Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Waste Management Partner in Portland, OR
Walker Garbage & Recycling Service has been a trusted provider of waste management solutions since 1948, serving suburban NW Portland and surrounding areas. Founded by John Walker Jr. and Al Miller, the company has grown from servicing two dozen customers to offering comprehensive garbage, recycling, and yard debris collection. With three generations of family leadership, including Buz Walker, John Jeffrey Walker, and Greg Walker, the business maintains a commitment to environmental stewardship and community service. Our operations expanded in 2006 to a centralized facility in Hillsboro, enhancing efficiency and proximity to key landfills.We pioneered recycling programs in Washington County, introducing the first purpose-built recycling truck and innovative services like Recycle+. Our team prioritizes early morning collections to minimize traffic impact and adheres to strict service area regulations ensuring fair pricing and reliability. With decades of experience navigating weather challenges and evolving waste management needs, we remain dedicated to providing dependable, sustainable solutions for residential and commercial clients.
Services
Residential Garbage Collection
Curbside Recycling
Yard Debris Removal
Recycle+ Program
Commercial Waste Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We offer 75 years of local waste management expertise
- Pioneers of Washington County's first purpose-built recycling truck
- Comprehensive curbside recycling programs including Recycle+
- Emergency collection services available 24/7
- Family-owned with three generations of operational leadership
Services
Residential Garbage Collection
We provide weekly and biweekly garbage collection services for residential customers in Portland, Beaverton, and Washington County. Our service includes curbside pickup using roll carts with weight restrictions to ensure safe handling. Collection schedules vary by location with options for service adjustments and temporary holds.
Curbside Recycling
Our curbside recycling program accepts newspapers, cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles, and glass containers. We provide sorting guidelines to prevent contamination and maintain recycling quality. Special collection schedules apply for different jurisdictions with designated bins and carts provided to customers.
Yard Debris Removal
We collect leaves, grass clippings, branches, and food scraps in designated roll carts. Our program specifies size and weight limits for acceptable materials while prohibiting non-organic items. Composting options are available in all service areas using specialized yard debris carts.
Recycle+ Program
This optional service expands recycling to include plastic film, clear plastic clamshells, textiles, and compact fluorescent bulbs. Materials are collected in special purple bins with flexible pickup scheduling. Fees apply based on pickup location distance from public roads.
Commercial Waste Solutions
We offer tailored waste management plans for businesses in our service area. Our commercial services include dumpster provision, customized collection schedules, and waste stream analysis. Dedicated account management ensures compliance with local regulations and optimized waste handling solutions.
People
John Walker III (Buz)
Former Operator
Third-generation waste management professional who began working in the family business after military service in the 1950s. Recalled early challenges of ash removal and winter operations while shaping modern collection practices.
John Jeffrey Walker
Co-Owner
Second-generation operator who took over business leadership in 1978. Instrumental in relocating operations to Hillsboro in 2006 to improve efficiency and landfill access while maintaining family business values.
Greg Walker
Co-Owner
Third-generation leader actively involved in operations. Emphasizes workforce qualities for early morning collections and weather resilience while managing service territory compliance with local jurisdictions.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We serve Beaverton, Portland, and Washington County including unincorporated areas of Multnomah County.
What recycling options are available?
We offer curbside recycling for paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic with our Recycle+ program adding textile and plastic film collection.
How are collection schedules determined?
Schedules vary by jurisdiction - Beaverton weekly, Portland biweekly garbage with weekly recycling, Washington County weekly garbage with alternating recycling/yard debris weeks.
Do you offer commercial services?
Yes, we provide customized waste management solutions for businesses in our service territory with flexible container options.
What are your emergency service hours?
We collect on all holidays except Christmas and New Year's Day with delayed service for weekday holidays.
How do I sign up for Recycle+?
Contact our office with your account details to enroll in Recycle+ and receive your purple collection bin.
