Gruetter Sanitary Service is a home grown, Portland Oregon family company, started by Hans & Mildred Gruetter in 1951. The company started with one open top truck and has progressed to six specialized trucks. The company is now owned and operated by second generation daughter, Vallerie Gruetter Hill and son, Mark Gruetter.
Our founder, Hans Gruetter , immigrated from Europe when he was 14 years old. He lived the American dream of owning his own business with his wife and business partner, Mildred. Over the years they added customers, through referrals and acquisitions, and every few years new trucks with the latest technology. Hans and Mildred's work ethic and customer service policies have been passed down to family members and employees that happily continue those traditions. Vallerie and Mark have streamlined operations, added services and continue to modernize, with specialized service and equipment.
We are proud of our company's longevity, while continuing to be a family business, that values every customer. Gruetter Sanitary Service has a partnership with the City of Portland. We have a franchise for residential customers, and a City permit for commercial customers. In 1992, when franchising began, we committed to implementing and carrying out changes required by the City to solid waste, recycling and compost service. Changing from bins to roll carts for recycling and from cans or bags of yard debris to roll carts for compost . Every customer is important and we pay attention to each customer's specific needs while being reliable and friendly.
We serve commercial customers throughout Portland. Our service is customized to the needs of each unique business, apartment or restaurant. Our service is flexible and geared to each customer. We are small enough to give personalized attention to every customer but large enough to provide the needed garbage and recycling services.