Multnomah County residents must separate recyclables from trash under Metro Code 5.01 and each city's solid waste ordinance. Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582, 2021) overhauled the recycling system starting July 1, 2025, creating a producer-responsibility program via Circular Action Alliance. Portland accepts the Metro Regional Recycling List: paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass (separate), and specific plastic containers.
Multnomah County recycling follows the Metro Regional Recycling List, which changed on July 1, 2025 when Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582) took effect. The Circular Action Alliance (CAA) now funds and operates an expanded uniform list of accepted materials across Oregon. Under the new rules, Portland and Multnomah County roll carts accept: paper, cardboard (flattened), newspaper, magazines, metal cans (steel/aluminum), plastic bottles/jugs/tubs/jars up to 5 gallons (no clamshells or lids), and certain non-bottle rigids. Glass goes in a separate yellow bin. Shredded paper, plastic bags, food-soiled items, frozen food boxes, hoses, and electronics are not accepted curbside. Oregon E-Cycles handles electronics free at designated drop-offs. Multi-family properties with 5+ units must provide recycling under Metro Code 5.10 and Portland PCC 17.102.270, and commercial properties generating food waste must comply with Portland's Business Food Waste Requirement phased in since 2020 (PCC 17.102.270). Contaminated carts are tagged via Metro's 'Recycle or Not' program, with repeat contamination triggering hauler follow-up.
Contaminated carts: warning tag first, then skipped collection. Multi-family property without recycling service: Portland PCC 17.102.270 fines $500 to $5,000. Commercial food waste non-compliance: $250 to $1,000 per violation. Misuse of blue/yellow bins for trash: $50 to $250.
Multnomah County, OR
Multnomah County has no countywide leaf blower ordinance. Portland adopted a phased gas leaf blower ban under City Code Title 18 and Ordinance 191370 (2022),...
Multnomah County, OR
Commercial vehicles on county-maintained roads in unincorporated Multnomah County are subject to Oregon state commercial vehicle regulations (ORS Title 59, O...
Multnomah County, OR
Driveways in unincorporated Multnomah County that access county roads require an approach permit from Multnomah County Land Use and Transportation. Vehicles ...
Multnomah County, OR
Multnomah County does not have a specific RV parking ordinance for unincorporated areas beyond Oregon state law. Oregon state law (ORS 197.493) addresses RV ...
Multnomah County, OR
Parking on county-maintained roads in unincorporated Multnomah County is governed by Oregon state traffic laws and county road rules. Abandoned vehicles may ...
Multnomah County, OR
Multnomah County enforces abandoned vehicle rules under MCC 14.700 on county roads and unincorporated areas. Portland PCC 16.30 applies within city limits. O...
See how Multnomah County's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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