Compost Services in Portland, Oregon
Portland Disposal & Recycling, Inc., a family-operated business since 1936, is dedicated to fostering sustainability through our residential compost services in Portland. Our 60-gallon green “Portland Composts!” roll cart makes it easy for households to divert food scraps and yard debris from landfills, contributing to a greener community. With weekly curbside pickup, we ensure your compostable materials are processed responsibly, supporting Portland’s environmental goals. Whether you’re tossing vegetable peels or grass clippings, our service simplifies eco-friendly waste management. Follow the guidelines below to compost with confidence and help keep Portland clean.
Composting Instructions for Portland Residents
Residential customers with regular service receive a 60-gallon green “Portland Composts!” roll cart for yard debris and food scraps. Place your cart curbside by 6:00 a.m. on collection day for weekly pickup. Ensure containers are visible, accessible, and separated by at least 12 inches from other carts or objects. No need to worry if you have questions—call us at (503) 281-8736, and we’ll assist you in making composting seamless and effective.
What You Can and Can’t Compost in Portland
Acceptable Food Scraps: Meats, poultry, seafood, bones, dairy, bread, fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggshells, rice, beans, pasta, coffee grounds, plate scrapings, paper napkins, paper towels, coffee filters, tea bags, and pizza delivery boxes.
Acceptable Yard Debris: Grass, weeds, leaves, vines, small branches (less than 4 inches thick and 36 inches long), pumpkins.
Not Accepted: Pet waste, plastic bags, “compostable” containers, treated wood, large branches (over 4 inches thick or 36 inches long), rocks, dirt, large amounts of liquids, grease, or oil. These items can contaminate compost or damage equipment, so please keep them out of your green cart.
Helpful Hints for Effective Composting
Weight Limit:
Keep your roll cart under 135 lbs. to prevent damage during lifting. Wet grass, pumpkins, and fruit can add significant weight.
Pack Loosely:
Ensure debris falls easily from the cart during collection.
Branch Size:
Limbs must not protrude above the cart’s lip for driver safety.
Lid Closure:
The cart lid must close fully.
Cart Placement:
Position the lid opening toward the street, ensuring the cart is at least one foot from objects like cars, mailboxes, or trees, and not behind them.
These tips ensure safe and efficient collection, making composting hassle-free for you and our team.
Managing Extra Compost in Portland
If you have extra compost, you can:
Save it for the next collection day.
Take it to a local compost facility or leaf depot.
Set out an extra 32-gallon can, bag, or bundle for an additional fee.
Extra Compost Options:
Brown Kraft paper bag (max 45 lbs., no food scraps).
32-gallon can with a yard debris sticker (max 55 lbs.).
Bundle tied with string or twine (max 45 lbs.).
Contact us at (503) 281-8736 to arrange extra compost pickup and discuss fees.
Frequently Asked Questions: Residential Composting
How Do I Prepare My Compost Cart for Pickup?
Place your green roll cart curbside by 6 a.m., ensuring it’s one foot from objects, visible, and the lid faces the street. Keep it under 135 lbs. and loosely packed.
Can I Compost Food Scraps Without Yard Debris?
Yes, food scraps like meat, dairy, or coffee grounds are accepted in your green cart, even without yard debris. Ensure no plastic or pet waste is included.
Why Can’t I Use “Compostable” Containers?
“Compostable” containers often require industrial facilities not compatible with our process, risking contamination. Stick to approved food scraps and paper items.
What If I Have Too Much Compost for My Cart?
Save extras for the next pickup, use a local facility, or set out a labeled 32-gallon can, Kraft bag, or tied bundle (fees apply). Call us to arrange.
Are large branches accepted in the compost cart?
Only branches under 4 inches thick and 36 inches long are accepted. Larger branches require separate disposal or bundling for extra pickup.
Portland Disposal & Recycling, Inc. (Portland, Oregon), (503) 281-8736, is here to support your composting efforts. Contact us to start or adjust your service.
Waste Management Customer Reviews
★★★★★
Great company with great customer service. I first talked to Trina, whom was very pleasant. I then spoke with Mellissa who got me all set up and answered all my questions with a phone Smile. I do forget the drivers name, but he did tell me he was one of the owners. He was great to work with as well. The company did what they said they were going to do and charged what they said they were going to charge . They were on time with the delivery. I requested for the bin to be picked up early (last minute) and they came the next morning. I would definitely recommend this company for disposal needs, and will use them again if needed in the future
– Joseph B.
★★★★★
Their team is the best! I've had to call a couple of times (new service, change of garbage can) and the person who helped me was absolutely wonderful. I never thought I'd be laughing on a call with the garbage company, but it was the highlight of my Monday! Thank you for having such a fantastic team, especially for the residential calls!
– Krista
★★★★★
Great customer service with a reliable and straight forward weekly pick-up schedule. Highly recommend! Portland Disposal and Recycling also offers affordable dumpster rentals with short-notice delivery for all of your home renovation needs. My only regret was not getting a bigger dumpster ;)
– Lucia K.
★★★★★
Dumpster Rental was great. I am totally happy with our weekly service from Portland Disposal so when we had a large amount of construction debris from a house remodel I called them. Melissa was very helpful and we set up delivery for the next day and pick up 3 days later. The dumpster arrived by 8:30 we had it filled by 9:30 and so I called to request an earlier pick up. The gentleman must have arrived while we had stepped out to the store because it was gone by 11:30. Great service. The man who dropped it off had a tricky angle in which to park it in our back driveway. Maneuvered it easily and put it in a handy location for us and, he obviously maneuvered it out of there too. Highly recommend.
– Ruth P.
★★★★★
I’ve not ever had a problem with Waste Management. They are on time and have never missed a pickup. I try to put my bins in order so they can pick up easily, or at least I think I do, bc I can only imagine some of the situations that occur for them on the daily. They also have very responsive pleasant customer service reps.
– Tashina L.
★★★★★
I've honestly never thought about reviewing the garbage company, but jumped online and saw they only had 2 stars! I'm figuring people only take the time to review after they've had an issue and they're super mad.... but I've found Portland Disposal & Recycling to be reliable and they've not done anything to call negative attention to what they're doing on a day-to-day basis. The best service companies are the ones that do the job right and don't require any thought whatsoever on the part of the customer.
– Nicole M.
★★★★★
Great company with great customer service. I first talked to Trina, whom was very pleasant. I then spoke with Mellissa who got me all set up and answered all my questions with a phone Smile. I do forget the drivers name, but he did tell me he was one of the owners. He was great to work with as well. The company did what they said they were going to do and charged what they said they were going to charge . They were on time with the delivery. I requested for the bin to be picked up early (last minute) and they came the next morning. I would definitely recommend this company for disposal needs, and will use them again if needed in the future
– Joseph B.
★★★★★
Their team is the best! I've had to call a couple of times (new service, change of garbage can) and the person who helped me was absolutely wonderful. I never thought I'd be laughing on a call with the garbage company, but it was the highlight of my Monday! Thank you for having such a fantastic team, especially for the residential calls!
– Krista