Yard waste dumpster in
Portland, Oregon.
Compare 20 roll-off dumpster companies for yard waste removal in Portland. Branches, sod, leaves, and landscaping debris — find the right size and avoid overpaying for weight you won't use.
What counts as yard waste?
Accepted as yard waste
- • Tree branches and limbs
- • Leaves and grass clippings
- • Shrubs and bushes
- • Sod and turf
- • Small stumps (under 12″ diameter)
- • Garden plants and weeds
- • Mulch and wood chips
NOT yard waste (costs more)
- • Dirt, soil, or topsoil
- • Rocks, gravel, or stone
- • Concrete or pavers
- • Lumber, fencing, or construction debris
- • Large stumps (over 12″)
- • Household trash or furniture
- • Treated or painted wood
Common mistake:Mixing yard waste with construction debris or dirt. Most haulers charge $50–$150 more for mixed loads because they can't send it to a composting facility and must use a landfill instead.
Best dumpster sizes for yard waste in Portland
| Size | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Yard | 12′ L × 8′ W × 3.5′ H | 1–2 tons | $250–$400 |
| 20 Yard | 22′ L × 8′ W × 4.5′ H | 2–3 tons | $300–$500 |
| 30 Yard | 22′ L × 8′ W × 6′ H | 3–4 tons | $400–$600 |
Tip:Yard waste is mostly light (branches at 200 lbs/yd), so you'll typically fill the volume before hitting the weight limit. The exception is sod (1,400 lbs/yd) — a full 20-yard of sod could hit 14 tons. Ask about weight limits if you're removing large amounts of sod or turf.
Municipal pickup vs dumpster in Portland
| Factor | Municipal Pickup | Dumpster Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (included in taxes) | $250–$600 |
| Volume limit | 5–10 bags/bundles per week | 10–30 cubic yards at once |
| Schedule | Weekly, specific days only | On your timeline (7–14 days) |
| Size restrictions | Branches under 4′, bags under 50 lbs | No size limits within the bin |
| Best for | Weekly maintenance, light pruning | Big projects, storms, full cleanouts |
Bottom line:If you can fit your yard waste into a few weeks of municipal pickup, it's free. But for tree removals, storm damage, or landscaping overhauls that produce 5+ cubic yards of debris, a dumpster rental is the only practical option — and it gets done in days instead of weeks.
Composting option for yard waste
Many haulers in Portlandsend yard waste to composting facilities rather than landfills. This is often cheaper because compost facilities charge lower tipping fees ($15–$30/ton vs $50–$80/ton at landfills) — savings that get passed through in lower rental prices.
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8195 SW Hunziker Rd, Portland, OR 97223, USA
1120 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
833 SE Main St #334, Portland, OR 97214, USA
6639 SE 65th Ave, Portland, OR 97206, USA
1866 NW Aspen Ave, Portland, OR 97210, USA
5455 NE 109th Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA
5410 NE 109th Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA
5330 NE Skyport Way, Portland, OR 97218, USA
4949 N Macadam Dr, 47, Portland, OR 97239, USA
5308 SE Martins Ct, Portland, OR 97206, USA
1319 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA
6855 NE 82nd Ave Suite #1, Portland, OR 97220, USA
6264 NW 159th Pl, Portland, OR 97229, USA
12409 NE San Rafael St, Portland, OR 97230, USA
2711 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202, USA
6614 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213, USA
7414 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217, USA
5627 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206, USA
4324 NE Portland Hwy #4, Portland, OR 97218, USA
7202 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97218, USA
Seasonal pricing for yard waste dumpsters
Spring & fall are peak demand — book early
Yard waste dumpster demand in Portlandspikes in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when landscaping projects and cleanups peak. During these months, prices may run 10–20% higher and availability drops. Book 5–7 days ahead during peak season vs. 2–3 days off-season.
Yard waste dumpster FAQ
What counts as yard waste for dumpster rental in Portland?
Yard waste includes branches, tree limbs, leaves, grass clippings, shrubs, sod, stumps, and other organic landscaping debris. Most haulers in Portlanddo NOT allow dirt, rocks, concrete, or construction materials mixed with yard waste — those require a heavy-debris dumpster at a higher rate.
What size dumpster do I need for yard waste in Portland?
Most yard waste projects in Portland use a 10 or 20 yard dumpster. A 10 yard handles a single large tree removal or seasonal cleanup. A 20 yard is better for full property cleanouts, multiple tree removals, or landscaping overhauls. Branches are light (200 lbs/yd) so volume is the constraint, not weight.
Is it cheaper to use municipal yard waste pickup in Portland, Oregon?
For small amounts (a few bags or a single brush pile), Portland's municipal pickup is usually free or low-cost. But municipal services have strict limits — typically 5–10 bags or bundles per week with size restrictions. For large projects like tree removal, storm cleanup, or full landscaping overhauls, a dumpster rental is faster and handles the volume in one trip.