Trash and Recycling Collection in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio provides trash and recycling collection services to residents through the City’s Department of Public Works, Division of Waste Collection and Recycling. This article provides an overview of trash and recycling collection in Cleveland, including schedules, guidelines, and other key details for residents.

Trash Collection

• Trash collection in Cleveland is provided weekly on a scheduled route system. Each household is assigned a regular trash collection day.

• Trash must be placed curbside in City-provided wheeled carts by 7am on collection day. Carts should be placed at the curb or alley with wheels against the curb and the lid opening facing the street.

• Standard trash carts are 96 gallons. Smaller 48-gallon carts are available for seniors and disabled residents upon request.

• All trash must fit inside the cart with the lid fully closed. Bagged trash outside the cart will not be collected.

• Up to 3 extra bulky items like furniture can be set out on the curb during the first full week of each month. Mattresses must be wrapped in plastic.

• Up to 4 tires without rims can be set out for collection during bulky week.

• Up to 20 bundles of tree branches and 20 bags of yard waste can be set out weekly. Branches must be bundled and under 2 feet in diameter.

• Carts must be removed from the curb by the end of the day following collection. Avoid blocking carts with vehicles on collection day.

• The City does not collect construction/demolition debris, hazardous waste, or electronics. Special disposal is required.

• Report missed collections by 4:30pm on the scheduled day by calling (216) 664-3711.

2023 Holiday Collection Schedule

Trash collection is delayed by one day after these observed holidays:

• New Year’s Day: January 2
• Martin Luther King Jr Day: January 16
• Independence Day: July 4
• Labor Day: September 4
• Thanksgiving: November 23
• Christmas Day: December 25

View the complete 2023 collection calendar.

Recycling Collection

• Recycling collection is available to all Cleveland households but requires opting in to the program. Sign up online or call (216) 664-3030.

• Households receive a free 64-gallon blue recycling cart after registering.

• Recycling is collected biweekly on the same day as trash collection. Refer to the collection calendar for your scheduled recycling weeks.

• Accepted recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, aluminum cans, steel cans, and plastic bottles/jugs. See full list.

• Recyclables must be clean, dry, and loose in the cart – not bagged.

• Extra recyclables can be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags beside the cart.

• Cart lids should be closed to keep materials from blowing away.

Drop-Off Locations

Residents can drop off recyclables, bulky items, yard waste, tires, and other waste at these City facilities:

Carr Center
5600 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103
Mon-Sat 9am-3pm

Ridge Road Transfer Station
3727 Ridge Rd, Cleveland, OH 44144
Mon-Sat 9am-3pm

Both locations accept household hazardous waste on the first Friday of each month.

Large Item Pickup

For a fee, the City will collect large piles of waste exceeding the weekly limits. This includes:

• Over 20 bags of leaves/yard waste
• Over 20 bundles of branches
• More than 4 tires
• More than 3 bulky items

Call (216) 664-3711 to schedule pickup and get current fees. Fees range $35-$75 per pile/load plus $10 per extra tire.

Dumpster Rental

Temporary dumpsters can be rented for:

• Home renovations
• Rental property garbage service
• Ongoing service for 2-4 unit buildings
• Neighborhood cleanups

Call (216) 664-2162 to rent a dumpster. Available sizes range from 4 to 40 cubic yards with fees from $175 to $700 per dumpster.

Special Waste Disposal

• Household hazardous waste like chemicals, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs can be dropped off on the 1st Friday of each month.

• Electronics like TVs, computers, and cell phones are accepted at the Carr Center drop-off location.

• Construction and demolition debris requires private hauling. The City does not collect or dispose of materials like concrete, wood, drywall, or toilets.

• Dead animals can be reported by calling (216) 664-3711 for pickup from public areas only.

• Needles/syringes should be placed in a thick plastic laundry detergent bottle with cap secured by tape. Label the bottle and place in trash cart.

Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping can be reported by calling (216) 664-DUMP (3867). Provide the specific location and any vehicle/person descriptions. Photos are helpful.

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the conviction of an illegal dumper.

Trash Fees and Billing

Trash collection is funded through the City’s municipal solid waste fee on water bills. This fee is $8 per month for single family homes and $12 for 2-4 unit buildings.

Commercial customers and 5+ unit buildings are billed directly by private haulers licensed by the City. Contact the Division of Assessments and Licenses at (216) 664-2280 for more information.

Contact Information

Division of Waste Collection & Recycling
5600 Carnegie Ave
Cleveland, OH 44103

Phone: (216) 664-3711

Website: clevelandohio.gov/publicworks