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Garbage and Recycling Collection Services and Rates

Residential and business rate information for unincorporated Washington County.

Washington County sets and regulates garbage and recycling collection rates in unincorporated Washington County, not in the cities. Not sure if you live in a city? Want to know who collects your garbage and recycling? Use the Garbage and Recycling Day tool to find out. If you live in unincorporated Washington County and have questions, contact us by phone 503-846-3605 or by email [email protected]. If you live in a city, contact your city for garbage and recycling collection service rates and rules. No matter who you call or where you live, language translation services are provided at no cost to any community member who requests it.

Find collection service details and rates

What makes up my collection rate?

The example shows the components and the rates for a standard 32-gallon collection rate.

 Rates for a standard 32-gallon collection rate.
  • Disposal and processing costs for materials collected: 30%
  • Vehicle, equipment and yard costs to cover maintenance, purchases and building leases: 11%
  • General and administrative collection company costs, including utilities and allocation of support staff salaries: 12%
  • Fuel for operating trucks and equipment: 1%
  • Compensation for garbage and recycling collection company employees, including insurance, payroll and medical expenses: 33%
  • Certificate fees paid to the County: 3%
  • Certificated garbage and recycling collection company profit: 10%

Annual rate review:

Garbage and recycling collection rates may be adjusted annually after the expenses and revenue of the collection companies are reviewed by County staff.