Portland-area apartment owners, asset managers, and on-site teams: protect NOI and stay ahead of inspections by aligning your valet trash & recycling program with City of Portland Code Chapter 17.102 (Solid Waste & Recycling Collection), Oregon’s statewide multifamily recycling requirement (ORS 90.318 for 5+ units), and Metro’s regional service standards. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program is built to help you meet these rules while delivering the modern, resident-first amenity your communities expect.
Within the City of Portland, property managers of multifamily communities with five or more dwelling units must provide residents with adequate garbage and recycling service and regular education about how to recycle under the City’s multifamily program guidance and ORS 90.318. This includes dedicated space for recycling containers, regular collection, and at least once-per-year communication plus move-in education about recycling opportunities. In other Multnomah County cities (Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, Maywood Park, and portions of Lake Oswego and Milwaukie), property managers with 5+ units are also covered by ORS 90.318 wherever multifamily recycling service has been implemented, alongside local franchise rules and Metro regional standards.
- Protect NOI & Reduce Risk: Align with ORS 90.318 and Portland City Code 17.102 so your communities meet the requirement to provide recycling service and education for 5+ unit properties.
- Resident-First Convenience: Doorstep service that keeps residents out of dark enclosures, reduces trips to shared carts or dumpsters, and supports renewals and online reputation across the Portland metro.
- Code- & Metro-Smart Design: Container layouts, labels, and service frequencies designed around Portland’s multifamily guidelines, Metro regional service standards, and state law obligations for property managers.
- Hands-Off Compliance: We coordinate with franchised haulers, support resident education, and provide documentation so your team can focus on leasing and operations instead of garbage rooms.
At a Glance: City of Portland vs. Other Multnomah County Cities
City of Portland (Inside City Limits)
- Mandate Type: Mandatory recycling service and education for multifamily communities with 5+ units under ORS 90.318 and City of Portland multifamily program rules.
- Applicability Threshold: Applies to multifamily properties with five or more dwelling units on a single tax lot (treated as “commercial” for solid waste and recycling). See Portland City Code 17.102 and multifamily guidance.
- Property Manager Duties: Provide adequate garbage and recycling service; maintain clearly labeled containers for mixed recycling and glass; ensure service is sufficient for the volume generated; and provide move-in & annual recycling education to residents.
- Program Expectations: Keep shared areas clean and accessible; use color-coded carts and clear signage; right-size service using the City’s multifamily service calculator; and coordinate with the assigned franchised hauler for your route.
- Key City Links: Recycling at Apartments & Multifamily – Portland · Multifamily Recycling Requirements · Portland City Code – Chapter 17.102 · Multifamily Service Requirement Calculator (PDF)
Multnomah County Cities & Metro Region
- Mandate Type: Statewide landlord requirement (ORS 90.318) plus Metro regional standards for communities with 5+ units where multifamily recycling service is implemented.
- Applicability Threshold: Property managers with five or more dwelling units on a premises must provide:
- Dedicated space for recycling containers,
- Regular collection of source-separated recyclables, and
- Annual notice plus move-in education about recycling opportunities.
- Program Duties: Work with franchised haulers (e.g., WM, Twelve Mile, Heiberg, Republic) to provide recycling alongside garbage; keep enclosures clean; follow Metro regional signage and container standards where applicable.
- Risk Profile: Even where a city has not adopted a named “apartment recycling ordinance,” non-compliance with ORS 90.318, local solid-waste codes, or nuisance rules can trigger code enforcement, civil penalties, or resident complaints.
