Columbus, OH Bulk Trash & Yard Waste Pickup
Measured 2026-10-10 · QA pending
Columbus, OH programs: Yard waste: BIWEEKLY curbside yard waste ('Biweekly Yard Waste Map'); the ReCollect yardwaste · Bulk: By appointment only - schedule online through 311 or call (614) 645-3111; free for eligible items on a specially scheduled collection day.
What about bulky or special collection?
Programs beyond regular trash collection — schedules, materials and providers.
| Program | When | Rules | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yard waste | BIWEEKLY curbside yard waste ('Biweekly Yard Waste Map'); the ReCollect yardwaste | Biweekly curbside collection via contractor Rumpke (1-888-786-7531); SWACO rules bar dumping yard waste at the Franklin County Landfill; material becomes mulch/Com-Til compost. Free drop-off at two convenience centers (Tue-Sat 9-5) and Com-Til (7000 Jackson Pike). | City of Columbus Department of Public Service (collection contracted to Rumpke) |
| Bulk | By appointment only - schedule online through 311 or call (614) 645-3111; free for eligible items on a specially scheduled collection day. | City of Columbus Department of Public Service, Division of Refuse Collection (scheduled free pickup) |
Yard waste schedule by zone
| Zone | Day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-monday-a | Monday (A cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-monday-b | Monday (B cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-tuesday-a | Tuesday (A cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-tuesday-b | Tuesday (B cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-wednesday-a | Wednesday (A cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-wednesday-b | Wednesday (B cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-thursday-a | Thursday (A cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-thursday-b | Thursday (B cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-friday-a | Friday (A cycle) | |
| columbus-2014-yardwaste-friday-b | Friday (B cycle) |
Prep rules & exceptions
Do this before it goes to the curb, or it stays there.
- Set-out windows — Containers out by 6:00 a.m. on collection day and no earlier than 6 p.m. the day before; pulled back to property by 2 p.m. the day after; collection operates 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Trash bagged and tied inside the city-owned container (City Code 1303.021); only container contents collected.
- Color rotation system — Nearly all households hold a color (Gold/Gray/Navy/Pink/Ruby); the color's collection day moves forward one day after every observed holiday. 24/7 color hotlines: Navy (614) 645-NAVY, Pink (614) 645-PINK, Ruby (614) 645-RUBY, Gold (614) 645-GOLD, Gray (614) 645-GRAY.
- September 2025 route rebalance — Collection day and color changed for roughly half of households effective the week of Sept 2, 2025; recycling and yard waste schedules were unaffected. Historical color-day pairs in cached sources may be stale.
Bulk pickup FAQs
How do I schedule bulk pickup in Columbus?
Bulk items are never collected without an appointment - schedule online through 311 or call (614) 645-3111. Pickup is free for eligible items (furniture, mattresses, tied carpet rolls, non-refrigerant appliances); alternatively drop off free at the Alum Creek or Georgesville convenience centers, Tue-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.