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Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Elyria
Trash Day
Trash collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your regular trash pickup.
Yard Waste
Curbside brush and tree trimmings are collected within two weeks of regular collection day placement, and loose leaves are collected seasonally in the fall (grass clippings are not accepted curbside).
Set Out Time
No earlier than 5:00 PM the evening before and by 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling fees are bundled directly into your monthly Elyria Public Utilities bill alongside water and sewer charges.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Phone, Auto-Pay, Mail, In-Person / Payment Kiosk
Pro Tip / Discount
No specific rate discounts listed, but utility payment assistance is available for qualifying low-income households through the Lorain County Community Action Agency (LIHWAP) and the Salvation Army.
Black Bin (Trash)
Place all garbage inside the black cart only. Maintain at least a 3-foot clearance around the cart, including between the green and black carts, for the automated arm.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food wrappers
Green Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be empty, clean, and completely dry. Do not bag recyclables; place them loose in the green cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓#1 or #2 plastics
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Brush must be cut into 4-foot lengths and stacked on the curblawn. Grass clippings are not collected at the curb and must be taken to the compost facility.
Accepted Items
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree and shrub trimmings
- ✓Discarded garden plants
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Firewood
- ✓Christmas trees
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Placed curbside alongside regular weekly collection
Placement
Place bulk items curbside with your regular carts. Remove all screws and nails, and take the doors off of refrigerators and freezers.
Accepted
- ✓ Disassembled furniture
- ✓ Stoves
- ✓ Washers
- ✓ Wrapped mattresses
- ✓ Bundled carpet
- ✓ Bags/boxes under 50 pounds
Not Accepted
- ✕ Appliances containing refrigerants (unless Freon is discharged and tagged)
- ✕ Unwrapped mattresses
- ✕ Construction/demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous materials
While standard bulk collection is included, additional charges may apply for exceptionally large or excessive bulk piles.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized city holiday falls on or before your normal service day, collection is typically delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Holiday weeks and severe weather can delay the standard two-week window for curblawn brush and yard waste pickup.
Some holidays, like Independence Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day, often operate on a regular schedule depending on the year. Always verify the current city calendar.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October - NovemberThe City of Elyria conducts specialized leaf collections specifically in the Fall season. Keep an eye on city announcements for exact collection zones and rake leaves to the curblawn accordingly.
Winter
December - JanuaryPost-holiday Christmas trees are accepted as part of the curblawn brush collection program. Ensure all lights, ornaments, and tinsel are completely removed before placing them outside.
Spring/Summer
April - AugustDuring periods following severe summer storms or major pruning seasons, yard waste and brush collection may experience delays due to a significantly higher volume of materials.
Local Tips & Community Info
City-Provided Carts and Curblawn Placement Guidelines
The Elyria Sanitation Department operates an automated truck fleet to keep local neighborhoods clean and hygienic. Every residential household is issued one standard garbage cart and one green recycling cart. To ensure smooth servicing, place your containers on the curblawn on the evening before or early morning of your pickup day. The automated mechanical arms require space to grab the bins, so please leave adequate distance between the carts and any obstacles like parked cars, utility poles, or mailboxes. If your family consistently produces more trash than a single container can comfortably hold, you can purchase an extra refuse unit directly through the Elyria Public Utilities office.
What Goes in the Green Recycling Bin?
Elyria takes contamination very seriously when it comes to processing sustainable materials. Your city-issued green cart is strictly reserved for paper, clean cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and plastic jugs. Before tossing in any food or drink packaging, it is absolutely essential that you rinse it out thoroughly. Heavily soiled items or unrinsed containers can contaminate an entire batch, forcing the sorting facility to redirect the load straight to a landfill. Furthermore, absolutely no plastic grocery bags, food scraps, or yard waste should ever be thrown into the green recycling receptacle.
Handling Oversized Debris and Bulk Waste
For household items that exceed the physical capacity of your regular garbage bin due to their size, weight, or awkward shape, the city provides alternative bulk waste removal guidance. This category covers large residential waste such as old couches, broken wooden tables, and heavy appliances. Residents need to adhere to municipal guidelines regarding the dimensions and preparation of these discarded goods. It is highly important not to block public sidewalks or street traffic lanes when placing oversized materials out for the sanitation crews to haul away.
Yard Waste Partnerships and Brush Collection
Managing seasonal foliage and landscaping debris requires following specific municipal rules rather than mixing it with standard trash. The Elyria Sanitation Department proactively collects brush and tree trimmings directly from residential curblawns throughout the year. However, they will strictly not collect grass clippings left at the curb. For grass and other compostable yard materials, the city has established a strategic local partnership with Barnes Nursery. This collaboration allows residents to drop off yard waste for free composting and even gives them access to purchase heavily discounted garden mulch.
Medical Accommodations and Forestry Support
Beyond standard refuse hauling, Elyria maintains a strong commitment to its urban canopy as a proud, long-standing Tree City USA. If you notice issues with decorative flora or decaying curblawn trees, the municipal Forestry Division can step in to handle maintenance. Additionally, the city understands that not all residents are physically capable of wheeling heavy carts to the street each week. If you have a documented medical condition that prevents you from adhering to the standard bin placement rules, you are encouraged to call the sanitation office directly at (440) 322-3895 to arrange an alternative collection accommodation.
Drop-off Facilities
Lorain County Collection Center
540 South Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035
Materials Accepted
Elyria Regional Compost Facility (Barnes Materials)
45 Chestnut Street, Elyria, OH 44035
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put grass clippings out for yard waste pickup in Elyria?
No, the city sanitation crews do not pick up grass clippings from the curblawn. However, residents can utilize the city's partnership with Barnes Nursery to drop off yard waste for free composting.
Do I need to wash my recyclables before binning them?
Yes, all food and liquid containers must be thoroughly rinsed. If unrinsed containers contaminate your green bin, the entire load may be deemed unrecyclable and diverted to a landfill.
How can I get an additional garbage can for my home?
Each residence automatically receives one trash and one recycling cart. Extra garbage carts can be formally purchased by contacting the Elyria Public Utilities office.