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Information
Every year, the City of Portland sets residential garbage, recycling, and compost collection rates based on a thorough evaluation of the cost of providing these services.
2026 public information session
A one-hour information session was held on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
City of Portland staff explained what residential garbage bills pays for and how the City's annual residential waste collection rate review process works. They shared this year's analysis of the cost of providing waste collection services and explained possible rate changes that could take effect on July 1, 2026. There was time for attendees to ask questions and make suggestions.
If you have questions or comments about the 2026 rate-setting process and could not attend the meeting, please share your thoughts with us by phone or email.
What your bill pays for
39% pays for collection of garbage, recycling, and compost. This includes the costs to pick up garbage, recycling, and compost, including salary and benefits for truck drivers, vehicles, fuel, carts, and other collection equipment.
25% pays for garbage disposal and processing of recycling and compost. This includes fees paid to transfer and dump garbage at the landfill (these fees are set in part by our regional government, Metro), to process yard waste and food scraps at a commercial compost facility, and to sort your recycling at a Material Recovery Facility.
19% pays for Garbage and Recycling Companies' administrative costs. This includes salary and benefits for administrative staff, plus billing, office space, utilities, and other overhead costs.
9.5% pays for Garbage and Recycling Companies' operating margin. The rate is set so that the system-wide fees allow for an overall targeted operating margin, which includes company profits and taxes. Individual companies are not guaranteed an operating margin unless they continue to provide service for a competitive cost.
8% pays for City of Portland administrative costs. This covers the cost to oversee and regulate the waste collection system; to implement recycling, waste reduction, and sustainability programs in accordance with state and regional requirements and City goals; and to help pay for collection of garbage from public trash cans.
How rates are set
Every year, the City of Portland sets residential garbage, recycling, and compost collection rates based on a thorough evaluation of the cost of providing these services.
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability conducts a rate review to establish fair and equitable rates for franchised garbage and recycling companies to charge for residential garbage, recycling, and compost collection. The rate review is required by City ordinance and includes analysis by an economist and an independent Certified Professional Accountant (CPA).
To determine the cost of providing service, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability evaluates multiple factors, including labor, equipment and fuel costs, the average weight of garbage in each can size, disposal charges for solid waste and compostables, and the market value and cost to sort recyclables. The City’s franchise agreement ordinance for garbage and recycling service requires rates to recover actual costs plus the City’s franchise fee and the targeted operating (profit) margin.
The proposed rates are presented to City Council for review and adoption.