Garbage and Recycling At Home

Portland's residential garbage and recycling service is provided by 21 private garbage and recycling companies franchised by the City. Garbage rates and rules for garbage collection are set by the City of Portland. Garbage and recycling companies bill homeowners and landlords directly.

The Solid Waste and Recycling program within the Office of Sustainable Development helps Portland residents:

• Reduce waste
• Learn about options for reuse
• Recycle materials that can be remade into new products
• Properly dispose of waste material that can't be recycled

Between May and July, all Portland households received two new roll carts - a blue cart for recycling and a green cart for yard debris.

Your garbage collection container remains the same. Please do not use your new container for garbage.

Due to inflation, rising fuel prices and the cost of the new carts, the average Portland household's garbage and recycling bill increased July 1.  For more information on the rate increase, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roll Carts

Can I put garbage in my blue roll cart?

No, the blue cart is for recyclable materials only. See this page for recycling instructions.

Can I recycle my kitty litter?

No, kitty litter is garbage so put it in your garbage can. However, if you purchase kitty litter in a plastic bucket, you can recycle the empty plastic bucket in your blue recycling roll cart.

Can I mix recycling in my blue cart?

Yes, all recyclable materials (except glass and motor oil) are mixed together in the blue roll cart. Yard debris goes in the green cart.

What new materials are accepted?

More plastics can be included in the blue cart, including yogurt-type tubs, nursery pots and buckets.

Can I put kitchen food scraps in my green roll cart?

No, the green cart is for yard debris only. See this page for yard debris instructions. 

Do I have to bring my carts to the curb each collection day?

No, you can roll your carts to the curb when it's convenient for you. You don't have to take them out every collection day if they are not full.

What do I do with my yellow bins?

Please continue to use at least one of your yellow bins for glass only. Extra yellow bins you do not want can be taken to a depot for drop off and recycling. Click here for locations.

Where do I put the carts?

On collection day, roll your carts to the usual place you put your bins, leaving some space between each cart if possible.

How did the City make the decision to move to roll carts?

Click here to learn more about the Portland Recycles! Plan and the decision to switch to roll carts.

Renters!

How you recycle and dispose of garbage depends on what recycling containers are provided for you. Whether yellow bins or large central collection containers, there's lots you can recycle. Learn more.

Interested in recycling items that aren't accepted at curbside? 

Call Metro's Recycling Information Hotline at (503) 234-3000 (hearing impaired call TDD (503) 707-1804) or visit their Web site.