Multnomah County, OR Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Multnomah County Code § 27.507(a)
- Applies to
- Businesses in unincorporated county
- Requirement
- Source-separate, containers, signage, instructions
- Enforced by
- Dept. of Community Services Director
- Portland excluded
- Portland runs its own program
Summary
Unincorporated Multnomah County requires licensed haulers to collect recycling from every household and business, and requires businesses to source-separate recyclables under County Code Chapter 27. Portland and Gresham run their own separate recycling programs.
Businesses must source separate all
recyclable materials, provide recycling containers,
post signs identifying materials the Business must
source separate, and provide recycling instructions, in
compliance with the administrative rules.
c. Licensees must provide their current
license upon request.
d. Licenses may be transferred with
approval of the Director, which will not be
unreasonably withheld.
(Ord. 1207, added, 4/10/14)
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code § 27.507(a) requires every business in the unincorporated county to source separate all recyclable materials, provide recycling containers, post signs identifying the materials that must be source separated, and give customers recycling instructions, in compliance with administrative rules adopted by the Department of Community Services. The requirement applies under the county's franchised collection system (Code Chapter 27, Solid Waste and Recycling Management), which covers unincorporated areas outside urban service districts, not Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, or Wood Village, which license their own haulers. Licensees must also provide recycling collection and education to residential customers under § 27.505.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with the Business Recycling Requirement is a violation; the Director may issue a written notice, and an uncorrected violation can bring civil penalties, license suspension, or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to my business in Portland?
What must an unincorporated county business do to comply?
What happens if a business doesn't comply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon trash & recycling overview
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