A months-long investigation into illegal tire dumping around greater Portland has led to a $24,219 citation against the alleged perpetrator.
Investigators from Metro and local law enforcement served the citation on Friday to Darnell Williams of Portland, alleging he dumped 3,674 tires on public property around the Portland region, instead of using approved tire recycling and disposal services that protect public health and the environment.
Over the course of several months, tens of thousands of tires have been dumped around greater Portland. Metro’s RID Patrol, which cleans illegal dump sites on public property, has cleaned up more than 15,000 tires so far in 2026.
The citation was issued in response to four specific cases of tire dumping that authorities could link to Williams. Investigations continue into other cases across the region.
Williams was tracked through security camera footage and rental records obtained via subpoena from a local rental truck facility.
Metro has the legal authority to investigate when materials are dumped on public property and works closely with local jurisdictions on cleanup and enforcement efforts. The $24,219 citation includes cleanup and disposal costs as well as a $2,000 fine.
The citation is not related to the recent dump of as many as 100,000 tires on a residential property in East Portland, which is being investigated with other agencies, including the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon State Police and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Inquiries about the East Portland property should be directed to those agencies.
Marta McGuire, director of Metro’s Waste Prevention and Environmental Services Department, said the case is a good reminder to local businesses to use only approved tire disposal services.
“Proper tire disposal is important for protecting our communities and the environment,” McGuire said. “Working with reputable, authorized service providers helps ensure tires are managed responsibly and reduces the potential for illegal dumping, costly cleanups and environmental impacts.”
All garbage and recycling from greater Portland is required to go to a Metro-permitted facility for safe handling, processing and disposal. When people and companies bypass these requirements, they are subject to citations.
People who find waste dumped on public property are encouraged to report it for cleanup at oregonmetro.gov/RIDpatrol. The site also includes a data dashboard for tracking cleanups across the region.
To learn more about how to safely and legally dispose of tires, or anything else, in greater Portland, ask Metro. Call 503-234-3000 or search for options at oregonmetro.gov/FindARecycler.
Source: Metro