Eco-Conscious Disposal in Portland: What to Do with Treated Wood, Concrete Slurry, and Contaminated Soil
Disposing of construction waste isn’t just about throwing it in a dumpster and calling it done—especially when it involves regulated or contaminated materials like concrete slurry, treated wood, or soil with hazardous content.
At PDX Dumpster, we’re committed to eco-conscious disposal practices that comply with Portland and Oregon DEQ regulations—and help our customers avoid costly fines, rejected loads, or environmental harm.
Here’s what you need to know.
⚠️ Why Contaminated Materials Are Regulated
Some construction byproducts can’t go to the landfill—or must be handled carefully—because they:
Contain toxins or heavy metals (e.g., arsenic in treated wood)
Can leach into groundwater (like wet concrete slurry)
Are classified as hazardous or restricted waste under Oregon DEQ guidelines
Improper disposal of these materials may violate local ordinances and can lead to legal and financial consequences.
1. 💧 Concrete Slurry Disposal in Portland
What it is: A mix of water, cement, dust, and fine particles from concrete grinding, cutting, or coring.
Why it’s a problem: It’s highly alkaline and can damage storm drains, waterways, and soils.
✅ Eco-Friendly Disposal Options:
Don’t pour it down drains or onto soil
Use slurry management containers to separate water and solids
Allow it to fully dry, then dispose of as solid waste in designated bins
Hire a specialty hauler for wet slurry disposal
At PDX Dumpster, we can help you determine when dried slurry is acceptable in your dumpster and guide you to proper facilities for liquid waste.
2. 🌲 Treated Wood Disposal (CCA, ACQ, etc.)
What it is: Wood that’s been chemically treated to resist rot, insects, or fire (like fence posts, deck lumber, railroad ties).
Why it’s regulated: Older treated wood contains chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and other toxins that require safe disposal.
🚫 Not Allowed:
In standard landfill-bound dumpsters
Burned or chipped for mulch
Mixed with clean lumber or yard debris
✅ Where It Goes:
Must be disposed of at an approved transfer station or hazardous waste site
PDX Dumpster can help arrange special pickups for treated wood-only loads
3. 🧱 Contaminated Soil in the Portland Area
What it is: Soil that may contain:
Lead-based paint chips
Petroleum/oil residue
Asbestos-containing debris
Heavy metals or pesticide residue
How to Know If Soil Is Contaminated:
Was it near an old structure with lead paint?
Did the area once host industrial or auto-related activity?
Is it located in a brownfield or known contamination zone?
You may be required to:
Conduct a soil sample test (consult Oregon DEQ)
Use approved fill sites only
Avoid placing soil in dumpsters until cleared as “clean fill”
♻️ PDX Dumpster’s Eco-Conscious Disposal Practices
When you rent from PDX Dumpster, we’ll help you:
✅ Identify restricted materials ahead of time
✅ Separate clean fill from contaminated loads
✅ Connect with certified disposal partners for concrete slurry or treated wood
✅ Comply with Multnomah County, Metro, and DEQ waste regulations
📋 Quick Guide: What to Do with Regulated Materials
Material Can I Put It in the Dumpster? What to Do Instead Concrete Slurry
Concrete Slurry ❌ No (if wet) Dry it out, or specialty hauler
Treated Wood ❌ No Take to a hazardous material site
Contaminated Soil ❌ No Test soil Consult DEQ, use clean fill site
Painted Concrete ⚠️ Maybe (check for lead) If safe, use heavy-material dumpster
Serving Portland with Eco-Friendly Waste Solutions
PDX Dumpster proudly serves homeowners and contractors throughout:
Portland
Tigard
Beaverton
Lake Oswego
Gresham
Oregon City
…and more.
We offer:
Heavy-material dumpsters for clean debris
Guidance on regulated waste
Resources for sustainable, local disposal options
📞 Call us today at (503) 406-8673 or book online to get the right dumpster—and the right advice—for your job.
