Translate
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. Sign up for our quarterly multifamily e-newsletter.
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
