Do you live in an apartment or multifamily community? Check out the what's recyclable page.
Property manager checklist
1. Provide adequate service. You must provide enough recycling (paper, plastic and metal), glass recycling, and garbage service so containers do not overflow. Compost collection is optional.
- Use the City-provided calculator to find the minimum required service levels.
- Then contact your garbage company to discuss the right container size and pickup schedule so containers do not overflow.
- Find tips for setting up service and choosing a garbage and recycling company.
2. Label all containers and waste areas with up-to-date, City-provided signs and stickers that clearly identify the items that can, and cannot, go in each bin. The most recent signs were created in 2021: If you have older signs, contact your garbage company or the City to get updated labels.
3. Inform new residents. You are responsible for providing new residents with information on how to recycle within 30 days of move-in. We recommend giving printed copies of our Recycling Guide brochure to residents and encouraging them to post the guide on their fridge.
- Recycling Guide brochure: Order printed Recycling Guides at no cost.
- Download the Recycling Guide to share by email.
4. Educate residents every year. You’re required to remind residents how to recycle at least once a year.
- Use our template messages in emails, newsletters, or websites for your community.
- Order door hangers with reminders of what can and can’t be recycled.
Garbage and recycling service requirements
The City requires all multifamily properties to provide adequate garbage and recycling services to meet residents' needs and prevent overflowing bins.
Use this calculator tool to find out the minimum service requirements for your property:
You may need to provide more than the minimum level of service to meet your residents' needs. Contact your garbage company to discuss the right container sizes and pickup schedule so containers do not overflow.
Educate residents
In addition to giving all new residents a Recycling Guide brochure at move-in, it's helpful to provide regular reminders throughout the year.
Copy and paste the following text and images into emails or newsletters:
Message 1: What goes in the bin?
Text: Find the answers to your recycling questions at Portland.gov/recycling.
Image: Choose from horizontal or square images below.
Message 2: Recycle or Not?
Text (English): Play the Recycle or Not game at RecycleOrNot.org to test your skills. (Hint: Swipe left on to-go containers – they belong in the garbage.) Scroll through confusing items and send a photo of your own to get answers at @RecycleOrNot on Instagram.
Text (Spanish): Juegue el juego en ReciclarONo.org. Visite RecilarONo.org o envíe una foto del artículo e que ested quiere reciclar a @ReciclarONo.org en Instagram.
Image: Choose from horizontal or square images below.
Get free support
We can help you prevent mistakes with waste before they happen at your multifamily property. Contact us for assistance, questions, or help solving problems.