Residential Garbage Service

Within the City of Portland, garbage service for single family homes and apartment buildings with four or fewer units is provided by one of the 21 franchised garbage and recycling companies.

For information about garbage and recycling service for apartments and condos with five or more units, see Multifamily Services.

Garbage and recycling companies are assigned a specific geographic service area, called a "franchise area." The rates for collection of garbage and recycling are set by the City Council.

If you have questions about your garbage service contact your garbage and recycling company or call the Solid Waste and Recycling Hotline at 503-823-7202.

Photo: Dick Cereghino, Argay Disposal

Residential Garbage System

Who picks up my garbage and recyclables? 

Residential garbage and recyclables are collected by 21 private companies.  Each garbage and recycling company is franchised by the City of Portland. The City establishes geographic territories that each company has the exclusive right to serve, and the City has rules that the garbage and recycling company must follow.

How are the rates set?

The City conducts an annual rate review to determine what garbage and recycling companies charge for these services.  Learn more about current rates and how they are determined.

Where does the waste go?

There are no "dumps" or landfills in Portland. Garbage and recycling companies, citizens, and businesses bring trash to a transfer station, a facility that compacts garbage and coordinates getting it to a landfill. From the transfer station, most of Portland ’s garbage goes to the Columbia Ridge Landfill, which is located about 150 miles east of Portland near Arlington, Oregon.

What can I expect from my garbage and recycling company?

Your garbage and recycling company is responsible for the collection of your garbage, recycling and yard debris. Their office staff can answer any questions you may have regarding your service. If your garbage, recycling, or yard debris is missed, call your hauler's office as soon as possible.

Click here to find your garbage and recycling company.

Basic service

Garbage and recycling collection occurs once a week with recycling always picked up the same day as garbage. Yard debris is collected every other week. Yard debris may not be collected on the same day as garbage. You can call your garbage and recycling company to request a yard debris collection calendar.

Billing

Most garbage and recycling companies bill their customers every other month. The City Council annually reviews and sets the rate for garbage, recycling, and yard debris collection.

Questions about your service

If you have a question or a problem with your service or bill, first call your garbage and recycling company directly. If you have further questions after calling your garbage and recycling company, please contact the City's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability at 503-823-7202 or email us at wasteinfo@ci.portland.or.us.