscribe to and pay for weekly recycling and composting service and every-other-week garbage removal service by a franchisee as defined in Portland City Code Chapter 17.102, where each dwelling unit is provided with at least one 20 gallon receptacle into which garbage and rubbish may be emptied for storage and collection. Receptacles and lids must be watertight and provided with handles.
D. The owner of a residential rental property of five or greater dwelling units must subscribe to and pay for recycling and garbage removal service by a refuse collection permittee or franchisee as defined in Portland City Code Chapter 17.102. Collection must occur at least weekly.
E. The owner of any owner-occupied residential property must subscribe to and pay for weekly recycling and composting service and every-other-week garbage removal service by a refuse collection permittee or franchisee as defined in Portland City Code Chapter 17.102 if the property has been posted two or more times within one year for violation of Subsection 29.20.010 H.1. or 2.
Full Breakdown
Portland City Code § 29.30.140 sets the collection schedule: owners of rental properties with four or fewer dwelling units must provide or subscribe to weekly recycling and composting plus every-other-week garbage removal through a City franchisee, with each unit given at least one watertight 20-gallon receptacle. Owners of rental properties with five or more units must subscribe to recycling and garbage removal occurring at least weekly. Only franchisees permitted under Chapter 17.102 may perform residential collection; no one else may legally collect a household's set-out waste.
Violations & Fines
A residential nuisance violation under Title 29; the City can issue notices and pursue code enforcement against the property owner for failing to maintain subscribed service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Portland resident haul their own trash?
Is weekly garbage pickup required in Portland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle collection schedule.