The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) manages garbage and recycling collection in Portland. Residential collection at single family homes and smallplexes is governed by a franchise agreement, a contract that divides the city into territories that are served by twelve private garbage and recycling companies.  

BPS is currently reviewing the residential franchise system to ensure it continues to help Portland meet its goals and remains in the public interest.  The franchise system has been reviewed every five years since its inception in 1992.