Early garbage pickup on hot days
On hot days, Portland's waste collection may commence before 6 a. m. to ensure driver safety. The city encourages residents to set out garbage, recycling, and compost bins the night before when temperatures are predicted to reach 95 degrees or higher. Gregory Moore, district manager for Waste Connections, highlights the potential risks of heat-related illnesses for drivers working long hours in hot trucks.
He states, “Our drivers work 10- to 11-hour days inside trucks that can get overwhelmingly hot. ” The city allows early pickups to help drivers avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Residents can receive real-time alerts about service changes by downloading the Portland Garbage Day Reminder app. If a pickup is missed, residents should directly contact their waste collection company. Additional resources about hazardous waste drop-off hours and safety during heat waves are available on the city’s website.