“Where’s the dump around here?” It’s one of the questions we get most — and one of Portland’s little surprises: there’s no single “city dump.” What the Portland metro has are two Metro-run transfer stations, a handful of private facilities, and a lot of confused people with full truck beds. Here’s the local’s guide, updated with Metro’s new rates effective July 1, 2026.
The two main options
Metro South Transfer Station — Oregon City
- Where: 2001 Washington St, Oregon City
- Closest for: Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Wilsonville, Milwaukie
- New hours (2026): general public 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
- What it takes: general garbage, yard debris, wood, appliances, mattresses, some recyclables
Metro Central Transfer Station — NW Portland
- Where: 6161 NW 61st Ave, Portland
- Closest for: NW/SW Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro
- Same general acceptance list as Metro South
Both close to the public on major holidays like the Fourth of July — check oregonmetro.gov before you load the truck.
What it costs (Metro’s new rates, effective July 1, 2026)
| Load type | Price per ton | Minimum fee |
|---|---|---|
| Trash / garbage | $176.70 | $51 |
| Wood/yard debris (mixed or engineered wood) | $176.70 | $42 |
| Clean wood | ~$97 | $42 |
| Clean yard debris | $56 | $27 |
| Residential organics | ~$111 | $40 |
What that actually means for a normal person:
- The minimum fee only covers your first 240 pounds. A few trash bags or one small furniture piece = $51 minimum for garbage. Anything heavier gets weighed and billed by the ton.
- Sorting saves real money. Clean yard debris ($27 minimum) costs nearly half of mixed junk ($51 minimum) — but it has to be truly clean. One garbage bag mixed in and the whole load prices as trash.
- Credit cards now cost 3% extra. Bring cash, check, or a debit card to skip the processing fee.
- Uncovered loads pay an added fee. Tarp it down — it’s the law anyway.
- Two trips = two minimums. That $51 applies every single visit.
What the transfer stations WON’T take
- Hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, solvents) — those go to a separate Metro hazardous waste facility
- Asbestos and certain construction materials without special handling
- Liquids of any kind
Most junk removal companies won’t touch hazardous items either. We’re the exception: we accept e-waste, styrofoam, paint, and household chemicals — call (503) 455-7920 for pricing. One pickup instead of two separate facility trips.
The real math: DIY dump run vs. hiring it out
A dump run isn’t just the gate fee. Count it up: truck rental if you don’t own one ($20–40 plus mileage), the $51 minimum for a garbage load, gas, the scale-house line, and loading everything twice — once into the truck, once out of it. For a single carload with your own truck, DIY wins. For a garage’s worth, a couch + mattress + old fridge, or anything needing two people, professional pickup usually lands within a few dollars of the DIY total — and we do the lifting, sorting, and donating.
Bonus nobody mentions: when we haul it, usable items get donated to local charities and recyclables get recycled — and donate-able items earn you a discount, so the greener load is also the cheaper one.
Skip the line entirely
Text photos of your pile to (503) 455-7920 and we’ll reply with a firm, all-in quote — labor, hauling, and every disposal fee included. Serving Tigard, Sherwood, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Portland, and the whole metro. Same-day pickup often available. Curious about prices first? See our real 2026 pricing guide.
FAQ
Can I bring anything to Metro South or Metro Central?
Most household junk yes, but no hazardous waste, liquids, or asbestos. Check Metro’s website before loading up.
Which is cheaper — the dump or a junk removal service?
One small load with your own truck: the dump. Multiple items, no truck, heavy stuff, or a full weekend of trips: pickup service usually wins once rental, the $51 minimum, and your time are counted.
Do you take things the dump won’t?
Yes — including e-waste, styrofoam, paint, and household chemicals that the transfer stations turn away. Call for pricing.
All Oregon Junk Removal — family-owned since 2021, serving the Portland metro and Salem. 4.9★ from 230+ Google reviews. Rates above are Metro’s published fees effective July 1, 2026 and may change — verify at oregonmetro.gov.