Compactor Use Guidelines

• Don’t overfill the compactor. Load waste only up to the yellow line marked on the side (check the decals). Overloading can prevent the compactor from operating properly and may cause jams.

• Run the compactor every time you add waste. This keeps the machine clear and ready for the next person. Your co-workers will appreciate it.

• Check if the compactor is full before loading. If it is, start the compactor and wait about four minutes to see if it clears.

• If the compactor doesn’t clear, call the maintenance number listed on the machine. Take your trash with you and return later—do not leave trash on the walkway.

Sorting Glass, Trash, and Food Waste

Doing our part to sort waste properly helps us stay green—and saves money by avoiding fines. Here’s how you can help:

• Skip the plastic bags in glass recycling. When glass gets to the recycling center, it’s dumped out and sorted by hand. Plastic bags, boxes, and other stuff that doesn’t belong slow everything down and can even be dangerous for the workers there.

• Hang on to large or broken items until cleanup days. We host airport-wide cleanups every spring and fall. Dates will be shared on the PDX People website, newsletter, and calendar. Need to get rid of something big in the meantime? Just email the waste minimization team—we’ve got you.

• Food scraps only in the food waste compactor. That means no boxes, milk, cans, or anything else that’s not food. If there’s too much non-food stuff, the compost gets trashed instead.

• Let’s keep the wash area tidy. After you rinse your cart, take a moment to pick up any leftover trash or debris. It keeps things nice for everyone and helps prevent clogged drains.

Want to “talk trash” with the waste minimization team and be knowledgeable about the process? Your manager can book a training with the team by emailing lesswaste@portofportland.com. Thanks for helping keep PDX a clean and safe place to work.