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Oregon’s Opportunity to Recycle Act requires property managers of multifamily communities (5+ units) to:
- Provide residents access to recycling (mixed recycling and glass)
- Educate residents at move-in and at least annually
Clackamas County offers resources and services to help meet the unique needs and requirements for your community.
Request Recycling Resources & Assistance
We provide free tools and support for multifamily communities:
- Recycle guides for new resident move-in packets (available in seven languages)
- Container/cart stickers and enclosure signs with easy-to-read images
- Presentations, trainings, and events for residents
- Customized guidance for site-specific needs
Multifamily Garbage & Recycling Improvements
Regionally, we recognize that multifamily communities face challenges with garbage and recycling that single-family homes don’t. Together, we are trying to help with a number of improvements outlined in the 2030 Regional Waste Plan:
Minimum Service
- Garbage and recycling collected at least weekly
- New per-unit minimum (and recommended) volumes to right-size service
- Calculate your current and per unit minimum volume with our multifamily service calculator (PDF)
Regional Signage
- Consistent, image-based signage for shared bins
Bulky Waste Collection
- Regularly occurring collections for large unwanted items
Bin Color Standards (by July 1, 2028)
- Garbage: Gray/Black
- Recycling: Blue
- Glass: Orange
- Yard debris / food waste (when available): Green
Reports & Flyers
- Multifamily Regional Service Standard Improvements Summary Flyer (PDF)
- 2022-23 ClackCo Multifamily Bulky Waste Project (PDF)
- 2021 ClackCo Multifamily Bulky Waste Pilot (PDF)
Stay Connected
Sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter to receive hints, tips and reminders for property managers, staff and residents. Content can be shared, copied and inserted into your own community newsletters.
Recent editions:
Tips for Success
Optimize your community’s waste system:
- Place garbage, recycling, and glass containers together for best results
- Right-size service: avoid overflow but don’t pay for unused capacity
- Educate residents with materials and reminders
- Prevent accumulation of bulky waste—schedule pickups with your garbage company as needed
- Encourage reuse via swap events or local organizations and online platforms (Facebook Marketplace, BuyNothing, etc.)
Managing Bulky Waste:
- Provide a designated drop-off area that is safe and accessible
- Request a customized bulky waste flyer to share donation and disposal options
- Consider cost-sharing plans between residents and property management
- Contact us at wasteinfo@clackamas.us! We can help you troubleshoot.
Legal & Safe Disposal Tips
Prevent illegal dumping and theft:
- Illegal dumping and theft of service can be costly for a property owner. Contact your garbage & recycling company for pick-up. To help deter illegal dumping at your community:
- Post Signs — Citing ORS may help
- Theft of Service (ORS 164.125): using garbage and recycling containers or service without explicit permission
- Illegal Dumping or Offensive Littering (ORS 164.805): discarding of trash or other debris, without permission, on public or private property
- Post Signs — Citing ORS may help
- Send Letters — If you find mail with an address, send a letter stating that it is illegal for non-residents to use the bins
Recycling & disposal options:
- E-cycles (desktop computers, laptops, monitors, TVs and printers)
- Fluorescent lamp
- Hazardous waste
- Donate usable building materials, appliances and fixtures
- What Goes Where Tool: Metro’s tool for disposal and donation
- Shopping cart returns: Contact stores directly or Northwest Grocery Association: 503-899-2475
Opportunities and Incentives
- Energy-saving retrofits: Incentives via Energy Trust of Oregon (windows, insulation, HVAC upgrades)
- Leaders in Sustainability: Join the network of sustainable businesses in Clackamas County
