Searching for more information on garbage removal rules in Portland Oregon?
This is often a contentious issue for landlords and tenants but the good news is that it’s not difficult to find clarity about this issue thanks to the large amount of publicly available information online.
In Portland, Oregon, the management of garbage, recycling, and compost services for residential rental properties is governed by specific municipal codes that delineate the responsibilities of property owners and tenants.
Let’s take a deeper dive into this issue:.
About Garbage removal rules in Portland Oregon
According to City Code 29.30.140, owners of residential rentals with four or fewer units (such as single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes) are required to:
- Pay for Garbage, Recycling, and Compost Collection Services: Portland property owners must establish and maintain waste collection services. The billing for these services must be in the owner’s name and sent directly to them, not to the tenants. This ensures that waste management services are consistently maintained, preventing issues that could arise from service interruptions.
- Garbage removal rules in Portland Oregon are responsible for supplying sufficient waste containers to prevent overflow. The minimum requirements are:
- Garbage: At least one 20-gallon roll cart for a single-family house, a 60-gallon roll cart for a duplex or triplex, and a 90-gallon roll cart for a fourplex.
- Recycling: At least one blue 60-gallon recycling roll cart is required for a single-family house or duplex, and two blue roll carts are required for a triplex or fourplex.
- Glass Recycling: At least one yellow glass-only bin or a rigid container labeled “glass only.”
- Compost: At least one 60-gallon green compost roll cart for properties ranging from single-family homes to fourplexes.
- Portland.gov
Tenant Responsibilities
While property owners are tasked with setting up and paying for waste collection services, tenants play a crucial role in the process. They are expected to:
- Properly Sort Waste: Follow the guidelines for separating garbage, recycling, and compost materials.
- Use Provided Containers Correctly: Ensure that waste is placed in the appropriate bins to facilitate efficient collection and processing.
- Adhere to Collection Schedules: On collection days, place containers out by 6 a.m. and remove them within 24 hours of pickup.
- Portland.gov
Billing and Cost Allocation
Although the property owner must be the Portland customer of record and directly pay for waste collection services, the City Code does not prohibit owners from passing these costs on to tenants.
This means that while owners must handle the billing with waste service providers, they can charge tenants for the cost of these services through lease agreements or other arrangements. For instance, the cost can be included in the monthly rent or billed separately as a utility fee.
Compliance and Penalties
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to significant penalties for property owners, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of their responsibilities.
Property owners who fail to meet these requirements can be fined $314 per month for properties with 1- 2 units or $470 per month for properties with 3- 4 units or more.
To avoid such penalties, property owners must ensure that waste collection services are properly established and maintained and that tenants are informed of their responsibilities regarding waste disposal.
In summary, Garbage removal rules in Portland Oregon mandate that smaller residential rental property owners are responsible for setting up and paying for garbage, recycling, and compost services.
While owners can recoup these costs from tenants, they must remain the primary account holders with waste service providers.
Tenants, in turn, are expected to adhere to proper waste disposal practices to maintain cleanliness and compliance with city regulations.
Clear and open communication between landlords and tenants regarding these responsibilities is not only important but essential. It ensures a harmonious and compliant living environment for all.
At Rent Portland Homes – Professionals, we offer professional property management that saves owners the time and hassle of managing their rental properties themselves.
Get a quote today by calling: (503) 646-9664 – Talk to a Live Person – Our office answers the phone 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday – or click here to connect with us online.
