Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Akron
Ohio waste management services operate on weekly zone-based schedules. Exact pickup days vary based on your local municipality or private franchise hauler.
State Mandate
Ohio EPA regulations prohibit the disposal of whole scrap tires in standard landfills.
Grey/Black Cart Bin (Trash)
All trash must be bagged before being placed in the cart. Carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on your scheduled collection day, spaced 3 feet apart from other objects.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Diapers and pet waste (bagged)
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be loose (never bagged), clean, and dry. Do not place glass in the curbside bin; utilize designated drop-off glass recycling centers throughout Summit County.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Paper and mail
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2)
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film
- ✕Glass bottles and jars (requires drop-off)
- ✕Greasy pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, cords)
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in biodegradable paper yard bags or loose in an authorized separate receptacle, never in plastic bags. Branches must be cut to 4 feet in length and bundled.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches (cut and tied)
- ✓Garden debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on regular trash day
Placement
Bulk items must be placed at the curb no earlier than 4:30 PM the day before collection and by 7:00 AM on collection day. Keep them clear of utility poles and overhead wires.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Non-Freon appliances
- ✓ Large rolls of carpet (cut to 4ft and tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Refrigerators and freezers (unless Freon is professionally removed)
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Cast iron bathtubs
There is no additional fee for the standard 3-item bulk pickup, as it is included in your standard municipal utility bill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week. Friday collections will occur on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste delays run concurrently with standard trash and recycling delays.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there is typically no delay in the weekday residential collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Return Plastic Film to Retailers
Never place plastic grocery bags or packaging film in your blue cart. They wrap around sorting machinery, causing delays and safety hazards. Take them to local grocery stores in Akron that offer dedicated film drop-offs.
Keep Glass Out of the Blue Bin
Akron's curbside program does not accept glass due to breakage and contamination of other materials. Separate your glass containers and take them to one of the city's specific glass drop-off bins.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
Wish-cycling does more harm than good. If you are unsure whether an item like a specialized plastic toy or a heavily soiled food container is recyclable, place it in your trash cart to avoid contaminating a clean batch of recyclables.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - FebruaryDuring heavy lake-effect snowfalls, ensure your carts are not buried in snowbanks or placed in the street where they obstruct snowplows. Clear a small area on your driveway apron for cart placement.
Fall
October - NovemberThe city executes designated leaf pickup routes. Check the Akron street sweeping and leaf removal schedule. Do not rake leaves into the street or storm drains; use paper lawn bags for off-schedule removal.
Spring
March - MayAs yard work resumes, remember that heavy soil, sod, and rocks are not accepted in standard yard waste collection and can break the automated lifting arms of the sanitation trucks.
About Akron Waste Management
Comprehensive Waste Management in the Rubber City
Residents of Akron benefit from a streamlined municipal waste collection system managed by the Department of Public Service. Whether you live near Highland Square or out by Firestone Park, your residential collection depends on an efficient cart-based system. Utilizing the city-provided 95-gallon carts ensures that neighborhood streets stay clean and litter-free, while minimizing the physical strain on local sanitation workers.
Navigating Summit County Recycling Standards
Akron has strict but easy-to-follow recycling protocols to prevent contamination and keep processing costs down. The golden rule for households here is to keep recyclables loose, clean, and completely dry. Bagged recyclables are the number one cause of sorting facility jams. By focusing strictly on plastics #1 and #2, cardboard, and metal cans, Akronites can significantly reduce local landfill reliance.
Convenient Bulk and Heavy Item Disposal
Unlike many municipalities that require special scheduling and fees for large items, Akron allows residents to place up to three bulk items out on their regular collection day. This resident-friendly policy makes it easy to dispose of old furniture, mattresses, and appliances. However, items like tires, construction debris, and Freon-containing units require alternative disposal methods through county-approved facilities.
Seasonal Collection Variations and Yard Waste
Ohio's changing seasons bring specific waste management challenges. During the crisp autumn months, Akron offers scheduled leaf removal services, though residents are encouraged to bag yard debris or use compost piles. In the harsh winter, it is vital to keep collection carts off the streets to allow snowplows to pass safely, placing them directly on the curb or driveway apron instead.
Drop-off Facilities
ReWorks (Summit County Household Hazardous Waste Center)
1201 Graham Rd, Stow, OH 44224
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a repair or replacement for a broken trash cart in Akron?
You can request cart repairs, such as broken wheels or cracked lids, by calling Akron 311 (330-375-2311) or submitting a request through the Akron 311 online portal. Repairs are typically completed within 7 to 10 business days.
What should I do if my trash or recycling was missed?
If your cart was out by 7:00 AM and was missed, contact the Mayor’s Action Center at 311. Reports of missed pickups must be made within 24 hours of your scheduled service day for the truck to be rerouted.
Do I need to schedule a pickup for my old couch?
No. Akron allows you to place up to 3 bulk items, including furniture like couches, out on your regular trash day without calling ahead. Just ensure it is at the curb by 7:00 AM and not blocking traffic.
Why didn't they take my glass bottles in the recycling bin?
Akron's curbside recycling program stopped accepting glass to prevent breakage that ruins other recyclable materials like paper and cardboard. You must take glass to designated drop-off locations throughout the city.