Supporting Schools, Investing in Clean Rivers

Portland sewer customers can help public schools in Portland improve water quality and watershed health. GreenBucks allows customers to contribute $1, $3, or $5 per billing period to help public schools maintain green infrastructure on school property. 

The city will add the amount of GreenBucks contribution you choose to your bill each billing period. 

Stormwater management facilities like rain gardens and swales let stormwater soak into the ground rather than flow into the sewer system. They also slow and cool stormwater. 

Facilities like these are all around Portland, including at many schools that serve Portland students. 

School districts are responsible for each facility's maintenance, which includes regular weeding, pruning, mulching, cleaning, repair and irrigation. GreenBucks allows public schools to offset some of these maintenance costs with the help of ratepayer contributions.

Benefits

Green stormwater management facilities:

• Support traditional grey sewer infrastructure by keeping stormwater out of sewer pipes.
• Protect city investments in sewer improvement projects.
• Protect water quality by managing stormwater running off school parking lots and play areas.
• Help reduce fees schools pay for stormwater management.
• Beautify areas that might otherwise be covered with asphalt.
• Provide opportunities to learn about water quality, stormwater management, native plants, and environmental stewardship

Program Guidelines

• You must have an active account that is not in final bill status.
• Your account must have sewer service.
• Your account must not be subject to collections because the past due balance is greater than $100 and there is no active payment plan in place.

Your contributions will help pay for essential maintenance of sustainable stormwater facilities on school district properties throughout the City of Portland. GreenBucks contributions will ensure safe and proper functioning of green stormwater facilities, support efforts to promote environmentally sustainable practices, and provide community educational opportunities.

How You Can Help

Sign up for GreenBucks:

• Register online
• Check the GreenBucks box on your sewer bill
• Email BESGBP@portlandoregon.gov
• Download an application form