Translate this Page
Bulky waste rates
Your garbage and recycling company offers curbside pickup service for large items, often called bulky waste.
To estimate the cost:
- Use the price sheet below (or the bulky waste cost calculator).
- Total cost includes a pickup fee plus a charge for each item.
Your garbage company will decide which category each item falls into. If your item isn’t listed, your garbage company will estimate the price based on size or type.
You may be charged an additional fee if the pickup requires extra time or additional staff.
| Category | Example items | Cost per item |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup fee | Flat charge per trip | $18 |
| Extra large | Sectional couch (2 or more pieces) Entertainment center Hide-a-bed King mattress (includes box spring) | $29 |
| Large | Dining table Dresser Recliner Couch (3 cushion) Queen/Full mattress (includes box spring) | $21 |
| Medium | Bookshelf Desk Chair (office, dining) Twin/Single mattress (includes box spring) Box spring only | $14 |
| Small | Bicycle Microwave Vacuum Vehicle Tire | $10 |
| Appliances & E-Waste | Water heater Washer or dryer Dishwasher Stove/oven Television Computer/laptop Printer Computer peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse) | $6 |
| Coolant containing | Refrigerator Freezer Air conditioner (portable) | $51 |
Calculate your estimated costs
Request bulky waste pickup
Step 1: Contact your garbage company
To request curbside pickup, contact your garbage company for:
- A cost estimate
- A pickup date
Your pickup day may be different than your regular collection day. Your garbage company must pick up your items within seven days of your request, per City rules.
Tip: Send photos of your items to your garbage company for the most accurate quote.
Have a lot of bulky items? Ask your garbage company if renting a large container might be a cheaper option.
Renters, apartment buildings, and businesses:
- Renters: Your landlord is the garbage account holder, so you’ll need to ask them to request the pickup.
- Apartments and businesses: Check with your property manager about disposal options.
Step 2: Set out items correctly
Set items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day. If your items aren’t out in time, you’ll still be charged the pickup fee and another fee for the second trip.
Don’t set items out more than 24 hours before pickup. Early setouts can soak up rain and become too heavy to lift, creating safety risks for garbage collectors and attracting illegal dumping and pests.
Other options for bulky waste
Free drop-off for mattresses and electronics
Save money and reduce waste by dropping off these items for free:
- Mattresses: Find free drop-off locations at Bye Bye Mattress.
- Electronics (TVs, computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, and more): Find free drop-off sites at E-Cycle Oregon.
Donate or give away usable items
If you’re getting rid of things that are still in good, usable condition, give them a second chance instead of sending them to a landfill. Donating items reduces waste, conserves natural resources, and cuts down on pollution by reducing the need for new products.
What can be donated:
- Furniture
- Clean mattresses
- Working appliances
- And much more!
Convenience: Some nonprofits offer low-cost pickup. Buy Nothing groups and other give-away sites encourage neighbors to pick up items directly from your home.
Find donation and giveaway options
Drop it off yourself
You can take bulky waste to a Metro Transfer Station to be disposed of as garbage. This could be a good choice if:
- You have a lot of items.
- You can’t wait for a scheduled pickup.
- You have access to a vehicle that can carry large items (your own, borrowed, or rented).
Fees at Metro Transfer Stations are based on:
- The weight of your load
- The type of materials you're dropping off (garbage, wood, etc.)
- Whether your load is covered correctly (uncovered loads will be charged extra)
Cover your load with a tarp if you use a truck or trailer with an open bed. Covered loads prevent littering and help you avoid additional fees.
Find prices and hours of Metro Central transfer station in North Portland or Metro South transfer station in Oregon City.
Hire a junk removal company
Junk removal companies pick up bulky items from inside your home, garage, or yard. This could be a good option if:
- Your items are too heavy or awkward to move on your own.
- You want someone else to handle all the lifting and loading.
Prices vary, so it's a good idea to get a few quotes.
Some Portland junk haulers specialize in sorting items for donation and recycling: Ask about this service when requesting quotes.
Search online for "junk removal near me" or check Metro’s Find a Recycler tool.