Portland's Disposal Directory: A Guide to What Goes Where

The Four Streams of Portland Waste

Recycling

Mixed containers, paper, cardboard, glass, metal

Free drop-off at transfer stations

Yard Debris

Grass, leaves, branches, garden waste

$34/ton minimum fee applies

Household Hazardous

Paint, batteries, chemicals, electronics

Special facilities only

Landfill

Non-recyclable, non-hazardous materials

$148/ton disposal fee

Common Items & Disposal Paths

Item	Where It Goes	Special Notes
Yard Debris (grass, leaves, branches)	Yard Debris	No plastic bags; branches under 6" diameter only
Scrap Metal (appliances, pipes)	Metal Recycling	Free drop-off; appliances must be Freon-free
Rigid Plastics (toys, buckets, furniture)	Rigid Plastics	Separate from container recycling; must be clean
Latex Paint	Hazardous Waste	Dry out with kitty litter, then landfill
Batteries (all types)	Hazardous Waste	Never in trash; tape lithium battery terminals
Mattresses	Special Recycling	$35 fee each; recycled through Bye Bye Mattress

Metro Central Transfer Station Guide

Hours & Location

Address: 6161 NW 61st Ave, Portland
Hours: 8am-6pm daily (last entry 5:45pm)
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day

Fees & Payment

Minimum fee: $10 (covers up to 135 lbs)
Landfill rate: $148 per ton
Payment: Credit/debit cards only (no cash)
Weighing: Charge by weight, not volume

Self-Haul Procedures

1. Sort materials before arriving
2. Check in at scale house
3. Proceed to designated areas
4. Return to scale for weighing
5. Pay at exit station

Pro Tips for Self-Haulers

Load smart: Heaviest items first, secure all materials. Sort in advance: Separate recyclables, yard debris, and landfill items before arriving. Check restrictions: No asbestos, explosives, or radioactive materials. Consider alternatives: Many items have free drop-off options through specialty recyclers.