Environmental Services

Recycle at Home

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    Waste less and recycle right

    When in doubt, find out. Not sure what stuff goes in the recycle bin? 

    See our  recycling guide.

    What's bad for the bin?

    1. Tangles. Stuff that tangles and clogs sorting machines; Hoses, cords, clothes
    2. Film.  Plastic wrap and bags. No bagged recyclables 
    3. Hazardous material. Batteries, propane tanks, needles, paint. 
    4. Yuck. Foods, liquids, diapers and pet waste 
  • Waste Prevention Resources

    That stuff you’re parting with might not be trash. Find reuse and recycling options nearby.

    Find a Recycler

    Or call Metro’s free hotline at 503-234-3000 for help.

    Reduce, reuse and prevent

    Reduce, reuse and recycle is more than a slogan. At home, we encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle, in this order of importance.

    How to reuse and waste less

    • Use reusable grocery bags, coffee mugs and lunch containers so you don’t throw away after one use.
    • Reuse items like jars, bags, gift bags and tissue paper.
    • Save and reuse gift bags and tissue paper.
    • Buy in bulk when possible. Bulk flour, nuts, cereal etc. can go home in one plastic bag instead of a bag and a box.
     Waste less food and save more
    • Go to Eat Smart Waste Less and learn how to store fruits and vegetables to keep fresh longer.  
    • Sign-up for the challenge and reduce food waste at home.
    • Eating out? Bring food containers to take food home instead of a disposable container.
    Buy used and donate more
    • When you want to buy something, ask: "Do I really need it or can I make it at home?"  Consider borrowing or renting equipment. 
    Repair items instead of buying new
    • Repair what you can, donate usable items, and purchase used items. Bring items to a free Repair Café held three times a year. 

      How to Recycle

      Recycling and yard debris collection is included in the cost of your garbage service.

      Residential recycling in Gresham uses a two-sort system: glass in one bin; paper, plastic, metal in the other.  

       Collection day reminders 
      • Set out containers and roll carts by 6:00 am on collection day.
      • Place containers within 3 feet of the curb and leave a space of 3 feet between carts.
      • Place carts 10 feet from cars, mailboxes, basketball hoops, trees and other stationary objects.
      • Remove carts and containers from curb within 24 hours, preferably the evening of pick-up day.
      Apartments/Multi-family Complexes

      Owners of rental properties are required to provide garbage and recycling when a property is occupied.

        Oregon Revised Code, Chapter 7 (7.25.185) 

      Multi-family complex managers must provide recycling opportunities and education to residents. Education is required once per year. 

      We are here to help!

      City staff can help property managers and residents with technical assistance, delivering resources, and presentations.  

      Order free resources

      Multi-family recycling order form

      Bottles and Cans

      Money in the can

      Oregon’s bottle and can refund value is now 10 cents per container. The state has expanded the types of refundable containers. The refund value of the new containers is 10 cents after January 1, regardless of what is written on the label. Manufacturers have until Jan. 1, 2019, to include the changed refund value. 

      Refundable containers include

      Not included

      • Wine or hard alcohol
      • Milk – dairy or plant-based
      • Infant formula
      • Meal replacement drinks
      Returns made easy 

      Fill up a green BottleDrop bag with your Oregon deposit containers and earn as much as $5 to $10 a bag. 

      Find a bottle drop center.

      More information 

      Learn more about the Oregon Bottle Bill

      Yard Debris

      All garbage service includes weekly collection of yard debris.  Additional yard debris, in paper bags, may be set out for an extra charge.

      Yard debris alert

      Haulers are seeing an increase in contaminated yard debris, which could result in carts not being serviced until contaminants are removed. 

       Do not put in yard debris:
      • Pet waste or cat litter
      • Anything plastic
      • Treated or painted wood 
      • Garbage
      • Glass
      • Rocks
      • Sod
      • Stumps
      • Large limbs
       What goes in yard debris:
      • Grass clippings
      • Weeds
      • Pumpkins
      • Dead plants from gardens
      • Tree or plant prunings less than 4 ft. (cut up)

      Yard debris tips

      • Setting out a bundle instead of a can? Be sure bundles are no more than 3 feet long and 18 inches in diameter.
      • Make sure the “yard debris” sticker is visible from the curb.

      Yard debris credit

      Request a yard debris exemption

      Do you compost all your yard debris or use a landscaping service that takes yours?

      You can apply for a $2.85 monthly yard debris exemption. Customers can apply for the credit within 30 days of starting service or during open enrollment (April - June).