FAQs—Garbage

1. What is “Solid Waste”?

   Solid waste is simply another way of saying garbage or trash.

2. How are we doing overall?

   Area residents do a great job with recycling:  in 2005, we recovered 56% of all waste generated, but the legislature set our goal at 64% by 2009. On the other hand, were simply producing more garbage:  in 1995, there were 2,200 pounds of solid waste generated per person each year (about 6.2 pounds per day). Ten years later, in 2005, this went up to 3,050 pounds per person per year (about 8.4 pounds per day).

3. What happens to my garbage?

   Garbage in Beaverton is picked up and typically taken by your hauler to a transfer station (the majority of Beaverton’s trash goes to the Forest Grove Transfer Station. The garbage is then transferred to trucks that haul the garbage to a landfill (either near McMinnville or in eastern Oregon near Arlington).

   

4. What do I do with old appliances?

   There are several options for dealing with your old appliances (such as washing/drying machines, stoves, and dishwashers):

   • Call your hauler for curbside pick-up and costs for appliance pick up at the curb.
   • Haul the appliance yourself to a nearby recycling center.
   • Call a private recycler.
   • Take to the nearest landfill or transfer station. (You can either dispose of it directly in the landfill or take it to the designated recycling area for recycling).

   Please note, in most cases these appliances are recycled because of their high metal content. However, if you self haul and put it directly into the landfill, it will not be recycled.

   Appliances must have the Freon removed by a Freon removal company or pay for this service as part of their disposal fee.

   Call Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program (503) 526-2665 for more information.

5. I do not need 32 gallon garbage service every week. Is there another option?

   Yes, if you currently receive more service than you feel is necessary, you may want to consider reducing your service to a 20 gallon cart, but it is still collected on a weekly basis. You could also subscribe to Will Call service. This service offers the collection of garbage, yard debris and recycling on an on-call basis. Call your hauler for more information.

6. Why is my garbage container so small?

   There are four (4) sizes of garbage roll carts available to residents of Beaverton:

   • 20-gallon—$15.50 per month
   • 32-gallon*—$18.00 per month
   • 60-gallon—$29.50 per month
   • 90-gallon—$37.00 per month

   *Over 79% of Beaverton residents use the 32 gallon roll-cart size.

7. How do I dispose of toasters and other small appliances?

   They can be placed into your garbage cart for disposal, but it must completely fit into your cart. If you choose this option the item goes to the landfill.

   If these items are made of mostly metal, they can be recycled as scrap metal at recycling depots (not curbside). Call the Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program (503) 526-2665 if you have questions about a particular item.

8. How do I get rid of unwanted mattresses?

   There is no local recycling option for mattresses and box springs. Your hauler will collect them at the curb if you call in advance and make arrangements for curbside pick-up options and fees. If they are in good condition, please consider donation.

9. Why do we have a franchised collection system?

   The franchised system exists to ensure the health and sanitation of its residents. Approved haulers are assigned geographic territories within the City. This ensures a universal high level of service as well as reduces the number of trucks servicing one street. The franchise system results in:

   • Fewer noise disturbances to residents
   • Less traffic congestion
   • Reduced roadway wear and tear
   • Fewer greenhouse gas emissions and diesel air-particulates

10. Where is the dump(also known as the landfill or transfer station)?

    The nearest options include (this is not an all-inclusive list):

    • Hillsboro Landfill (3205 SE Minter Bridge Road )—Dry waste materials (generally yard debris, construction and demolition debris and other household items, not including household garbage/kitchen type wastes). Call for information.
    • Forest Grove Transfer Station (1525 B St. Forest Grove)—Accepts most types of wastes, except hazardous waste. Call for information.
    • Metro Central Transfer Station (6161 NW 61st St)—Accepts most types of wastes, including hazardous waste. Call for information.

11. What is a transfer station?

    A transfer station is a facility where waste is moved from collection trucks to transport trucks that move the materials to a landfill.

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