Trash Pickup Schedule Day • Ohio

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

Complete guide for Columbus, OH: weekly trash, weekly recycling (Blue Cart),
bi-weekly yard waste (Zone A/B), bulk pickup by scheduling via Columbus 311,
holiday changes (including the rotating color schedule), drop-off convenience centers, and how to report missed service.

Columbus in 10 seconds: Trash is weekly. Recycling is weekly (Blue Cart, same day as trash).
Yard waste is every other week based on Zone A / Zone B.
Bulk pickup is free but must be scheduled through Columbus 311.

📍 Address lookup (official) & PickUp CBUS

Look up your exact trash, recycling, and yard-waste dates by address, download calendars, and get reminders. The PickUp CBUS app also includes a “Waste Wizard”.

  1. Open the City tool: Find My Collection Day
  2. Enter your address to see your pickup day and calendar (trash, recycling, yard waste Zone A/B).
  3. Use Columbus 311 to schedule bulk pickup or report missed service.
Note: Many addresses also follow a rotating color schedule that shifts after City-observed holidays—always confirm using your official calendar.

🗓️ Weekly pickup & set-out rules

Columbus runs collection routes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.. Put carts out on time, keep lids closed, and leave clearance.

Frequencies

  • Trash: weekly
  • Recycling: weekly (Blue Cart, same day as trash)
  • Yard waste: every other week (Zone A/B)

Set-out basics

  • Place carts out by 6:00 a.m. on collection day
  • Provide ~3 ft clearance from obstacles and other carts
  • Lids must close (avoid overflow/contamination)

Before you report a miss

Routes can run late. If it’s still not collected by the end of the service day, report it through Columbus 311.

Heads-up: Some neighborhoods use a rotating color schedule (Navy, Pink, Ruby, Gold, Gray) that advances after holidays—use your official calendar to confirm.

♻️ Recycling — accepted & not accepted (Blue Cart)

Columbus recycling is weekly on the same day as trash. Keep recyclables empty, dry & loose (no bagged recyclables).
If you want a quick “what goes where” explainer too, see:
Trash vs. Recycling (US).

Accepted (typical curbside)

  • Paper & flattened cardboard
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Metal cans (aluminum/steel)
  • Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs, cups)
  • Cartons (juice, soup)

Not accepted

  • Plastic bags/film; “tanglers” (hoses, wires, chains, clothing)
  • Batteries or propane tanks
  • Food/liquids; dirty containers
  • Foam food containers/plates

Reminder: Keep items loose (not bagged), and don’t place prohibited items in the Blue Cart.

🌿 Yard waste (bi-weekly) — Zone A / Zone B

Yard waste is collected every other week on your normal collection day. Each address is assigned to Zone A or Zone B.

  • Use paper yard bags (commonly ≤ 40 lb) or properly prepared containers per City guidance.
  • Branches: bundle with twine; keep bundles manageable (commonly ≤ 2 ft wide; branches up to ~4" diameter).
  • Place yard waste at curb with ~3 ft clearance from carts/obstructions.
Yard waste calendar & A/B map: Collection Schedule

📦 Bulk pickup (schedule via Columbus 311)

Bulk pickup is free but must be scheduled in advance through Columbus 311 (online/app/phone).
Put items out only after you receive a confirmed date.

  • Schedule via Columbus 311 or the PickUp CBUS app.
  • Wait for your confirmed pickup date before setting items out.
  • If you need faster disposal, use the City’s drop-off convenience centers (below).

🏗️ Waste & Reuse Convenience Centers (drop-off)

For items that don’t fit in your carts (bulky items, special recyclables, electronics, etc.), Columbus provides Waste & Reuse Convenience Centers.
Always confirm accepted materials and current hours before visiting.

  • Alum Creek Convenience Center: 2100 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus, OH (commonly Tue–Sat, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
  • Georgesville Convenience Center: 1550 Georgesville Rd., Columbus, OH (commonly Tue–Sat, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
  • Collection calendars & center info: Trash, Recycling & Bulk (City)

🎉 Holiday schedule (one-day delay + rotating color schedule)

If a City-observed holiday falls on a weekday, collection for that day and the rest of the week typically shifts to a one-day delay.
Many routes also use a rotating color schedule that advances after each observed holiday—check your official calendar.

Holiday/color calendars: Collection Schedule (City)

🚚 Missed pickup — what to do

If your trash, recycling, or yard waste wasn’t collected:

  1. Confirm set-out (by 6 a.m.), lids closed, and proper spacing (about 3 ft).
  2. Verify your dates (and A/B yard zone) using the official address lookup tool.
  3. If still missed, report via Columbus 311 and leave materials at the curb.

FAQ — Columbus trash & recycling

What day is trash pickup in Columbus, OH?

Trash is collected weekly on your assigned day. Use the City’s Find My Collection Day tool (or the PickUp CBUS app) to look up your exact day and next pickup date by address.

How often is recycling collected in Columbus?

Recycling is collected weekly (Blue Cart), typically on the same day as trash. Use the City lookup tool to confirm your address schedule.

How is yard waste collected in Columbus?

Yard waste is collected every other week. Each address is assigned to Zone A or Zone B—check your calendar/map in the City tool to confirm your yard weeks and rules for bags and bundles.

How do I schedule bulk item pickup?

Bulk pickup is free but must be scheduled in advance through Columbus 311 (online, by phone, or via the PickUp CBUS app). You’ll receive a confirmed date—set items out only after you’re scheduled.

Do holidays delay collection in Columbus?

Often yes—when a City-observed holiday falls on a weekday, collection for that day and the rest of the week typically shifts one day later. Many routes also follow a rotating color schedule that advances after holidays—confirm on your official calendar.


☎️ Official links & contacts (Columbus)