Clackamas County, OR Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Compactor-area maintenance
- must stay clean, washed down regularly
- Governing section
- Code § 10.03.060(B)(12) and (C)
- Screen height minimum
- 6 feet for hedges; over 6 ft needs building review
- Compactor certificate
- annual, § 10.03.140(D)(1)
- Minimum service frequency
- once every 7 days
Summary
Commercial, industrial, multi-family and residential developments that use an on-site compactor must keep the area around it clean and washed down or face a solid waste nuisance violation. Any screen used to hide a waste nuisance from view must meet one of six specific fence, wall, berm or hedge designs.
12. When commercial, industrial, multi-family or residential developments that use a compactor or compactors for on-site waste management, do not keep the areas around the compactor free of solid waste and debris, and washed down on a regular basis.
C. Any sight obscuring screen used to abate a solid waste nuisance shall consist of one of the following options:
1. Construct a wood fence unpainted or painted with neutral or earth tone colors of which the upright posts shall consist of a decay resistive material a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter and anchored a minimum of two (2) feet below ground level. There shall be a maximum post separation of eight (8) feet. The railings shall be a minimum of 2-inch by 4-inch lumber with the 4-inch side attached vertically to the posts. The attached vertical or horizontal fence boards shall be set with a maximum separation of 1/4 inch.
2. Construct a metal fence consisting of chain link or woven fabric with metal upright posts anchored a minimum of two (2) feet below ground level with metal railings and connectors. Water and insect resistive wood or plastic slats shall be inserted in the chain link or woven fabric, with a maximum separation of 3/8 inch between slats.
3. Construct a combination fence consisting of metal sheeting attached to wood framing as defined in Section C 1 above, or durable metal framing, which is painted a neutral or earth tone color.
Full Breakdown
060(C) requires one of six specific designs: a wood fence with 4-inch decay-resistant posts set 2 feet deep at no more than 8-foot spacing and boards gapped no more than 1/4 inch; a chain-link or woven-wire metal fence with water-resistant slats gapped no more than 3/8 inch; a combination metal-and-wood fence; a solid masonry, concrete, brick or stone wall; an earthen berm planted and maintained with grass or ornamental plants; or an evergreen hedge at least 6 feet tall planted no more than 2 feet on center.
Screens or fences over 6 feet trigger County review under the Oregon State Uniform Building Code, and earthen berms are reviewed under the county's Grading and Excavation Chapter. No screen for a dumpster or compactor area may be built in a way that conflicts with the county's separate Zoning and Development Ordinance. 140(D)(1) also requires an annual County certificate, a certification fee, and collection service through the area's franchised hauler at least once every seven days.
Violations & Fines
A property that lets debris accumulate around a compactor, or that uses a nonconforming screen, faces the standard Section 10.03.070 nuisance process: a notice giving at least ten days to correct the condition, then referral to the Compliance Hearings Officer or the Board, where a civil penalty is set by resolution under Section 10.03.400. A multi-family owner who violates any condition of the on-site compactor certificate can have that certificate revoked and lose the exception under Section 10.03.140(D)(2), forcing a return to standard franchised collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does county code require a screen around a commercial dumpster?
What maintenance does a compactor area require in Clackamas County?
Can a multi-family property use its own compactor instead of curbside pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clackamas County
Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon trash & recycling overview
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