Nothing says spring like a big tidy up. Whether you're de-cluttering a garage or reclaiming space after your teenager's left home, you're likely to come across something that's seen its better days. If it's bulky waste – like an old, broken stereo (remember those?) – or something you can't recycle at the curb – like a large, dog-eared stuffed animal – it's likely a local group will welcome your discards.
Spring is prime time for community members who volunteer their energy and elbow grease to put on neighborhood-wide cleanup events. Often held in parking lots of area schools, churches or community centers, local residents use the events to dispose of stuff they can't throw away or recycle at the curb. The activity builds and nurtures connections between neighbors and local organizations, and helps raise money for event hosts.
In celebration of Earth Day, several events are scheduled around the Portland area this weekend: Alberta Main Street, Arbor Lodge, Boise, Cathedral Park, Cully, Forest Park, Kenton, Old Town Chinatown, Parkrose, the Pearl District, Piedmont, St. Johns, and Sylvan-Highlands. Others will take place later this spring and through the summer and fall.
Covering the disposal costs for these efforts is one of the ways Metro carries out its responsibility for managing the region's garbage and recycling system. Disposal vouchers keep costs to a minimum for event sponsors while giving residents an affordable and convenient option for their over-sized trash and items they can't recycle.
Some materials are not accepted at these events: hazardous waste; construction, remodeling and demolition debris; household garbage; and waste not accepted at transfer stations. Check with your neighborhood association about event times, locations and materials they’ll take.
Learn about planning your own community cleanup
Need to dispose of household hazardous waste? Find out how and where to safely dispose of waste and how to prep your load to save money and time. Ask Metro at 503-234-3000 or search Metro's online directory.