Garbage and Recycling
We loan recycling containers for collecting plastic bottles and aluminum cans at events in Clackamas County. Please use the form below to request containers for your event.
Pro Tip: Read the Recycling at Events Guide to plan waste prevention, recycling and other green practices at your event.
Oregon’s Opportunity to Recycle Act requires property managers of multifamily communities (5+ units) to:
Clackamas County offers resources and services to help meet the unique needs and requirements for your community.
We provide free tools and support for multifamily communities:
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
Regional Signage
Bulky Waste Collection
Bin Color Standards (by July 1, 2028)
Reports & Flyers
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:
Optimize your community’s waste system:
Managing Bulky Waste:
Prevent illegal dumping and theft:
Recycling & disposal options:
Hazardous waste can pose a health and safety risk to you, workers, and the environment.
These items should be properly disposed of at a household hazardous waste facility:
If you find these items in your home, we recommend using them up (pool, spa, art or other chemicals). If you no longer have use for them, see if a family member or neighbor is in need of the product (paints, stains, etc.). If the items are no longer usable or you cannot find someone who could use them, households can safely dispose of up to 35 gallons of hazardous household products at Metro's household hazardous waste facility in Oregon City.
View our Garbage and Recycling Transfer Stations and Depots page to find disposal locations throughout the county for common household hazardous waste, including the Metro South Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
Unsure where to properly dispose of an item? Use the Metro Find a Recycler tool or call 503-234-3000.
Take up to seven qualifying items at a time to an Oregon E-Cycles collection site for free recycling.
Safely dispose of unwanted medications at a drug take-back box.
PaintCare makes it easy to recycle leftover paint, primers, stains, sealers, and more for no fee.
Learn the Oregon laws about containment and disposal of household medical sharps.
Look up how to dispose of an item or call 503-234-3000.
Consider reducing the hazardous products you use at home:
Trash, old appliances, mattresses, tires, furniture, oil, antifreeze and pesticides are a few of the things dumped on public lands, sidewalks, alleyways and waterways, putting human health and wildlife at risk.
If you see people actively dumping items, do not confront them. Note the vehicle’s license plate number, make and model, items dumped and location. You can report this information to your local law enforcement.
Report a Clackamas County Road Concern (by phone or online form).
Contact Metro Regional Illegal Dumping Patrol (RID Patrol).
Clean up of illegal dumps on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. Concerns about the collection of waste on a neighbor’s property can be reported to code enforcement.
Contact Clackamas County Code Enforcement.
Contact your city’s code enforcement.
The Sustainability & Solid Waste program sets the fees and service standards for franchised garbage and recycling companies within unincorporated Clackamas County, and for the cities* of Happy Valley and Barlow. Our goal is to ensure that solid waste collection services are provided to residents and businesses safely, cost-effectively and efficiently, and in a way that supports the benefits of recovering materials from the system.
*If you live in a different city, please contact the city for your garbage and recycling fees.
Clackamas County’s annual garbage and recycling fee review is happening now. Learn more.
The size of your garbage cart and frequency of collection will impact your monthly bill.
20-gallon cart:
holds two 13-gal trash bags
35-gallon cart:
holds three 13-gal trash bags
60-gallon cart:
holds four 13-gal trash bags
90-gallon cart:
holds five 13-gal trash bags
Every year, Clackamas County reviews the production records of the seven parent companies that hold collection franchises. The review is used to establish the fees charged for the variety of services the county requires its franchised collectors to offer, and to ensure a fair return to the collectors. Adjustments are made each year, as necessary, to keep fees and real costs aligned and to prevent large and unexpected fee increases. Staff presents the results of the review to the Solid Waste Commission (SWC) for consideration and then presents the results and SWC’s recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for a final decision.
Take a moment to review the recycle guide for a reminder on which items go in which bin.
Minimum $5 fee (maximum $40), plus fee based on weight and special handling needs. If not easily accessible, hourly fee also applies. Contact your garbage and recycling company to arrange for pick up and fees.
A $30.00 coolant removal fee applies to items with refrigerant, (refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) even if refrigerant is removed.
Available for clean outs and construction debris. Rates will include container fee (based on size), rental fee, delivery fee, mileage fee, and handling fee.
Each collection charged at 33% of regular container fee (see commercial containers). Container rent is charged when container is kept longer than 5 working days with no collection.1
Contact your garbage and recycling company to right-size the container to the project, arrange for drop off, and determine fees and restrictions specific to your project.
