Lima's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Lima, Ohio, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Illegal Dumping

Dumping litter on public property, on land you don't own, or in Ohio's waters is illegal statewide under Ohio Revised Code 3767.32. In Lima, dumping garbage, junk or discarded materials on private property is also a Property Maintenance Code nuisance subject to removal and fines.

Key details: State litter law: ORC 3767.32. Local nuisance rule: Lima PMC 1806.08. Local littering: Lima GEN. OFF. 660.02. Covers: Public land, others' land, waters. Enforcers: Police, code enforcement, state.

ORC 3767.32 littering ranges from a minor misdemeanor up to higher-degree misdemeanors based on volume and repeat offenses, with cleanup and restitution. Lima PMC removal costs plus $205 fee and misdemeanor penalties also apply.

Bulk Item Disposal

Lima's Property Maintenance Code bars storing garbage, brush, discarded articles and junk outside on any premises except where zoning allows. Brush and branch clippings for collection must be bundled to four feet, and bulk pickup is arranged through the city Utilities Department.

Key details: Outdoor junk/brush storage: Prohibited (PMC 1806.08). Removal notice: 10 days. Brush bundle max: 4 feet. City-removal fee: $205 + costs. Provider: City Dept. of Utilities.

Ten-day removal notice; if uncorrected, city removal at owner's expense plus $205 administrative fee, collectible as a special assessment. PMC misdemeanor penalties up to $1,000 also apply.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Lima's Utilities Department provides weekly curbside collection of garbage, recycling and yard waste. All garbage and refuse must be placed in standard containers; brush and branch clippings may be tied in bundles not exceeding four feet in length and set at the curb or alley line.

Key details: Governing chapter: Codified Ordinances Ch. 1052. Provider: City Dept. of Utilities (contract). Container rule: Standard containers (1052.06). Brush bundle max: 4 feet long. Branch diameter: Up to 2 inches.

Improperly prepared or non-conforming set-outs may be left uncollected; repeated violations enforced under Chapter 1052 and the Property Maintenance Code, which carry misdemeanor penalties.

Recycling Requirements

Lima provides curbside recycling through the city Department of Utilities under its refuse, recycling and yard-waste contract. Recyclables are collected alongside garbage; the program serves all city residential customers and is coordinated with the North Central Ohio Solid Waste District.

Key details: Provider: City Dept. of Utilities. Governing framework: City contract; Ch. 1052. Contract term: Dec 2021 - Nov 2028. Regional partner: N. Central Ohio Solid Waste Dist.. Set-out: On scheduled collection day.

Non-conforming or contaminated set-outs may be left uncollected. General collection rules are enforced under Chapter 1052 and Property Maintenance Code sanitation provisions.

Bin Placement Rules

In Lima, garbage containers may not be set at the curb or right-of-way earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before collection and must be removed by 6:00 p.m. the day after. Otherwise, containers must be stored behind the front building line on a solid surface.

Key details: Earliest set-out: 6:00 p.m. day before. Removal deadline: 6:00 p.m. day after. Storage location: Behind front building line. Storage surface: Solid non-porous surface. Code section: 1052.07.

Enforced under Chapter 1052 and the Property Maintenance Code (1806.01 sanitation); violations subject to notice and misdemeanor penalties from $250 up to $1,000.

The Bottom Line

Lima's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lima is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lima can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.