Residents in houses and buildings with two, three or four units may place pumpkins, leaves and branches in curbside compost carts, the City of Portland says. For leaves that exceed cart capacity, a kraft paper bag can be left out alongside the bin at a cost of $4.30, according to the city.
Portland advises clearing pumpkins of candle wax, glow sticks and lights before composting. The city says painted pumpkins belong in household trash.
The city sets a 135-pound maximum for its 60-gallon green compost cart; extra yard waste bags have a separate 40-pound limit.
The City of Portland posted the guidance on October 7, 2026, at 8:15 a.m.
