How to report violations
Report dumped garbage online using the RID Reporter.
Report a dump
Submit a complaint about a garbage or recycling facility using the online form.
Submit a complaint
As the regional solid waste authority, Metro has the responsibility to ensure that all garbage and recyclable materials generated in the greater Portland area are managed in a way that protects public health and safety, and safeguards the environment. Metro's responsibility and authority to manage the region's garbage and recycling system is derived from the Oregon Constitution, Metro Charter, and Oregon Revised Statutes (Chapter 268 and Chapter 459). Metro fulfills its responsibility to the public by overseeing the region's system and enforcing requirements in addition to providing solid waste programs, services and facilities. Metro and local governments work together to manage the system and the 2030 Regional Waste Plan is the current guide for greater Portland's garbage and recycling system.
Metro Code Title V governs the requirements for garbage and recycling, or "solid waste," generated in the region. Metro monitors garbage and recycling activities to ensure that waste is properly managed in accordance with Metro Code, solid waste administrative rules, and Metro issued authorizations. Metro uses a variety of methods to make sure that individuals and businesses understand and comply with the region's garbage and recycling requirements. Metro does this through education, technical assistance, or enforcement as necessary.
Metro strives to resolve garbage and recycling compliance issues in a manner that is:
- Equitable and proactive
- Predictable and consistent
- Timely and appropriate
- Clear and understandable
- Most effective to achieve compliance and deter future violations
- Appropriate based on the circumstances, such as compliance history or human/environmental impacts.
Metro considers a variety of factors when determining an enforcement approach or other methods to achieve compliance. These factors may include:
- Seriousness and magnitude of a violation
- Impact or threat to public health or the environment
- Compliance history and whether a violation is a recurring offense
- Whether a violation involves non-payment of Metro regional system fee and/or excise tax
- Economic benefits resulting from the violation.
Metro investigates and evaluates these and other aggravating or mitigating circumstances when determining a civil enforcement action, which may include fines and other penalties. Monetary penalties that Metro receives from a garbage and recycling enforcement action are generally intended to recover costs incurred as a result of the violation and are deposited in the regional solid waste fund. The fund is used for regional garbage and recycling activities related to managing, planning, and administering Metro's solid waste system.
In 2023, Metro began publishing notices of violation to provide greater transparency and accountability to the public and to encourage compliance.
Learn more about Metro’s requirements for regulated solid waste activities
View current Metro authorizations