Waste from construction, demolition, and remodeling projects may require asbestos testing and paperwork for disposal.
Charged in addition to disposal fees.
35 gallon maximum
Charged in addition to disposal fees
1 Rent shall not exceed $20.00 per container in a 30 day period.
Distance fees apply when service is not curbside or roadside as defined. Distances over 50 feet are considered drive-in only. Fees for distances over 50 feet also apply to non-urban containers served off public roads.
| Distance | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|
| 3 - 50 feet | $4.00 |
| 51 - 100 feet | $5.60 |
| 101 - 200 feet | $6.65 |
| 201 - 400 feet | $7.70 |
| 401 - 800 feet | $8.75 |
| More than 800 feet | $9.80 |
If you are a business with medical sharps or infectious waste, your garbage and recycling company has subcontracted with a medical waste company to provide you with safe handling and disposal.
Clackamas County code related to Solid Waste and Waste Management:
Standards set by Clackamas County for garbage, recycling and yard debris service.
From the Franchisee General Responsibilities section of the Administrative Regulations for Clackamas County Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services for Franchisee and Customer.
Franchisees may postpone collection when weather conditions make driving hazardous. In situations where garbage, recycling, and yard debris collections are all postponed to subsequent week(s), franchisees will give priority to the collection of garbage.
Whether you are at home, work, or school, the materials you can recycle are the same. All items should be empty and dry before going into your recycling bin.
Businesses: Print or request workplace recycling tools
Place in your recycling bin
A reminder: Your paper, metal, and plastic recycling all go in the same recycle bin.
YES, these can go in your bin:
Businesses: ask your garbage company
NO, these do not belong in the recycling:
YES, these can go in your bin:
Empty and dry. Labels okay.
Recycle small metal pieces by collecting in a can and crimping it closed before putting it in the recycling bin.
*Redeemable beverage cans with a 10-cent deposit can be recycled in your recycling bin, or you can collect your deposit funds by taking them to some grocery stores or any BottleDrop Center.
**Businesses that are hazardous waste generators must dispose of aerosol cans as hazardous waste. Find information on small business hazardous waste disposal through Metro’s Very Small Quantity Generator program or call 503-234-3000.
NO, these do not belong in the recycling:
Aerosol and other metal cans that still contain hazardous waste should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility.
When sorting plastic, ignore the recycle symbol and numbers. Plastic recycling in Clackamas County and the Metro region is based on the shape and size of the item.
YES, these can go in your bin:
Empty and dry. Labels okay.
*Redeemable beverage bottles with a 10-cent deposit can be recycled in your recycling bin, or you can collect your deposit funds by taking them to some grocery stores or any BottleDrop Center.
NO, these do not belong in the recycling:
Glass is collected in a separate glass bin. Never put glass in your recycling bin. If you are missing a glass bin, please contact your garbage and recycling company.
If you are a customer of Bliss Sanitary Service, Inc., your glass recycling collection may vary slightly. Contact Bliss Sanitary for more information at 503-663-3417.
YES, these can go in your bin:
Empty and dry. Labels okay.
*Redeemable beverage bottles with a 10-cent deposit can be recycled in your separate glass bin, or you can collect your deposit funds by taking them to some grocery stores or any BottleDrop Center.
NO, these do not belong in your glass recycling bin:
Properly disposing of household batteries can keep our communities safe and prevent garbage/recycling truck and facility fires.
Learn how to recycle/properly dispose of household batteries
*Available in urban areas only. Residents of the cities of Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, and Wilsonville may include food waste. See Food & Yard Waste section of this guide.
YES, these can go in your bin:
NO, these do not belong in your yard waste bin:
*Only residents within the city limits of Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, and Wilsonville may include food waste in their yard waste bins. Including food waste in your yard waste bin outside those city limits may result in a fee from your garbage and recycling company.
If you want this service, please let your local government know.
YES, these can go in your bin:
Remember, waste reduction is more impactful than recycling (composting). Visit Food Waste Prevention for tips and tricks about preventing food waste.
NO,these items do not belong in your food & yard waste bin:
*Restaurants, food businesses, and some multifamily communities may have a food only bin.
YES, these can go in your bin:
NO, these items do not belong in a food waste only bin:
*Businesses can set up collection of used cooking oil and/or animal rendering from independent processors. Find companies through Metro’s What Goes Where tool or call 503-234-3000.
