No, burning trash is broadly prohibited in Oregon under state air quality laws, with limited exceptions for agricultural or land-clearing burns permitted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Local jurisdictions may impose stricter rules, and 2026 compliance standards require prior written authorization for any exempted burns to mitigate particulate emissions.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Oregon
- DEQ Permitting: Open burning of household or municipal waste is illegal statewide unless explicitly exempted under OAR 340-264-0090, which requires prior DEQ approval for agricultural or forestry-related burns.
- Local Ordinances: Counties like Multnomah and Lane enforce additional restrictions, often banning all backyard burning regardless of material, with enforcement by local fire authorities.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: New DEQ rules effective January 2026 mandate electronic permitting for exempt burns, stricter emission limits, and mandatory buffer zones near residential areas to reduce PM2.5 exposure.
Violations carry penalties up to $10,000 per day under ORS 468.990, with repeat offenders facing escalated enforcement actions. Residents should consult DEQ’s Burning Permit Portal or county fire marshal before any burning activity.