Portland Trash & Recycling: Navigating Portland’s Color-Coded Bin System and Pickup Schedules
Searching for more information on Portland Trash & Recycling? Our city is widely recognized as a leader in sustainability, and its comprehensive waste management system is a cornerstone of that reputation. However, for new residents or even long-time locals, the “Portland way” of sorting waste can be surprisingly detailed. Between the different bin colors and the varying pickup schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Understanding this system isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about ensuring that our waste is processed correctly, reducing contamination, and keeping our city clean. Here is your definitive guide to navigating Portland’s curbside collection.
About Portland Trash & Recycling
Portland uses a four-bin system (three roll carts and one small bin) to separate waste at the source. Getting the correct item in the proper bin is the most crucial step in the process.
1. The Blue Bin: Mixed Recycling
The 60-gallon blue cart is for your standard “dry” recyclables. The key here is “clean and dry.”
- Paper: Newspapers, magazines, mail, and flattened cardboard.
- Metal: Aluminum and tin cans, clean foil, and small scrap metal (less than 30 lbs and 30 inches in length).
- Plastic: This is where most people get tripped up. Portland focuses on shape, not numbers. You can recycle plastic bottles and jugs (6 oz or larger) and plastic tubs (6 oz or larger, like yogurt or margarine tubs).
- What stays out: No plastic bags, no “clamshell” takeout containers, and no lids (unless they are screwed tight onto a bottle).
2. The Green Bin: Compost (Food & Yard Debris)
Portland’s green bin is a “compost-all” hero. Unlike many backyard compost piles, the Oregon city’s industrial processing can handle things you might not expect.
- Food Scraps: Meat, dairy, bones, eggshells, and plate scrapings.
- Yard Debris: Leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and small branches.
- Food-Soiled Paper: Pizza boxes (cardboard only), paper napkins, and paper towels.
- What stays out: No “compostable” plastic cups or cutlery, no pet waste, and no “to-go” coffee cups (which have a hidden plastic lining).
3. The Yellow Bin: Glass Only
Another important thing to know about Portland Trash & Recycling is that Glass is recycled separately in Portland to maintain its high quality and prevent shards from contaminating the paper in the blue bin.
- Included: Glass bottles and jars of any color. Labels are okay.
- What stays out: No drinking glasses, ceramics, vases, or light bulbs. These have different melting points and will ruin a batch of recycled glass.
4. The Gray/Black Bin: Garbage
This is for everything that cannot be recycled or composted.
- Standard items: Plastic bags, Styrofoam, diapers, pet waste (must be bagged), and incandescent light bulbs.
- Tip: Because Portland encourages heavy recycling and composting, the garbage bin is often the smallest. You can choose different sizes (20, 35, 60, or 90 gallons), and your monthly bill is based on the size of this specific bin.
Master the Schedule: When to Set Out
One of the most unique aspects of Portland’s service is that not everything is picked up every week.
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Green (Compost)
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Weekly |
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Blue (Recycling)
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Weekly |
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Yellow (Glass)
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Weekly |
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Gray (Garbage)
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Every Other Week
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Pro-Tip: Because garbage is collected only every two weeks, it is vital to use the green compost bin for food scraps. This keeps smelly organic waste out of your garbage bin, where it would otherwise sit for 14 days.
The “6:00 AM” Rule
To ensure your bins are emptied, they must be at the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day. Most haulers recommend setting them out the night before. Be sure to leave about 3 feet of space between bins (and away from cars or mailboxes) so the automated truck arms can safely grab them.
Handling the “Tricky” Items
Some things don’t belong in any of the four bins but can still be handled at the curb:
- Batteries: Do not throw these in the trash! Put small household batteries in a clear, zip-sealed bag and place the bag on top of the glass in your yellow bin.
- Motor Oil: Place used motor oil in a clear plastic jug with a screw-on lid and set it next to your glass bin.
- Hazardous Waste: Items like paint, chemicals, and electronics (E-waste) must be taken to a Metro transfer station.
Contact us
The City of Portland provides a “Garbage Day Reminders” tool on their website where you can sign up for text or email alerts. This is especially helpful during holiday weeks (like Christmas or New Year’s) when schedules usually shift by one day.
By mastering Portland Trash & Recycling, including an understanding of the colors and the calendar, you aren’t just getting rid of trash—you’re participating in a sophisticated resource recovery system that keeps Portland green.
Learn more about the property management services that we can offer you contact us today at (503) 646-9664 – Talk to a Live Person – Our office answers the phone 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday – or click here to connect with us online.
