Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Elyria
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.
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
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out
Elyria's recycling program firmly prohibits plastic bags as they tangle the sorting machinery at the material recovery facility. Always keep recyclables loose in your green cart.
Grass Clippings Have a Different Home
The city will not collect grass clippings left on the curblawn. Instead of risking a missed pickup, take them directly to the Elyria Regional Compost Facility.
Empty, Clean, and Dry
Liquid and food contamination can ruin a whole batch of recyclables. Make sure every plastic bottle, metal can, and glass jar is thoroughly rinsed and dried before tossing it in.
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.
About Elyria Waste Management
Automated Waste Collection in Elyria
The City of Elyria utilizes a fully automated truck and matching can service for residential garbage and recycling. Residents are provided with designated black carts for trash and green carts for recycling, ensuring highly efficient collection and cleaner neighborhoods.
Lorain County Collection Center Access
While Elyria manages standard curbside pickup, residents can utilize the Lorain County Collection Center located right in town on South Abbe Road. This facility accepts household hazardous waste, electronics, and fluorescent bulbs year-round, greatly expanding local eco-friendly disposal options.
Urban Forestry and Tree City USA
Elyria is proudly recognized as a 'Tree City USA' and employs an Urban Forester. The Sanitation Department actively handles brush and limb trimmings placed on the curblawn year-round, collecting them within a two-week window provided they are cut into manageable four-foot sections.
Composting with Barnes Materials
Beyond traditional curblawn brush collection, Elyria partners with Barnes Nursery at the Elyria Regional Compost Facility on Chestnut Street. Residents can dispose of bagged yard waste and grass clippings here, and can even obtain free brown yard waste bags directly from City Hall or the Central Maintenance Garage.
Navigating Bulk Waste Regulations
Large items are not simply tossed to the curb in Elyria. The Sanitation Department mandates that all bulk trash, such as furniture and swing sets, be disassembled. Specialized safety rules also apply, such as removing refrigerator doors and having Freon properly discharged and tagged by a certified technician prior to collection.
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
What should I do with my grass clippings in Elyria?
The City of Elyria does not collect grass clippings from the curblawn. Residents must either mulch them or take them to the Elyria Regional Compost Facility at 45 Chestnut Street.
How do I throw away an old refrigerator or air conditioner?
Before the Sanitation Department will collect any appliance containing refrigerants, the Freon must be professionally discharged and tagged by a certified technician. Additionally, refrigerator and freezer doors must be completely removed.
Are there any special rules for throwing away a mattress?
Yes, if you are setting a mattress out for standard bulk trash collection, the city requires it to be completely wrapped in plastic prior to being placed on the curb.
Does the City of Elyria provide bags for yard waste?
Yes! Brown paper yard waste bags (required for drop-off at the Barnes compost facility) are available at no charge to Elyria residents at City Hall (131 Court Street) or the Elyria Central Maintenance Garage (851 Garden Street).