Tour guide

The best (and worst) places to dump trash around Portland
By ANDREW STEINBEISER  |  August 18, 2010

After losing a five-minute stare-down with a drunk man using a Dumpster as a temporary resting place, the Phoenix realized that some Dumpsters were actually better to visit than others. To further enrich your trash-dumping experience, we've picked out which Dumpsters, and their locations, are worthy of your trash, and which ones make a blue bag not seem so expensive. Not that we would ever condone any illegal behavior.

READ: "Dumped: As city blue-bag prices climb, Portland residents find other ways to take out the trash" by Andrew Steinbeiser
MUNJOY STREET Though a warning sign was posted next to Breggy Energy's bin right off Congress Street, it was still filled with family trash bags, suggesting the sign might be an empty threat. No surprise there. The warning sign also claims it's under surveillance by security, which may or may not scare off wannabe dumpers.

WASHINGTON AVENUE Unlocked and sitting right in the middle of a parking lot? During the night, this Dumpster is child's play. But since it is literally three steps from Washington Avenue, you're visible at any hour. All we can say is, "Beware concerned citizens."

MONUMENT SQUARE Welcome to trash dumper's Valhalla. Hidden behind the restaurants of Monument Square, eight Dumpsters sit unguarded. Yes, it's probably the dirtiest option, but just remember what you're dealing with here. If you're actually willing to drag your trash all the way down to Monument Square, nothing stands between you and complete trash-dumping bliss. Though be warned: one chef at David's Restaurant on Monument Square told the Phoenix that he's been known to dig through bags, find addresses (leaving them in the bag is a rookie mistake), and dump all that trash right in front of the guilty party's doorway.

CONGRESS SHOPPING PLAZA Remember that drunk guy with eyes that could drill into a soul like an oil rig? Yeah, we found him here. Though it feels like a moot point, only one out of the three Dumpsters behind the building was left unlocked. In short, it's best to avoid this potentially awkward moment waiting to happen.

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