Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Cleveland
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.
96-Gallon Black Cart Bin (Trash)
All regular waste must be contained entirely inside the black cart with the lid completely closed. Items must not exceed the height of the cart. Set out the night before or by 6:00 AM on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste and non-recyclable packaging
- ✓Small amounts of dried latex paint
- ✓Up to 4 passenger tires (no rims, left outside cart)
64-Gallon Blue Cart (Opt-in required) Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables; place them loose in the blue cart. The city advises against looking for chasing arrows or numbers, and instead asks residents to strictly follow the approved items list.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Food scraps and liquids
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Styrofoam and electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Grass and leaves must be bagged. Tree branches must be tied in bundles no larger than 3 feet long by 2 feet wide. Limit of 20 bags and 20 bundles per week.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Plant debris
- ✓Tree branches and brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Monthly (First full week of the month)
Placement
Items must be set out the night before or by 6:00 AM on collection day. Mattresses and cloth furniture must be entirely wrapped in plastic to protect city workers from parasites.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, tables, dressers)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped)
- ✓ Appliances (coolants and fluids must be drained)
- ✓ Large empty boxes
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (concrete, wood, drywall)
- ✕ Hazardous waste (chemicals, wet paint)
- ✕ Tires (these have a separate 4-per-week allowance)
Bulk collection is included with city services. Residents can also drop off up to 4 cubic yards of bulk waste for free, 4 times a year, at the Ridge Road Transfer Station.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed 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 limits and schedules adhere to the same holiday delay structure as regular waste.
Not all federal holidays cause delays in Cleveland. For instance, depending on the year, Independence Day (July 4th) collections may experience no delay.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Dry Out Your Latex Paint
Latex paint is not classified as hazardous waste in Cleveland, but it cannot be thrown away in liquid form. You must completely dry it out by leaving the lid off or mixing it with kitty litter or 'oil-dri' before placing the can in your black cart.
Don't Rely on the Plastic Numbers
The recycling symbol and numbers on the bottom of plastic items are misleading. Cleveland asks residents to ignore the numbers and simply focus on the shape: only recycle plastic bottles, jugs, and jars. When in doubt, throw it out.
E-Waste Does Not Go in the Cart
Never throw discarded cell phones, computers, or televisions in your black or blue carts due to heavy metals like lead and mercury. Drop them off for safe recycling at the Carr Center on Carnegie Avenue.
Seasonal Information
Fall
October - NovemberThe Cleveland Division of Air Quality strictly prohibits the open burning of leaves and yard waste. All autumn leaves must be bagged and placed out for the regular yard waste collection.
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 or tree lawn for cart placement.
Monthly Ongoing
Year-RoundMark your calendar: the first full week of every single month is designated for bulk pick-up. You may set out up to 3 bulk items alongside your regular trash collection on your standard service day during this week.
About Cleveland Waste Management
Cleveland's Automated Waste Collection System
The City of Cleveland Division of Waste Collection and Disposal operates a highly structured residential waste program utilizing 96-gallon black carts for single-family homes and multi-unit buildings (up to four units). To ensure the smooth operation of automated collection trucks, residents must place carts at the curb with the opening facing the street and maintain at least three feet of clearance from parked cars, utility poles, and other bins. Proper placement prevents neighborhood litter and collection delays.
The Opt-In Blue Cart Recycling Initiative
Unlike some municipalities that automatically distribute recycling bins, Cleveland utilizes an 'opt-in' curbside recycling program. Homeowners and eligible tenants must proactively enroll via the city's 311 system to receive a free 64-gallon blue cart. This model helps ensure that only dedicated recyclers participate, heavily reducing contamination rates at the Cuyahoga County sorting facilities and maximizing the efficiency of the local recycling ecosystem.
Generous Yard Waste and Tire Allowances
Cleveland stands out for its high weekly allowances for residential yard debris and passenger tires. Residents are permitted to set out up to 20 bags of yard waste, 20 tied bundles of branches, and up to four passenger tires (without rims) alongside their black trash cart every single week. This generous policy helps maintain the aesthetic of Cleveland's tree lawns and discourages illegal dumping across the city.
Monthly Bulk Pick-Up Protocol
Rather than requiring a phone call for every heavy item, Cleveland operates a predictable monthly bulk schedule. Residents can place up to three bulky items at the curb on their regular collection day, but strictly during the first full week of each month. This streamlined approach allows households to plan their heavy cleaning and purging around a reliable, recurring city schedule without incurring extra disposal fees.
Drop-off Facilities
Carr Center Drop-off Location
5600 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103
Materials Accepted
Ridge Road Transfer Station
3727 Ridge Road, Cleveland, OH 44144
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a blue recycling bin in Cleveland?
Cleveland has an 'opt-in' recycling program. Eligible single-family up to four-unit households can request a free 64-gallon blue recycling cart by calling the city at 311 or 216-664-3711 to enroll.
What are the rules for throwing away a mattress in Cleveland?
You can throw away a mattress on your regular collection day during the first full week of the month (bulk week). However, to protect sanitation workers from bedbugs and lice, the mattress and any cloth furniture must be completely wrapped and sealed in plastic before being placed at the curb.
Can I throw away renovation materials like drywall and brick?
No. The Division of Waste Collection does not accept any construction or demolition debris, including concrete, wood, brick, dirt, drywall, shingles, toilets, or sinks. You must hire a private waste hauler or rent a dumpster for these materials.
What is the limit for yard waste bags?
Cleveland residents are allowed to set out up to 20 bags of yard waste and up to 20 tied bundles of branches (maximum 3 feet long and 2 feet wide) each week.