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New residential garbage rates, recycling rules, collection schedules, and more

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Residential garbage rates changed on July 1, 2026. Missed the June Curbsider mailer? Learn how to download a custom garbage collection calendar and get a printed waste sorting guide. Plus, read about changes to recycling guidelines.
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Residential garbage rates changed on July 1

Most residential customers will see an increase on their monthly garbage bill between $1.20 and $2.25. The increase is primarily due to increased costs of providing garbage, recycling, and compost service due to inflation, increased cost of labor, and higher regionwide garbage and compost disposal fees. 

Your monthly waste collection charge is based on the size of your garbage container. Call yourgarbage company to change the size of your container.  

20-gallon35-gallon60-gallon90-gallon
Monthly cost$39.60$45.25$50.70$57.95
Weight limit60 pounds85 pounds135 pounds175 pounds

Note: Some homes on the westside of Portland fall into the Westside Terrain rates area.   

Renters: Property owners of residential (1-4 unit) rental properties are required to set up and pay for service for tenants.  

Residential rates apply to houses and smallplexes (2-4 units); rates for multifamily communities and businesses are not set by the City.  

See all residential garbage rates 


New recycling rules

Portland updated its recycling rules to match new statewide standards under Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The state will continue to review what belongs in the recycling bin, so you may see more changes over time.

1. Pizza boxes can be recycled

You can now recycle take-out pizza boxes - even if they're greasy! Just make sure the box is completely empty: Remove paper liners, plastic pieces, and leftover pizza crusts.

If sauce or other food is stuck to the box, put it in your compost bin (or trash it if you don't have compost).

2. Keep screw caps on plastic bottles

You can now recycle plastic caps if they're screwed onto plastic bottles or containers.

Before recycling plastic bottles, jugs, or jars:

  1. Empty the container.
  2. Rinse it out and shake it dry.
  3. Screw the plastic cap back on.

3. Put shredded paper in the garbage

Shredded paper (even if it's bagged) is no longer accepted in the recycling bin. Please put it in the garbage or take it to a drop-off recycling location.

Why? Shredded paper turns into confetti when bags pop or tear during sorting. The tiny pieces scatter, mix with dust and debris, and end up as trash.

4. Aerosol cans must be completely empty before recycling

Before you recycle aerosol cans, including whipped cream, cooking oil spray, hair spray cans, and more, do the following to ensure it's totally empty:

  • Press the nozzle until nothing sprays out.
  • Shake the can to check that it's empty.

If the can isn't empty, use it up, take it to a local household hazardous waste facility for free, safe disposal, or (as a last resort) place it in the trash.

Why? If aerosol cans aren't empty, they can explode when crushed in the recycling truck or at recycling sorting facilities. This can injure workers and damage equipment. If too many non-empty cans are found in curbside recycling, aerosol cans will no longer be accepted.

See all the new recycling rules


Printable recycling guides

This full-page poster shows which items are allowed in your recycling, compost, and garbage bins.  

Post the guide where it's easy to see.  Many Portlanders put this guide on their fridge, inside a kitchen cupboard door, or in their garage, so it's easy to double-check.  

Not sure how to get rid of something?  For items that can't go in any of your bins, like chemicals, TVs, computers, and CFL light bulbs, call Metro at 503-234-3000 or submit a question online. Metro staff will let you know your options for safe disposal or recycling.  


New print garbage collection calendars

Curbsider calendar mailed in June

In mid-June, single-family homes in Portland should have received a Portland Curbsider in the mail, which includes a 12-month garbage collection schedule. Households receive either a purple or an orange schedule based on their address.

Print a custom calendar for your address

You can also print a calendar that shows your exact collection days.

  1. Go to the Garbage Day Reminder sign-up page
  2. Enter your home address.
  3. Scroll down to "Get a calendar"
  4. On the next page, click on "Print a calendar"

Sign up for free garbage day reminders

Get a day-before notifications by email, app, text, or phone call with a reminder of which bins to set out. 

  1. Go to the Garbage Day Reminder sign-up page
  2. Enter your home address
  3. Scroll down to "Get a reminder"
  4. Choose the type of reminder you want and follow the instructions to sign up

Sign up for free garbage day reminders

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