Environmental Services

Recycle at Home

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  • 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/Multifamily Complexes

    Multi-family complex managers must provide recycling opportunities and education to residents. We can help.

    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 in everyday life

    • Use reusable grocery bags, coffee mugs and lunch containers so you don’t throw away after one use.
    • Reuse items like jars and bags for leftover food storage.
    • Learn how to store fruits and vegetables so they stay fresh longer. Go to Eat Smart Waste Less and sign up for the challenge.
    • 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.
    • Eating out? Bring Tupperware to take food home in instead of a disposable container.
    • When you want to buy something, ask: "Do I really need it or can I make it at home?"

    Repair what you can, donate usable items, and purchase used items.

    Bring items to a free Repair Café held three times a year. 

    Additional resources

    Donate or purchase used building materials, home goods and craft supplies while supporting local non-profit organizations.

    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.

    Spring 2017 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).