Unsure if something could be donated or recycled? Search Metro’s Find a Recycler tool, call 503-234-3000, or submit a question.
Reuse and donation
Getting usable materials in the hands of those who need them – and recycling the rest – is the best solution for our community and the environment.
Use these resources instead of creating “free piles,” which in inclement weather result in less usable materials, reduce the accessibility of sidewalks, and attract pests to your neighborhood.
Resourceful PDX has a map of community-based and not-for-profit organizations that help you reuse, swap, repair, and share items. You’ll also find a host of ideas and tips to help you live more resourcefully.
Buy Nothing Project members post things they’d like to give away, lend, or share with people in their neighborhood. It’s free to join your local Buy Nothing neighborhood group on Facebook.
Freecycle is a website that allows you to give and get great free stuff. It promotes reuse and keeping usable items out of landfills.
Nextdoor is a tool for getting helpful recommendations and resources from neighbors in addition to borrowing, donating, and selling items.
Rooster is a community of neighbors who share resources at no cost. It’s about borrowing things you need and making rewarding connections in your community.
Offer Up is an online tool to sell items locally.
Lugg allows you to move anything with the push of a button.
Too Big for My Car is your personal delivery service.
Recycle
Did you know that broken microwaves, vacuums, and TVs can be recycled? They aren’t allowed in your blue bin, but there are drop-off recycling options.
Use Metro’s Find a Recycler search tool to look up your item, or call 503-234-3000 or submit a question to find the nearest recycling drop-off locations.
Waste disposal
How to get rid of items that can’t be donated, reused, or recycled.
Garbage company (pick up)
Contact your garbage company to get a cost estimate and pick-up date for appliances, furniture, large branches, stumps, and other big items that don’t belong in your cart.
- Call at least a week in advance.
- Don't set items out on the curb until the scheduled day.
*If you live in an apartment building or multifamily community, ask the property manager where to put large items for disposal.
Metro Transfer Station (drop off)
Drop off garbage or hazardous waste at one of Metro’s transfer stations:
- Metro Central, 6161 NW 61st Ave, Portland
- Metro South, 2001 Washington St, Oregon City
Look up the transfer station hours, rates, what’s accepted and more or by calling 503-234-3000, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clean out companies (pick up)
There are many businesses that will clear out and clean up your unwanted stuff and haul it away for a fee. Do a web search for “junk removal Portland” to find options.
You are responsible for ensuring your materials are handled legally and taken to a facility. Ask for a receipt with the person or company's name, address, phone number, vehicle and driver's license numbers.
Plan a community waste collection event
Community Waste Collection Events are organized by neighborhood, community, and nonprofit organizations to provide a convenient way for their community to donate, recycle, and properly dispose of items that aren’t allowed in their regular garbage and recycling bins.
If you’re interested in organizing a waste collection event, we can offer guidance: Contact the City’s Community Cleanup Coordinator.
Funding may be available for your event through Metro’s Regional Refresh Fund.