Portland is a Sanctuary City
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Mills School deconstruction gives historic bricks a second life
On June 7, 2025, bricks deconstructed from the Mills Open Air School in SE Portland got a new life thanks to a city-run brick giveaway day.
Blog post
20 Tons of Batteries Recycled in First Year of Portland’s Curbside Program
In the city’s first year of curbside battery collection, Portlanders safely taped, bagged, and set out more than 20 tons of batteries in their glass recycling bins. That means fewer fires, safer workers, and a cleaner environment for everyone.
Blog post
Why "tanglers" should never go in your recycling bin
Plastic bags, rope, cords and clothing all wreak havoc at the recycling facility.
Blog post
Keep it fresh with these food storage tips
Learn how to keep food from going bad by making the most of your freezer and understanding where in your fridge and cupboard food will last the longest.
Blog post
Follow these tips to save money & avoid food waste
April 7 – 13, 2025 is Food Waste Prevention Week. Reducing food waste is a great way to keep your wallet full and positively impact the environment.
Blog post
Garbage service delays due to snow and ice
In case of snow or ice, leave garbage, recycling, and compost carts at the curb. They will be emptied as soon as it is safe to do so.
Updated News article
Winter weather may cause delays to garbage service for some Portlanders
If your garbage, recycling, or compost is not picked up, leave your bins at the curb. Your garbage company will come as soon as they can.
Press release
City of Portland Advances Innovative Deconstruction Efforts with State Grant
Grant funds support projects to reduce waste, promote reuse, and grow green jobs by building on Portland’s nationally recognized deconstruction policy.
Press release
5 Tips to Tackle Holiday Food Waste
Save time, food, and money by following these tips to avoid making too much food and letting leftovers go to waste.
Updated Blog post
Holiday garbage and recycling tips
How to recycle common holiday waste, what to do with your tree after the holidays, and pickup delays due to holidays and winter weather.
Updated News article
Compost your pumpkins, leaves, and more
If you live in a house, duplex, triplex, or fourplex in Portland, you can toss pumpkins, leaves, branches, and the scary leftovers hiding at the back of your fridge into your curbside compost cart.
Updated Blog post
Early garbage pickup on hot days
On very hot days, waste collection may start earlier than usual for the safety of collection drivers. Residential customers should set garbage, recycling, and compost bins out at the curb the night before.
News article
Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability announces new curbside battery collection service
New service to easily recycle old batteries starts today.
News article
New garbage day reminders: Easy, convenient, and free
Download the Portland Garbage Day Reminder app, or sign up for email, text, or phone call reminders. Plus, get a customized printable calendar that shows your home’s pickup day.
Updated News article
BPS celebrates expansion of public trash can program in North Portland
City leaders, waste haulers, program staff, and artists joined community members as they marked the success of a collaborative effort to reduce trash, beautify neighborhoods and build community.
News article
Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability announces new Chief Sustainability Officer, Solid Waste Manager
Two new leaders will soon join BPS's efforts to further climate, social, and racial justice, and economic opportunity for Portlanders.
News article
Boxes, bubble wrap and more: What’s recyclable?
Find out which types of packaging can be recycled, which go in the trash, and how to avoid overflowing bins.
News article
Can I recycle this?
Find out which plastics can go in your recycling bin, and which can’t.
Updated Blog post
Trim your waste by bulking up
Reduce waste and save money by switching from single-use items to bulk.
Updated Blog post
Sustainability resources for home-based businesses
Home-based businesses can take advantage of residential energy and water saving programs.
Updated Blog post
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