Understanding the Columbus Trash Schedule

Knowing the Columbus trash schedule is key to ensuring your waste is disposed of properly. This article provides a comprehensive guide on trash, recycling, and yard waste collection schedules for the city of Columbus, Ohio.

How Trash Collection Works in Columbus

Columbus utilizes a few different systems to organize trash pickup:

Color Zones

Some neighborhoods are assigned a color zone – navy, pink, ruby, gold, or gray. Your collection day moves forward one day after a holiday if you’re in a color zone.

To find your collection day, call:

• Navy: (614) 645-NAVY (6289)
• Pink: (614) 645-PINK (7465)
• Ruby: (614) 645-RUBY (7829)
• Gold: (614) 645-GOLD (4653)
• Gray: (614) 645-GRAY (4729)

Two-Day Windows

Other areas are given a two-day window for pickup. Regular collection occurs on the first day. After a holiday, pickup is on the second day.

Recycling and Yard Waste Zones

Recycling and yard waste pickup happens weekly on your scheduled day. You’re assigned to Zone A or Zone B.

If your day falls on or after a holiday, collection is delayed by one day. Friday pickup moves to Saturday.

Getting Your Collection Day

There are a few ways to find your trash and recycling collection day in Columbus:

Use the Collection Day Lookup Tool

The Collection Day Lookup tool lets you enter your address to see your scheduled collection days.

Call the Color Zone Hotlines

If you live in a color zone, call the hotline number for your color to get your trash pickup day.

Check the Collection Calendars

The city publishes collection calendars each year you can reference. Links to the 2023 calendars are on the website.

Contact City Services

You can call the City Services line at (614) 645-3111 or email [email protected] for help.

Trash Schedule After Holidays

Columbus trash pickup is impacted by holidays. Here is what to expect:

Color Zones

• Your pickup day moves forward one day after a holiday.

So if your regular day is Monday, it becomes Tuesday after a holiday.

Two-Day Windows

• If your regular day falls on or after the holiday, pickup moves to the second day of your window.

For example, if your window is Monday/Tuesday and the holiday is Monday, your pickup moves to Tuesday.

Recycling and Yard Waste

• If your day is on or after the holiday, pickup is delayed by one day.

Friday collection moves to Saturday.

Key Holiday Dates

Here are the major holidays that affect the Columbus trash schedule in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 2
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 16
• Presidents’ Day: February 20
• Memorial Day: May 29
• Independence Day: July 4
• Labor Day: September 4
• Veterans Day: November 13
• Thanksgiving: November 23
• Christmas: December 25

See the published collection calendars for adjusted days around holidays.

Trash and Recycling Policies

Understanding Columbus’ trash policies ensures you properly dispose of waste.

Trash Cart Placement

• Carts must be accessible and 3-5 feet away from any obstructions.
• Wheels should face your house.
• Avoid placing near low-hanging wires or branches.
• Don’t place carts in the street.

Trash Cart Limits

• Households are limited to 2 trash carts.
• Carts cannot exceed 90 gallons.
• Weight should not exceed 175 pounds when full.

Recycling Cart Limits

• Households are limited to 2 recycling carts.
• Order additional carts through the cart request form.

Missed Pickups

• Report missed trash pickups by calling (614) 645-3111 or emailing [email protected].

• Missed recycling should be reported within 24 hours to ensure same-week pickup.

Bulk Waste Collection

• Bulk waste like furniture is collected 1-2 times per month in most neighborhoods. Refer to the collection calendars.

• You can schedule pickup of 5 bulk items per year by calling (614) 645-3111.

Recycling Right in Columbus

Columbus also provides recycling pickup for residents. Make sure you’re recycling properly:

• Rinse food residue off items.

• Avoid bagging recyclables – place loose in cart.

• Break down cardboard boxes.

• Keep lids on plastic bottles and jugs.

• Only include accepted items like paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles and jugs.

See RecycleRight.org for a full list of accepted items.

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste like leaves, sticks and grass clippings are collected weekly on your scheduled day. Follow these tips:

• Place loose in paper yard waste bags.

• Brush must be bundled with string or twine.

• Bundles cannot exceed 4 feet in length or 2 feet in diameter.

• Avoid using plastic bags.

See the yard waste policies for full guidelines.

Special Waste Disposal

Columbus also offers disposal options for hazardous waste and other specialty items:

• Household Hazardous Waste like chemicals, batteries and fluorescent bulbs can be dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste Center.

• Electronics can be recycled at the Recycle Center or through scheduled curbside bulk waste pickup.

• Tires, mattresses and appliances can be disposed of through bulk waste pickup. Fees may apply.

• Needles/sharps should be placed in a rigid sharps container and disposed of through the Safe Point program.

Review disposal and recycling options on the How To Dispose page of the city website.

Summary

• Columbus utilizes color zones, two-day windows, and recycling zones to schedule trash and recycling pickup.

• Find your scheduled collection days through the online lookup, hotlines, calendars, or contacting the city.

• Holidays impact the pickup schedule – collection moves to the day after or second day of your window.

• Follow policies for cart placement, limits, and bulk waste.

• Recycle properly and utilize special waste disposal programs.

Knowing the Columbus trash and recycling schedule helps our waste system run smoothly. Let us know if you have any other questions!