- Key Regional Links: ORS 90.318 – Multifamily Recycling Services · Metro – Your Home Recycling Service · Metro Garbage & Recycling
Multnomah County Cities & Apartment Recycling Mandates (5+ Units)
Portland is the lead city with a clearly documented multifamily recycling framework for 5+ unit communities. Other Multnomah County cities rely on a combination of state law (ORS 90.318), Metro regional service standards, and local franchise agreements and solid-waste codes. Property managers are still expected to provide recycling access and education wherever multifamily service is implemented.
| City | Apartment Recycling Mandate? | Notes for Property Managers & Owners |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Yes – Multifamily recycling required for 5+ units |
Property managers of multifamily communities with five or more units must provide residents with adequate garbage and recycling service and regular education on how to recycle. Requirements include dedicated space for recycling containers, regular collection, and at least annual notice plus move-in information under ORS 90.318 and Portland’s multifamily recycling program. Key local links: Recycling at Apartments & Multifamily – Portland · Multifamily Recycling Requirements |
| Gresham | Yes – Multifamily recycling required for 5+ units (via ORS 90.318 + local program) |
Gresham’s multifamily program defines multifamily complexes as communities with five or more units. Property owners and managers are required to provide garbage and recycling when a property is occupied, and multifamily managers must provide recycling opportunities and education at move-in and once per year. These expectations align with ORS 90.318 and Metro’s regional approach. Key local links: Recycle at Home – City of Gresham · Gresham Multifamily Manager Recycling Brochure (PDF) |
| Troutdale | Effectively Yes – Multifamily covered via ORS 90.318 + franchise/Metro standards |
Troutdale administers a franchised hauling system that includes garbage, recycling, and yard debris. Multifamily customers are treated as commercial/multifamily accounts with specific recycling charges per unit. Where multifamily recycling service is implemented, ORS 90.318 requires property managers with 5+ units to provide dedicated recycling space, regular collection, and annual education to residents. Metro regional standards influence service levels, signage, and acceptable materials. Key local links: Recycling & Solid Waste – Troutdale · Troutdale Solid Waste & Recycling Rates (PDF) |
| Fairview | Effectively Yes – Multifamily covered via ORS 90.318 + Metro guidance |
Fairview holds a franchise agreement with Twelve Mile Disposal for solid waste and recycling. While the city does not publish a standalone “apartment recycling ordinance,” property managers with 5+ units fall under ORS 90.318 in this Metro-served region and must provide residents with access to recycling and education. Metro’s apartment and multifamily brochures and sorting guides support property managers in meeting these expectations. Key local links: Recycling & Solid Waste – Fairview · Recycle at Home – Apartment & Multifamily Guides |
| Wood Village | Effectively Yes – Multifamily covered via ORS 90.318 + franchise |
Wood Village contracts with WM Northwest for weekly garbage, recycling, and yard debris collection. Multifamily properties are typically serviced as commercial/multifamily accounts. Under ORS 90.318, property managers with 5+ units are expected to provide onsite recycling collection and annual education wherever multifamily recycling service is in place. Key local links: City of Wood Village – Garbage & Recycling (WM Northwest) |
| Maywood Park | Effectively Yes – Multifamily covered via ORS 90.318 |
Waste services in Maywood Park are provided by Heiberg Garbage & Recycling, including regular garbage, recycling, and yard debris pick-ups. While the city relies on its hauler rather than a detailed local ordinance, ORS 90.318 applies to property managers with 5+ dwelling units where multifamily recycling service is implemented, requiring onsite recycling space, collection, and annual resident education. Key local links: Waste Prevention & Reuse – City of Maywood Park · New Residents – Garbage & Recycling Info |
| Lake Oswego (portion in Multnomah Co.) | Yes – Recycling required via ORS 90.318 + city program |
Lake Oswego contracts with Republic Services for trash, recycling, and food waste collection. Multifamily and commercial cart services include recycling by default. Within the urban growth boundary, property managers with 5+ units are subject to ORS 90.318, requiring onsite recycling access and annual education for residents, in addition to city solid-waste rules. Key local links: Recycling – City of Lake Oswego |
| Milwaukie (portion in Multnomah Co.) | Yes – Recycling required via ORS 90.318 + Milwaukie code |
Milwaukie’s solid waste code requires persons providing garbage collection service to commercial and multi-tenant customers to provide recycling collection systems. Combined with ORS 90.318, property managers with 5+ residential units must ensure residents have recycling containers, regular collection, and annual education. Apartments located in the portion of Milwaukie within Multnomah County follow these same obligations. Key local links: Milwaukie Solid Waste Management Code |
Portland & Regional Fines & Penalties Snapshot
- Portland Civil Penalties: Under Portland City Code 17.102.090, infractions related to solid waste and recycling collection (including franchise and service violations) may be subject to civil assessments of up to $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second violation, and $1,500 for third and subsequent violations. These penalties can apply per violation and are in addition to corrective actions.
