Big Trash? Tag it & Take it to the Curb

5/11/2012 - Starting Monday, May 14, the City of Portland’s Department of Public Services will officially launch a new bulky waste program, Tag It – Bulky Item Pick-Up, for residents. The online program offers an easy and affordable way for residents to dispose of bulky and large items. Developed by staff and the Solid Waste Task Force, the new program replaces the city’s heavy item pick-up and provides residents and renters alike with an easy method to dispose of large items.

Residents who wish to participate in the program may do so by filling out an online form at recycle.portlandmaine.gov. Staff from the Department of Public Services will acknowledge the request with an e-mail and will send the requested bulky item tag to the resident through the US mail. One the tag is received, generally two to three days after requested, the resident should secure it to the item and set it out at the curb as directed. Generally, the set out date will be on the resident’s next regularly scheduled trash day. Tags for bulky items weighing less than thirty pounds like kitchen chairs, cribs, lawn furniture and toys are free and limited to ten per eligible household a year. Bulky Tags for items weighing more than thirty, such as couches, beds, dressers and mattresses will be issued at a set fee of $40 per item

As part of its efforts to reduce waste, the City encourages residents to donate unwanted items in usable condition to charitable organizations or to give them to friends or neighbors who could use them. Residents may also contact private waste haulers for service if they choose.

The Tag It - Bulky Item Pick-Up program will operate from May to November annually.