Columbus, OH Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum clearance
- 4 ft from parked vehicles
- Removal deadline
- 2 p.m. day after pickup
- Storage distance
- Within 10 ft of house/garage
- Enforcement
- Division of Refuse Collection
Summary
Columbus requires collection containers to sit at least four feet from parked vehicles at the curb, then be pulled back within ten feet of the house or garage by 2 p.m. the day after pickup.
Collection containers, compost containers, and lawn and leaf bags shall be placed at the point of collection, and shall be placed at least four (4) feet from any parked vehicle or other obstruction. ... Collection containers shall be removed from the point of collection by 2:00 p.m. on the day following the scheduled collection day and stored no more than ten (10) feet from the main structure or garage until 6:00 p.m. on the day prior to the next scheduled collection day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's refuse collection code, collection containers, compost containers, and lawn and leaf bags must be placed at the point of collection at least four feet from any parked vehicle or other obstruction. Once collection happens, the owner must remove the container from the curb by 2:00 p.m. the following day and store it no more than ten feet from the main structure or garage until 6:00 p.m. the evening before the next scheduled collection day. The Division of Refuse Collection enforces this under Title 13.
Violations & Fines
The director can issue a notice of violation under § 1307.02 and assess noncriminal civil fines under § 1307.03; unresolved violations can also block scheduled bulk collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must my trash cart be from parked cars in Columbus?
When do I have to bring my Columbus trash cart back in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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