- Each Violation Can Stack: If a property manager fails to maintain required service levels, obstructs access to containers, or repeatedly ignores correction notices, the City may treat each violation or each day of non-compliance as a separate offense, compounding the risk exposure.
- State & Local Remedies: Non-compliance with ORS 90.318 may expose property managers to resident complaints, landlord-tenant remedies, and local code enforcement actions for failure to provide required recycling services and information.
- Other Cities in Multnomah County: Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, Maywood Park, Lake Oswego, and Milwaukie can also enforce solid-waste, nuisance, and property maintenance codes when enclosures overflow, recycling is not provided where required, or conditions are unsanitary.
- Risk Management Tip: Build an inspection-ready paper trail: keep signed hauler agreements, container and service logs, photos of collection areas, copies of resident education pieces, and any correspondence with city or Metro staff regarding recycling setup and compliance.
Portland & Multnomah County Multifamily Recycling Compliance Checklist (5+ Units)
| Task | Action / Requirement | Helpful Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Confirm Jurisdiction & Unit Count | Verify whether your community is inside the City of Portland or another Multnomah County city and confirm your total dwelling units on the premises. If you have 5 or more units in a jurisdiction that has implemented multifamily recycling service (including Portland and Metro-served cities), ORS 90.318 requires you to provide recycling containers, collection, and regular education. | Portland City Code 17.102 · ORS 90.318 – Multifamily Recycling |
| ☑ Engage the Correct Franchised Hauler | Work with the assigned franchised hauler for your city (e.g., Portland franchise haulers, Twelve Mile in Fairview, WM in Troutdale/Wood Village, Heiberg in Maywood Park, Republic in Lake Oswego). Ensure your account includes both garbage and recycling service suitable for multifamily volume, not just trash. | Find Your Garbage & Recycling Company – Portland · Metro – Find a Recycler |
| ☑ Right-Size Garbage & Recycling Containers | Use your city or Metro guidance to right-size service for garbage, mixed recycling, and glass. Ensure residents have enough container space to avoid overflow and contamination. For Portland, follow the City’s multifamily service calculator and inspector guidance to show that container volumes are “adequate” for your resident count. | Portland Multifamily Service Calculator (PDF) · Metro Garbage & Recycling |
| ☑ Provide Resident Education & Signage | At move-in and at least once each year, provide residents with clear instructions on what and where to recycle, including glass handling and any special rules for your community. Use signage at enclosures, mail areas, elevators, digital portals, and leasing materials. Make sure instructions match local and Metro “what’s recyclable” lists to prevent contamination. | Portland Multifamily Recycling – Resources · Metro – Your Home Recycling Service |
| ☑ Keep Enclosures Clean & Accessible | Design and maintain trash and recycling areas so that residents can safely access containers without obstructions, overflowing carts, or illegal dumping. Consider valet trash & recycling collection points to reduce traffic in enclosures and keep conditions inspection-ready for local code officers and fire inspectors. | Portland Garbage & Recycling Overview · Metro Research – Apartment Recycling Challenges |
| ☑ Document Service, Inspections & Communications | Maintain a central file (digital or physical) that includes hauler contracts, route and service logs, photos of container areas, copies of resident notices, and any inspection or violation correspondence. This documentation demonstrates good-faith compliance with ORS 90.318, city code, and Metro expectations if questions arise. | Portland Code 17.102.090 – Civil Penalties · ORS 90.318 – Criteria for Recycling Services |
Want to make sure your Portland- or Multnomah County–area property is fully aligned with ORS 90.318 and local multifamily rules? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Portland-area property. We’ll review your current hauler setup, right-size container volumes, design a resident-friendly valet trash & recycling program, and prepare the inspector-ready documentation you need to demonstrate compliance across Portland and the greater Multnomah County market.
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