Portland's residential garbage and recycling collection is managed through a franchised hauler system overseen by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Garbage is collected every other week while recycling and food scraps/yard debris are collected weekly. The system was restructured in 2011 to reduce waste and increase recycling rates.
Residential customers are assigned a franchised hauler based on their neighborhood. Standard service includes a 35-gallon garbage roll cart collected every other week, a recycling roll cart collected weekly, and a yard debris/food scraps roll cart collected weekly. Garbage cart size options include 20, 35, and 60 gallons. Extra garbage can be placed in bags or cans with an extra item tag. Collection begins as early as 6 AM. Holiday schedules shift collection by one day. Bulky items and certain hazardous materials require separate arrangements.
Contamination of recycling with non-recyclable materials may result in the hauler leaving the cart uncollected with a tag explaining the issue. Persistent contamination may lead to suspension of recycling service. Illegal dumping carries penalties under Portland City Code.
Portland, OR
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