Oregon takes waste management seriously. The state has some of the strictest disposal regulations in the country, and for good reason — improperly disposed hazardous materials contaminate groundwater, damage soil, and create health risks for sanitation workers and communities. But strict rules only work if people know what they are. Many Oregonians are surprised to learn just how many common household items cannot legally go in the regular trash.
This guide lists every major category of restricted items in Oregon, explains why each is restricted, and tells you exactly where to take it instead. Bookmark this page — you will probably reference it more than once.
Electronics (E-Waste)
Oregon law prohibits televisions, computers, monitors, and laptops from being placed in the trash. These items contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxins that leach into groundwater when buried in a landfill.
Where to dispose: The Oregon E-Cycles program provides free recycling for covered electronics. This includes desktop computers, laptops, monitors, televisions, and printers. Drop-off is free at collection sites located throughout the I-5 corridor, including multiple locations in Portland, Salem, and Eugene. No appointment needed — just bring your items during posted hours.
For a detailed walkthrough of the E-Cycles program and other electronics disposal options, see our complete guide: How to Recycle Electronics in Oregon.
Phones and Tablets
Cell phones and tablets are not covered by Oregon E-Cycles, but they should still never go in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries in phones and tablets can cause fires in garbage trucks and at transfer stations. Instead, bring old phones and tablets to Best Buy, Staples, or your wireless carrier store — most offer free recycling or trade-in credit.
Batteries
Single-use alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) can technically go in Oregon household trash, but rechargeable batteries absolutely cannot. Rechargeable batteries — including lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride — pose a serious fire risk in waste collection trucks and facilities.
Where to dispose: The Call2Recycle program has free battery recycling drop-off locations across Oregon. Participating locations include Home Depot, Lowe's, Batteries Plus, and many local hardware stores. Look for the green Call2Recycle collection box near the entrance or customer service desk.
Car batteries are accepted for free at virtually all auto parts stores in Oregon, including AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA. Oregon law requires retailers that sell car batteries to accept used ones at no charge. Most will even give you a small core credit.
Paint and Stains
Leftover paint is one of the most common household hazardous waste items, and Oregon has an excellent program for handling it. Latex paint and oil-based paint, stains, varnishes, and sealants cannot be placed in regular trash.
Where to dispose: The PaintCare program operates free paint drop-off sites across Oregon. There are over 100 PaintCare locations statewide, including participating paint retailers like Sherwin-Williams, Miller Paint, and many local hardware stores. PaintCare accepts latex paint, oil-based paint, stains, varnishes, shellac, and most other architectural coatings in containers up to five gallons.
There is no limit on the amount you can bring, and no appointment is needed for small quantities (typically under five gallons). Larger amounts may require a call ahead. Completely dried-out latex paint (hardened solid in the can) can go in regular trash in Oregon — just remove the lid so workers can verify it is fully dried.
Tires
Used tires cannot go in the trash or be left at the curb in Oregon. They trap water and become mosquito breeding grounds in landfills, and they are extremely difficult to compact.
Where to dispose: Most tire retailers accept used tires when you purchase replacements. Standalone tire disposal is available at tire shops and some transfer stations for a fee of $3 to $5 per passenger tire. Larger truck or tractor tires cost more. Les Schwab locations throughout Oregon accept tires for recycling. Some Oregon counties also hold periodic tire amnesty events where disposal is free.
Motor Oil and Automotive Fluids
Used motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and antifreeze are all classified as hazardous waste in Oregon. A single gallon of motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of water.
Where to dispose: Auto parts stores across Oregon are required to accept used motor oil for free in quantities up to five gallons per visit. AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA all participate. Bring oil in a clean, sealed container. Antifreeze and other automotive fluids can be taken to your county's household hazardous waste facility — most Oregon counties operate one, with regular collection hours or periodic events.
Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury-Containing Lighting
Fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and other mercury-containing bulbs cannot go in Oregon trash. A single fluorescent tube contains enough mercury to contaminate a small pond.
Where to dispose: Home Depot and Lowe's both accept used fluorescent bulbs and CFLs for free recycling at all Oregon locations. Look for the recycling station near the lighting department or customer service area. Some local hardware stores and utility companies also participate in bulb recycling programs. Tubes should be transported carefully — if a bulb breaks, the mercury vapor is a health hazard. Wrap bulbs in newspaper or place them in their original packaging for safe transport.
Appliances with Refrigerants (Freon)
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and any appliance containing refrigerant gas cannot be placed in regular trash or at the curb. Federal law under the Clean Air Act requires that refrigerants be recovered by a certified technician before the appliance can be recycled or disposed of.
Where to dispose: Schedule appliance removal through a professional junk removal service that handles refrigerant recovery, or contact your local transfer station about their appliance recycling program. Many Oregon utilities (Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, Eugene Water & Electric Board) offer rebates or free pickup when you replace an old refrigerator or freezer with an energy-efficient model. This is often the most economical option — you get a rebate and free removal.
Medical Sharps
Needles, syringes, lancets, and other medical sharps are a serious safety hazard for sanitation workers and cannot be placed in regular trash loose. Oregon law requires sharps to be placed in an approved sharps container before disposal.
Where to dispose: Many Oregon pharmacies accept filled sharps containers. Walgreens, Rite Aid, and some independent pharmacies participate, though policies vary by location. Your county health department can direct you to the nearest collection site. Approved sharps containers are available at pharmacies for a few dollars, or you can use a rigid, puncture-resistant plastic container (like a laundry detergent bottle) labeled "SHARPS — DO NOT RECYCLE."
Ammunition and Firearms
Live ammunition, spent shells with primers, and firearms should never be placed in trash or recycling. Ammunition can discharge from heat or pressure in a garbage truck, and firearms require proper handling.
Where to dispose: Local law enforcement agencies in Oregon will generally accept unwanted firearms and ammunition — no questions asked. Contact your local police department or county sheriff's office. Many Oregon gun shops and shooting ranges also accept unwanted ammunition. For large quantities of old or degraded ammunition, your county's household hazardous waste facility can advise on safe disposal options.
Propane Tanks
Propane tanks of any size cannot go in regular Oregon trash. Even "empty" tanks contain residual gas that can cause explosions in garbage trucks or at transfer stations.
Where to dispose: Small one-pound propane canisters (the camping style) are accepted at most Oregon household hazardous waste facilities. Some hardware stores and outdoor retailers accept them as well. Standard 20-pound tanks (the grill style) can be exchanged at Blue Rhino or AmeriGas locations, or refilled at propane dealers. If a tank is damaged or expired, a propane dealer can advise on proper disposal.
Penalties for Illegal Dumping in Oregon
Oregon does not take illegal dumping lightly. Disposing of prohibited items improperly or dumping waste on public or private property carries real consequences:
| Violation | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Littering (small items) | Fine up to $6,250 |
| Illegal dumping (larger items) | Fine up to $25,000 |
| Dumping hazardous waste | Fine up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment |
| Repeat offenses | Increased fines plus community service |
Beyond fines, illegal dumping can result in mandatory cleanup costs, which are often far more expensive than proper disposal would have been. Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality actively investigates illegal dump sites, and citizens can report suspected illegal dumping through the state's environmental complaint hotline.
The bottom line: proper disposal of restricted items is not just the right thing to do — it is significantly cheaper than the alternative. When in doubt about any item, contact your local waste hauler, transfer station, or a professional junk removal company that knows Oregon's disposal regulations.
Not Sure How to Dispose of Something?
Otesse handles the disposal of all types of household items across Oregon's I-5 corridor, including items that require special handling. We know the rules so you do not have to.
Get Your Free Quote or call us at 541-844-2585
