Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bowling Green
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.
City-issued Refuse Container (Standard) Bin (Trash)
Lids must be completely closed. Do not overfill the container or place bags on the ground beside it, as they will not be collected.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓General refuse
City-issued Recycling Container (Standard) Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag your recycling; bagged items are automatically treated as garbage. Place all recyclables loosely in the container.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (check local drop-off preferences)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food residue
- ✕Scrap metal
Yard Waste Bin
Strictly prohibited in refuse and recycling containers. Utilize the four annual brush collection weeks or the designated Yard Waste Drop Off site.
Accepted Items
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree limbs
- ✓Shrub clippings
- ✓Leaves
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment (Two free collections per year)
Placement
Place items curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled Monday or Friday collection day. Keep items away from your standard toters.
Accepted
- ✓ Household furniture
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpet (4ft max length)
- ✓ Large household goods
- ✓ Items under 200 lbs
Not Accepted
- ✕ Appliances with freon (refrigerators, AC units)
- ✕ Building and remodeling materials
- ✕ Tires and car parts
- ✕ Liquid paint and chemicals
Mattresses are never free and cost $25 for the first and $15 for subsequent ones (pre-paid). Exceeding the five-item limit incurs a $25 fee for the first extra item and $15 per item thereafter.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a holiday falls on a weekday, refuse collections from that day forward are delayed by one day. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the city observes it on Friday, which has no effect on the Monday-Thursday refuse schedule.
Yard Waste Exception
Special brush collection weeks always begin on a Monday; ensure materials are out by 7:00 a.m. regardless of mid-week holidays.
Always refer to the official Public Works calendar for specific holiday delays, as the standard collection week is Monday through Thursday.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Loose Recyclables Only
Never place your recyclables inside plastic grocery bags. In Bowling Green, any bagged recycling is automatically treated as garbage. Always place paper, cardboard, and containers completely loose in your recycling cart.
Keep Yard Waste Out of Carts
Do not throw grass clippings, branches, or dirt into your city refuse or recycling containers. Yard waste must be taken to the dedicated drop-off site or set out during the four specific brush collection weeks.
Strict Carpet Bundling Dimensions
If you are setting out old carpet for a scheduled large item pickup, it cannot be loose. You must cut the carpeting and padding, roll it into bundles no larger than 4 feet in length and 18 inches in diameter, and tie them securely with heavy cord.
Seasonal Information
Winter (Post-Holiday)
JanuaryThe annual Christmas Tree Collection begins the first Monday in January. All natural trees must be stripped of lights, ornaments, and stands, and placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m.
Spring and Fall
April, May, September, OctoberThe City provides free curbside brush collection during the 3rd week of these four months. No scheduling is required, but brush must be on the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the Monday collection starts.
Autumn
October - NovemberBowling Green conducts an annual curbside leaf collection. Residents should rake leaves to the curb (not into the street) and watch local media for their specific zone's pickup dates.
About Bowling Green Waste Management
Bowling Green’s Municipal Four-Day Schedule
The City of Bowling Green operates a highly streamlined municipal solid waste program where refuse and recycling are collected Monday through Thursday. To ensure a smooth process, residents must set their city-issued containers out no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the evening prior and no later than 7:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. Containers must be placed at least five feet apart with their lids fully closed to prevent damage by the automated collection arms.
Understanding the Monthly Utility Fee
Residents participating in the municipal refuse program pay a standard $15 monthly fee, conveniently itemized on their city utility bill. This affordable rate covers one city-issued refuse container, one recycling container, weekly curbside collection, two free bulk item pickups annually, and access to seasonal brush and leaf programs. If your household consistently generates excess waste, you can request an additional refuse or recycling container for just $5 extra per month.
Utilizing the Generous Large Item Pickup Service
One standout feature of the Bowling Green public works program is the large item collection service. Eligible households are granted two completely free curbside pickups per calendar year, allowing for up to five bulky items per visit. Residents can schedule these on a Monday or Friday by calling the Public Works Department. Remember that you cannot include construction materials, and special fees apply if you go over the standard five-item limit.
Mattress Rules and Mini Dumpster Rentals
While most standard furniture is free to discard during your scheduled large item pickups, mattresses are a strict exception. Residents must pre-pay a fee of $25 for the first mattress and $15 for subsequent ones (up to three total). Additionally, if you are doing a major garage or basement cleanout, the city offers an incredible two-week rental of a 3-yard mini dumpster for just $60—a highly cost-effective alternative to private roll-off containers.
Drop-off Facilities
Bowling Green Recycling Center
1040 North College Drive, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Materials Accepted
Wood County Landfill
15320 Tontogany Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of an old mattress in Bowling Green?
Mattresses are not included in the free large item pickup allowance. You must pre-pay a fee at the Public Works office ($25 for the first mattress, $15 for additional ones) before scheduling the curbside collection.
Can I rent a dumpster from the City of Bowling Green?
Yes. The city offers a highly affordable two-week rental of a 3-yard mini dumpster for eligible residential locations for a pre-paid fee of $60. This is ideal for cleaning out a garage or basement.
What happens if my trash doesn't fit in the cart?
All refuse must fit entirely inside your city-issued container with the lid completely closed. Items left on the ground beside the container will not be collected. If you regularly have excess trash, you can request an additional cart for $5 per month.
When does the city pick up brush and branches?
The city provides brush collection four times a year: during the third week of April, May, September, and October. No scheduling is required, but you must have your brush at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the Monday that collection begins.