Separate the material types
Keep branches, brush and bagged leaves apart from soil, rock, concrete, treated lumber, chemicals, fuel and household junk so each material can be reviewed correctly.
Show the full pile
Send wide photos from more than one angle and include a person, bin or familiar object for scale. Dense or compressed piles can contain more volume than they appear to.
Map access to the truck
Photograph gates, slopes, stairs, narrow side yards and the distance to legal truck parking. Long carries and difficult terrain can change labor needs.
Review oversized and dense material
Large logs, stumps, soil, rock and demolition lumber are not treated like ordinary brush. Send close photos and approximate dimensions before scheduling.
Portland residential yard-waste collection
For Portland houses and smallplexes with up to four units, extra yard waste can be set beside the green bin for an additional fee. Extra branch bundles must be no longer than 36 inches, with branches no more than 4 inches in diameter. Each extra bag, bundle or can is limited to 32 gallons and 40 pounds. Use string or twine rather than wire. These are municipal extra-setout limits, not the capacity of your cart or requirements for a separately arranged JunkPDX pickup.
Business and apartment compost rules are different
Portland business compost collection is food only. Apartment and condo residents should ask their property manager about the property's collection arrangements. Dirt, rocks, stumps and lumber do not belong in residential compost. Keep mixed material separate and confirm the disposal option before loading.
Leaf Day is separate from brush removal
Portland Leaf Day serves designated zones. Check your address and pickup date before placing leaves in the street. The program accepts loose tree leaves and pine or fir needles from evergreen street trees; branches, twigs, pinecones and grass clippings are excluded. Follow the current setout instructions and keep debris away from drains.