Garbage & Recycling Services

Notice: The Solid Waste & Recycling office is open for limited in-person business. Community members are still encouraged to contact us with questions at recycle@co.washington.or.us or by calling 503-846-3605. Businesses, property managers and others who require physical materials may contact us to set up an appointment. Solid Waste & Recycling staff will be observing recommended guidelines of wearing a face covering, thorough handwashing and maintaining 6 feet of physical distancing for all appointments and we request that visitors do the same. Thank you.

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Recycling and garbage in Washington County

We are Solid Waste & Recycling, a division of Washington County's Department of Health and Human Services. Our goal is to ensure all Washington County households and businesses have easy access to garbage and recycling collection services at a fair and reasonable cost. 

In 2017, our region produced 2.4 million tons of solid waste and recycled 48 percent of it. We know we can do even better! Please take a few minutes to learn about the services we provide and pick up some tips on reducing waste, recycling more effectively and contributing to a healthier Washington County community.

Who picks up my garbage? 

Don't miss your garbage or recycling day ever again! Enter your address below to find out who picks up your garbage and stay up to date on your pick-up schedule.

Need a reminder? Click the "Get a Reminder" button or use the "Get a Calendar" tool to add it to an online calendar. 

Download the mobil app          
We get it. You're busy! It can be tough to remember whether or not you can throw that yogurt container into the mixed recycling, or which day to roll your recycling bin out to the curb. That's why we developed the Garbage & Recycling Day app, where you can find answers to all of your garbage and recycling questions on your mobile device. Simply download the app from your phone's app store and start taking advantage of timely reminders, service provider contacts, recycling guides, drop-off locations and more. 

Google Play App store icon

 

No smartphone? No problem. All of the information in the app is also available online. Use the web-based version of the tool above to get started.

How much does my service cost

Garbage and recycling service providers are required to charge government-approved rates in their service area.

Current collection rates and service options for unincorporated areas of Washington County are posted here.

If you live within the limits of one of the 12 Washington County cities, check with your city government for collection rates and service options.

How do I dispose of oversized items

Oversized itemsDo you have an old fridge, couch or other large item to get rid of? To find out how to dispose of any specific item, check out our What to recycle and where? tool.

Here are five solutions for getting rid of bulky items:

  1. Donate it to a nonprofit organization or give it to a friend.
  2. Pass it on by listing it online via sites like freecycle.org or Craigslist.
  3. Use our What to recycle and where? tool to find out where you can take it to be recycled or disposed of. (Please note that fees may apply.)
  4. Call your garbage and recycling service provider to see if you can arrange for a special pickup.

Where can I get a drop box for big projects?

Drop Box of GarbageWaste generated by large projects such as a kitchen remodel, landscape clean-up, or roof replacement may require an on-site drop box for waste collection. These drop boxes are provided by your garbage and recycling service provider.

The boxes vary in size and include fees for hauling and disposing waste, mileage, and any other required government fees. Contact your service provider for details.

Pro-tip: Remember to reduce your overall disposal costs by sorting out material that can be reused, donated or recycled!

Where can I drop off garbage, yard debris or recycling?

If you have a vehicle that can safely carry your garbage, yard debris or recycling to a drop-off location, you may find it's the most cost-effective option. Call ahead to the drop-off location or check online for rates, and consider working with your neighbors to plan a disposal run together.

Need some help figuring out where to recycle or dispose of a specific item? Find the answers using our What to Recycle and Where? tool!

Recycling centers:

Yard debris drop-off centers:

Garbage transfer centers:

How does weather affect my service

Severe winter weatherDuring severe weather conditions, your garbage and recycling collection may be delayed or postponed. In these cases, real-time service alerts will be posted on the Garbage & Recycling Day tool and app.

Learn more about how these interruptions may affect your service.