FAQs

Garbage/Recycling/Yard Debris

• Do I have to sign up for yard debris?

  Yard debris is an optional service administered by Waste Connections. You can find information about this service at their website, or by calling 360-892-5370.

• I don't generate much trash, can I have pickup only once a month?

  The lowest level of trash pickup the City offers is every-other-week pickup. If you are not currently signed up for every-other-week trash service, contact the Finance Department at 360-834-2462 to request the lesser pickup service.

• I don't want to use the Camas trash/recycling service, can I cancel it?

  Garbage and recycling service are compulsory for all inside-City residential customers per Camas Municipal Code 13.80.020 and 13.86.020. Customers who opt out of using the service will still be billed to cover the cost of City staff or recycling contractors checking each week for curbside refuse and recycling.

• I have an extra, large item that I need to get rid of, will the garbage crew take it?

  The City will pick up a variety of large items for an additional fee (based on the item's size and weight). If you wish to inquire as to the cost for an extra item pickup and/or arrange for the item to be removed on your next pickup day, please contact the Finance Department at 360-834-2462.

• I have household hazardous waste, what should I do with it?

  Household hazardous waste (including electronics) should never be put into the trash. These items can be taken to a local transfer station, or dropped off during a yearly household hazardous waste collection event. For information about recycling these items, try Clark County Recycling A-Z. For transfer centers and pricing, visit Clark County Self-Haul Options. For the schedule, view the current Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Schedule.

• If I have every-other-week garbage, is my recycling every-other-week too?

  Recycling is picked up weekly at all times. We do ask that you only leave it curbside for pickup when the can is full enough not to topple over on a windy day though.

• The streets aren't that bad, why did they skip my trash due to inclement weather?

  For the safety of all involved, the sanitation crew will only pickup in areas with streets that are safe to travel. A garbage truck even when empty weighs 27,000 lbs, and the visibility is more limited than in a regular vehicle. If a truck were to hit an unseen patch of ice or snow, it could be very hard to control or stop the massive vehicle. Rest assured that our crew will return for you trash as quickly as is safe. For updated inclement weather information, visit the Public Works page.

• Why didn't they pick up my trash today?

  The only time the City will intentionally skip your trash pickup is if the pickup schedule was altered by inclement weather, a holiday, or construction/maintenance in the area. View the City's holiday pickup schedule. If inclement weather or construction/maintenance are affecting pickup, the crew will return as soon as they are able.

  If none of these circumstances apply, the missed pickup was likely just an oversight. You can contact the Finance Department at 360-834-2462 to request a return trip, or the Sanitation Hotline at 360-817-1531 after business hours. If the miss was due to the can not being curbside, or not being out by 6:30 am on pickup day, you may be assessed a return trip fee.

• Will the garbage crew take my used hypodermic needles ("sharps")?

  For the safety of all involved, we ask that you NEVER put used hypodermic needles ("sharps") in your trash. Accidental pokes and the spread of disease are a very serious risk to the workers who handle your trash both at the City level and at the transfer stations. Your pharmacy should have information about disposal options for these items, or you can read about recycling/disposing of used hypodermic needles on the Clark County website.