Garbage service for businesses

Information
Learn how to set up garbage, recycling, and compost collection service for your business.

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Set up service

Portland businesses can choose any of the permitted garbage, recycling, and composting collection companies (or "haulers") to work with. Unlike residential service, the City does not assign haulers or set rates.

Businesses can negotiate service level, frequency of pickup, and cost. Contracts are not required by the City.

Find a garbage and recycling company 

Tips for setting up service

Obtain multiple bids and negotiate. The City does not set rates for commercial service. Cost, number and size of containers, frequency of pickup, and days and time of collection are all negotiable. 

Contact several different permitted companies to discuss your service needs and to get multiple bids.

Contracts are not required. The City does not require businesses to enter into a contract with a garbage and recycling company. If you choose to sign a contract for service, read the details; it may be difficult to change your levels or cost of service during the duration of your contract.

Containers are provided by the garbage and recycling company. Roll carts or other external containers for garbage, recycling, and compost collection will be provided by your garbage and recycling company. They are required to label all external containers with stickers that clearly identify the items that can go inside. Contact your garbage and recycling company if you would like additional stickers.

Recycling is required. All Portland businesses are required to recycle paper, plastic, metal, and glass bottles and jars. Some food businesses are required to compost food scraps. All garbage companies are required to provide, when asked, service for recycling and compost.