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Trash & Recycling in Columbus, OH (2026)

4 verified trash & recycling rules for Columbus, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Columbus provides weekly curbside refuse and recycling collection for all single-family residences. The city's Refuse Collection Division operates on a zoned schedule. Trash must be placed in the city-provided 90-gallon cart at the curb by 6 AM on collection day with the lid closed and handle facing the house.

Columbus Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules

Some Restrictions

Bin Placement Rules

Columbus requires refuse and recycling carts to be placed at the curb with the lid facing the street and handles facing the house. Carts must be at least 3 feet from parked vehicles, mailboxes, and other carts. Between collection days, carts must be stored out of public view.

Columbus Trash Bin Placement Rules

Some Restrictions

Bulk Item Disposal

Columbus offers bulk item collection for large items that do not fit in the regular trash cart. Residents can schedule bulk pickup through 311 or online. Most furniture, appliances, and other large items are accepted. Some items like tires, hazardous waste, and electronics require special disposal.

Columbus Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup

Some Restrictions

Recycling Requirements

Columbus provides curbside recycling collection in blue carts for all single-family residences. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles (#1-#5), glass bottles, and metal cans. Recycling is single-stream — no sorting required. Contaminated carts may be tagged and left uncollected.

Columbus Mandatory Recycling Requirements

Some Restrictions

Looking for Franklin County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.

Trash & Recycling in Franklin County