Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Chillicothe
Trash Day
Trash collection runs Monday through Friday, with specific collection days designated by neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected bi-weekly (every other week on alternating Red/Blue schedules) on the same day as your regular trash pickup.
Yard Waste
Curbside pickup is available by request (call 740-773-9715 or email [email protected]); residents can also use the Renick Avenue drop-off site on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling fees are bundled directly into your monthly municipal utility bill alongside water and sewer charges.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Drop Box, In-Person
Personal Can or Bag-Only Bin (Trash)
Trash must be placed in plastic bags at least 1.5 mils thick and securely tied. Individual bags must not exceed 40 pounds. Place at the curb or alley by 6:00 a.m. (no earlier than 24 hours prior).
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
City-issued 95-gallon cart Bin (Recycling)
Collection is every other week. All items must be placed loosely inside the cart without sorting or bagging.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and pizza boxes (free of grease)
- ✓Newspaper, magazines, and mail
- ✓Aluminum and tin food cans
- ✓Glass bottles (broken or intact)
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (mouth smaller than base)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and wrap
- ✕Yogurt cups, K-cups, and deli containers
- ✕Styrofoam of any kind
- ✕Needles and batteries
- ✕Scrap metal and hardware
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in brown biodegradable bags. Branches must be tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet. Once prepped, email [email protected] or call 740-773-9715 for pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and weeds
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Sticks and branches (under 4 feet)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Annually (Late May through June)
Placement
Place approved bulk items at the street curb, completely separated from your regular household trash. Alleys will not be serviced during the bulk sweep.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and upholstered chairs
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Rolled carpet
- ✓ General large furniture
- ✓ Dried paint (must be mixed with sawdust)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Stoves, washers, and dryers
- ✕ Refrigerators, freezers, and A/C units
- ✕ Televisions, computers, and radios
- ✕ Construction materials (drywall, wood)
- ✕ Tires, batteries, and hazardous chemicals
This annual sweep is provided as a free municipal service to residents, but prohibited items like appliances must be disposed of privately at the owner's expense.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a recognized city holiday falls on a weekday, collections for that day and the remainder of the week are typically delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
On-demand yard waste and annual leaf collection routes may also be adjusted around major holidays or severe weather events.
During the Annual Large Item Pickup in late May, weeks containing a holiday (like Memorial Day) will feature adjusted neighborhood bulk collection dates.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
JanuaryLive Christmas trees are collected during a special pickup window in early to mid-January on your regularly scheduled garbage day. Ensure all lights, ornaments, and stands are fully removed before placing at the curb.
Spring
May - JuneThe Annual Large Item Pickup sweeps through the city from late May through June. Pay close attention to local media or the city website to find the exact week assigned to your regular trash day.
Fall
November - DecemberThe city's continuous leaf collection program begins in early November. Rake leaves to the tree lawn or curb, but do not mix in brush or sticks, as this will heavily damage the city's vacuum machinery.
Local Tips & Community Info
Municipal Refuse Collection in Chillicothe
Unlike towns that rely heavily on private third-party contractors, the City of Chillicothe manages its own residential garbage collection through the local Service Department. This dedicated municipal fleet services thousands of homes weekly, keeping the historic first capital of Ohio clean. To guarantee that your household waste is successfully collected, all materials must be contained within the official city-issued garbage receptacles. Ensure your cart is placed at its designated collection point by 7:00 AM on your assigned service day.
Alleyway vs. Curbside Container Placement
Chillicothe possesses a unique historical layout featuring a vast network of residential alleyways. Depending on your property's specific location, your collection point may be at the street curb or in the back alley. Regardless of the pickup location, the automated mechanical arms on the garbage trucks require adequate operational space. Receptacles must be placed at least three feet away from fences, utility poles, garages, and parked vehicles. Furthermore, the lid opening should face the street or alley center, ensuring the truck can easily dump the contents without spilling debris.
Ross County Recycling Drop-Off Sites
While the city handles standard refuse, recycling efforts are highly supported by the Ross County Litter Control and Recycling program. Residents who wish to divert plastics, glass, paper, and cardboard away from the landfill can utilize several public drop-off bins positioned strategically throughout Chillicothe and the surrounding county. When using these community recycling stations, be sure to break down all corrugated cardboard boxes to maximize bin space. Plastic grocery bags, Styrofoam, and food-soiled pizza boxes are strictly prohibited at these drop-off sites.
Renick Avenue Yard Waste Facility
Homeowners tackling seasonal landscaping projects or routine lawn maintenance have a dedicated outlet for organic debris. The City of Chillicothe operates a specialized Yard Waste Facility located on Renick Avenue. This site is exclusively available to city residents, meaning you must present a valid driver's license or a recent utility bill to gain entry. Accepted materials include tree limbs, brush, grass clippings, and leaves. Be absolutely certain to empty your yard waste out of any plastic bags upon arrival, as non-biodegradable plastics contaminate the facility's compost piles.
Arranging for Bulky Item Disposal
Upgrading a major appliance or clearing out an old bedroom suite requires a bit of logistical planning. Standard city refuse trucks cannot accommodate oversized loads like mattresses, sofas, or refrigerators. To dispose of these massive items, Chillicothe residents need to contact the Service Department directly to inquire about special bulk pick-up procedures or coordinate a drop-off. Keep in mind that upholstered items, specifically box springs and mattresses, must be entirely encased in protective plastic to shield municipal workers from potential pest exposure.
Drop-off Facilities
Renick Avenue Yard Waste Drop-Off
Renick Avenue, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Materials Accepted
RPHF Solid Waste District Office (Ross County)
15 N Paint Street Suite 301, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does my trash bin need to be out in Chillicothe?
Your city-issued garbage receptacle must be placed at the curb or designated alleyway collection point no later than 7:00 AM on the morning of your scheduled pickup route.
Where can I drop off my household recyclables?
Because curbside recycling is not universally integrated into the standard trash route, residents can utilize the Ross County Litter Control drop-off bins located throughout the city to recycle clean paper, plastics, and cardboard.
Are plastic bags allowed at the Renick Avenue Yard Waste Facility?
No. While you may transport your grass clippings and leaves in plastic bags, you must empty the organic contents at the facility and take the plastic bags back home with you to prevent contamination.