Columbus Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 5 items per collection. Free bulk collection must be scheduled online through 311 or by calling (614) 645-3111; items must be placed at the collection location by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled appointment date.
Columbus bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Free bulk collection must be scheduled online through 311 or by calling (614) 645-3111; items must be placed at the collection location by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled appointment date. |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 5 items |
| Permitted materials | Furniture, Appliances |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | 614-645-3111 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
AcceptedCouches, chairs, tables, and mattresses accepted through scheduled 311 bulk pickup; leave furniture assembled; tape glass.
Appliances
AcceptedNon-refrigerant appliances (washers, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters) accepted; remove doors and latches.
Construction debris
Not acceptedConstruction and building materials, bricks, concrete, dirt, and rocks are not accepted; use private haulers or direct landfill disposal.
How to throw away a mattress in Columbus
Follow the listed bulk rule: Free bulk collection must be scheduled online through 311 or by calling (614) 645-3111; items must be placed at the collection location by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled appointment date.
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.
Columbus Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules
Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in Columbus.
Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership
Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.
Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign
If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.
Columbus Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations
When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving Franklin County.
📍 2100 Alum Creek Dr, Columbus, OH 43207
Free drop-off for bulk items, recyclables, food scraps, yard waste, and hard-to-recycle materials for Columbus residents. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📍 1550 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Free drop-off for bulk items, recyclables, and hard-to-recycle materials for Columbus residents. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.
Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.
To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.
If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.
Local disposal alternatives in Franklin County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Waste and Reuse Convenience Center - Alum Creek
2100 Alum Creek Dr, Columbus, OH 43207
Free drop-off for bulk items, recyclables, food scraps, yard waste, and hard-to-recycle materials for Columbus residents. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Waste and Reuse Convenience Center - Georgesville
1550 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Free drop-off for bulk items, recyclables, and hard-to-recycle materials for Columbus residents. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of Columbus Department of Public Service, Division of Refuse Collection · municipal dpw
Phone: 614-645-3111
2100 Alum Creek DrColumbus, OH 43207
These collection rules cover Zone Rotating Color Collection Routes (Gold, Gray, Navy, Pink, Ruby).
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Columbus, OH?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Refuse containers must be placed out for collection by 6:00 am on your scheduled day of collection and removed by 2:00 pm on the day following collection.. These rules apply to Zone Rotating Color Collection Routes (Gold, Gray, Navy, Pink, Ruby).
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Columbus?
As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Rotating Color Collection Routes (Gold, Gray, Navy, Pink, Ruby).
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Columbus?
Free bulk collection must be scheduled online through 311 or by calling (614) 645-3111; items must be placed at the collection location by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled appointment date. The listed limit is 5 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at 614-645-3111 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Rotating Color Collection Routes (Gold, Gray, Navy, Pink, Ruby).
What items are accepted for recycling in Columbus?
The listed accepted materials are Paper and cardboard (flattened boxes, office paper, mail, newspapers, magazines), Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups (empty and dry; lids accepted, straws removed), Glass bottles and jars (all colors accepted; rinsed clean), Metal cans and cups (aluminum beverage cans, steel food cans; remove aerosol tips), Cartons (milk, juice, and broth cartons; rinse and remove lids). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic wrap (take to grocery store drop-offs), Batteries, propane tanks, and flammable materials (bring to household hazardous waste), Tanglers (hoses, wires, cables, chains, clothing, or electronics), Plastic or foam products (Styrofoam cups, plates, meat trays, takeout food containers). Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Rotating Color Collection Routes (Gold, Gray, Navy, Pink, Ruby).