Trash Pickup Schedule Day • Ohio

Cleveland, OH Trash & Recycling Pickup Schedule (2026) — The Complete Guide

Complete guide for Cleveland, OH: weekly trash service, opt-in curbside recycling (blue cart),
monthly bulk week (up to 3 items), yard waste limits, drop-off sites, holiday changes, and how to report missed pickup.

Cleveland in 10 seconds: Trash is weekly.
Recycling is opt-in (you must enroll to get a blue cart and service).
Bulk pickup runs during the first full week of each month (up to 3 items) on your normal day.
Put carts out the night before or by 6:00 a.m..

📍 Schedule lookup & city calendar

Cleveland publishes a collection calendar showing monthly bulk week and holiday shifts.
Use the Division of Waste hub for program rules and recycling enrollment.

  1. Open the official collection calendar (PDF).
  2. Find your month to confirm bulk week and any holiday service changes.
  3. If you want curbside recycling, enroll to receive a blue cart (opt-in).
Important: Recycling is opt-in in Cleveland—sign up to get a blue cart and service.

🗓️ Weekly service & set-out rules

Follow cart placement rules so the truck arm can safely service your address.

Frequencies

  • Trash: weekly
  • Recycling: weekly (only if enrolled / blue cart)
  • Bulk: first full week each month (see below)

Set-out basics

  • Set carts out the night before or by 6:00 a.m.
  • Leave about 3 ft between carts and obstacles
  • Place carts so crews have clear access; lids must close

Not collected curbside

Construction/renovation debris typically requires a private hauler or dumpster—check the City rules before placing it out.

♻️ Recycling (blue cart — opt-in)

Recycling service is opt-in. Once enrolled, use your blue cart and keep items empty, dry & loose (no bagged recyclables).
If you want a quick “what goes where” explainer too, see:
Trash vs. Recycling (US).

Accepted (typical blue cart)

  • Paper & flattened cardboard
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Metal cans, foil & trays
  • Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs)
  • Cartons

Not accepted

  • Plastic bags/film; hoses/cords (“tanglers”)
  • Food/liquids; foam foodware
  • Batteries, electronics, propane tanks

📦 Bulk week + 🌿 yard waste basics

Cleveland runs a monthly bulk program plus regular yard-waste rules. Confirm your exact timing in the City calendar.

  • Bulk week: first full week of each month, on your normal collection day (limit: up to 3 items).
  • Prep tip: Wrap mattresses and cloth furniture in plastic if required by the City guidelines.
  • Yard waste limits (typical): up to 20 bundles of brush (≤3’×2′) and 20 bags of yard waste per week; up to 4 tires (no rims).

🏗️ Drop-off sites & HHW options

For extra materials, special recyclables, or household hazardous waste (HHW), use City/County drop-offs and event programs.

  • City drop-offs: see the Division of Waste page for current rules, limits, and hours.
  • HHW: Cleveland and Cuyahoga County operate HHW programs/events—check accepted items and dates before you go.

🎉 Holiday schedule

Holidays can shift collection. The most reliable source is the City’s official calendar PDF for your year.

Calendar (holiday shifts + bulk weeks): Open the City calendar (PDF)

🚚 Missed pickup — what to do

If your trash, recycling, or bulk wasn’t collected:

  1. Confirm set-out: by 6:00 a.m., lids closed, ~3 ft spacing, and carts not blocked by bulk/yard piles.
  2. Check the calendar for holiday shifts and bulk week timing.
  3. If still missed by end of day, report via Cleveland 311 (web/app/call 216-664-2000).

FAQ — Cleveland trash & recycling

Is recycling opt-in in Cleveland, OH?

Yes. Cleveland’s curbside recycling requires enrollment. Once enrolled, you receive a blue cart and weekly recycling service.

When is bulk pickup in Cleveland?

Bulk pickup is during the first full week of each month, on your normal collection day, typically limited to 3 items.
Confirm the month’s dates in the City calendar.

What time should I set out my carts?

Place carts out the night before or by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. Keep lids closed and leave about 3 feet of clearance.

What items go in the blue recycling cart?

Common accepted items include paper/cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, rigid plastics, and cartons. Keep items empty, dry, and loose (no plastic bags).

How do I report a missed pickup in Cleveland?

If service is missed by the end of your collection day, contact Cleveland 311 (web/app or call 216-664-2000) and follow the instructions provided.


☎️ Official links & contacts (Cleveland)