**Businesses can set up collection of yard waste from their garbage and recycling company.
Set used motor oil next to your glass bin in a marked container with a screw-top cap. Container must be 2 gallons or less.
*Available for single-family residential customers only. Not available at apartments or businesses.
(Some items can be recyclable at drop-off locations).
YES, these can go in your bin:
NO, these items do not belong in the garbage:
Look up drop-off locations or call 503-234-3000.
Homeowners (Houses, small-plexes, and those who have their own garbage account): If an item is too large to fit in your garbage bin and cannot be donated, call your garbage company to ask if they can pick it up (extra fees may apply). Otherwise, take to a drop-off location.
Multifamily residents and businesses: Talk to your landlord or property manager if you need to set out large items or extra garbage.
Clothes and fabric
Textiles get wound up in the sorting machinery and can cause severe, expensive damage. If in good condition, please donate; otherwise, put in the garbage.
“Compostable” plastics
Compostable plastics are not plastics, and cannot be recycled into new materials. They also are not compostable in our local compost facilities. Learn why composters serving Oregon do not want compostable packaging and service ware (PDF from DEQ).
Envelopes lined with bubble wrap (paper and plastic)
These items get wound up in the sorting machinery and can cause severe, expensive damage. You can collect plastic bubble wrap envelopes (clean and dry, no labels nor stickers) and return to local participating retailers for recycling.
Frozen food boxes (for ice cream, microwave dinners, etc.)
Cardboard boxes that go in the freezer are infused with plastic to help them withstand moist, cold conditions. Because of this, they cannot be turned into new paper products.
Glassware, ceramics, light bulbs, etc. (glass other than bottles and jars)
These kinds of glass have different melting points than glass bottles and jars. If mixed together during the recycling process, it can result in weak glass that can crack or explode.
Large bulky plastics like lawn chairs, kiddie pools, laundry baskets, etc.
Our recycling facilities cannot process these materials.
Plastic bags and plastic wrap
Plastic bags and plastic wrap get wound up in the sorting machinery and can cause severe, expensive damage. Put these items in the garbage, or collect it (clean and dry, no labels or stickers) and return plastic film and wrap to local participating retailers for recycling.
Plastic lids, tops, and (loose) caps
Besides being a low-grade plastic, thin lids are mistaken as paper and cardboard by sorting machines and are accidently sent to paper mills. Small caps fall through the machine and end up in the garbage. (Plastic caps that are screwed on to plastic bottles/jugs are accepted.)
Plastic produce, fruit, and pastry containers
The manufacturing process of these containers make them low-grade, low value and difficult to recycle. Due to their brittle nature, they can break apart in the sorting machinery and can accidently be sorted as paper or cardboard.
Styrofoam™
This material breaks and crumbles. It makes a mess and mixes with other recyclables. Put in the garbage.
For those traveling to NW Portland, Green Century Recycling will accept a 45-gallon bag of Styrofoam™ and other materials for $10.
Take-out food containers, cups, utensils, straws, etc. (paper, cardboard, and plastic)
The manufacturing process of these items make them low-grade, low value and difficult to recycle. Cardboard take-out boxes and coffee cups are often lined with plastic, which makes them unrecyclable. Utensils and straws are mistaken as paper and cardboard by sorting machines and are accidently sent to paper mills. These items are also often contaminated with food.
Contact your garbage and recycling company to:
Are you unsure which garbage and recycling company services your address?
Look up Your Garbage and Recycling Company
Our expert advisors support Clackamas County businesses to meet local requirements, reduce food waste at food businesses, and provide guidance and local recognition to be a Leader in Sustainability. We’re here to help you reach your environmental and sustainability goals. Sustainable practices help reduce waste, ultimately saving you time and money, while supporting a healthy, productive workplace.
We offer free assistance and supplies to help your business meet local requirements, reduce waste, and achieve your sustainability goals.
Meet Sustainability Requirements
Learn about local requirements that apply to your business.
We provide support to food establishments on reducing wasted food through prevention best practices and ideas, donation connections, and help your restaurant start separating food scraps for compost.
Become a Leader in Sustainability
The Leaders in Sustainability business certification program provides guidance and recognition to workplaces for significant achievements in sustainable practices.
A guide for businesses to switch to reusable serviceware.
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