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Multnomah County, OR Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 27.504 Annual License Required
Who may haul dumpsters
County-licensed collectors only
Area covered
Unincorporated county, outside urban service districts
Enforcing agency
Director, Dept. of Community Services
Penalty
Civil penalty or license revocation

Summary

Only county-licensed haulers may provide dumpster and roll-off dropbox collection service in unincorporated Multnomah County; unlicensed operators risk enforcement action from the Department of Community Services.

City-specific rules exist: Gresham, and Portland have their own dumpster rules rules that differ from Multnomah County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Only licensees may provide solid

waste and recycling collection and drop box service

within the areas of Multnomah County that are

covered by this subchapter.

c. The Director may deny an

application for a license if a license applicant does not

meet application criteria.

(Ord. 1207, added, 4/10/14)

View official code

Full Breakdown

Multnomah County Code § 27.501 defines a dropbox as a single receptacle hauled off a customer's site on an open truck for unloading at a disposal or recovery facility, the code's term for a roll-off dumpster. Under § 27.504, only a hauler holding a County collection license may provide dumpster and dropbox service in the unincorporated area this subchapter covers, and the Director can deny an application that fails licensing criteria. This scheme applies only outside urban service districts in unincorporated Multnomah County, not Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, or Wood Village, which regulate dumpster hauling under their own codes.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a County collection license, or a licensee violating license terms or subchapter rules, is a code violation; the Director can issue a notice and impose civil penalties, license suspension, or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my own roll-off dumpster on my property in unincorporated Multnomah County?
Yes: the license requirement applies to the hauling company, not property owners renting a dumpster. Only the hauler providing collection or dropbox service must hold a County collection license under § 27.504.
Does this rule apply inside Portland?
No. Chapter 27's solid waste subchapter covers only unincorporated Multnomah County outside urban service districts; Portland licenses its own haulers under its municipal code, not this county chapter.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesSome Restrictions

All Multnomah County rules

Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon trash & recycling overview

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Dumpster Rules in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, ORGresham, OR