Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Kettering
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.
Brown or Dark Green Bin (Trash)
All trash must be securely bagged before being placed inside the cart to prevent wind-blown litter and minimize odors.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Small broken household items
Green with Yellow Lid (or Rumpke Logo) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables should be placed loosely in the cart, not bagged. Containers must be emptied and rinsed of food residue.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Clean paper and junk mail
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Medical waste
- ✕Scrap metal
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, chains)
Yard Waste Bin
Curbside yard waste must be placed in biodegradable brown paper yard bags or personal cans marked 'Yard Waste'. Branches must be tied in bundles no larger than 4 feet long and 2 feet in diameter.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small twigs
- ✓Brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your regular service day (with advanced notice)
Placement
Bulk items should be placed at the curb the night before your scheduled collection day, ensuring they do not block sidewalks, mailboxes, or fire hydrants.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be plastic-wrapped)
- ✓ Upholstered furniture (must be plastic-wrapped)
- ✓ Appliances (Freon must be removed by a certified technician)
- ✓ Large wooden furniture
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Lead-acid batteries
Standard bulk item collection is typically included in your residential service, but excessive quantities or special handling may incur an additional charge from Rumpke.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday on or before your scheduled collection day, service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection follows the same holiday delay schedule as standard trash and recycling.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there are generally no delays to the regular Monday-Friday collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Banish the Plastic Bags
Never bag your recyclables. Thin film plastics like grocery bags wrap around the gears of sorting machines, causing massive delays and safety hazards at the Rumpke facility. Return them to local grocery stores instead.
Keep Batteries Out of the Bin
Lithium-ion batteries are a severe fire risk. When crushed in a garbage truck or recycling center, they can spark and ignite surrounding waste. Dispose of batteries at designated Montgomery County hazardous waste drop-offs.
The Clean and Dry Rule
A half-full soda bottle or unrinsed peanut butter jar can ruin a whole batch of clean paper and cardboard. Always give your cans, bottles, and plastic containers a quick rinse and shake dry before tossing them in.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberThe City of Kettering operates an extensive curbside leaf collection program. Leaves must be raked to the edge of the street (not into the roadway) according to the city's district schedule to ensure storm drains remain clear.
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring severe Ohio winter storms, Rumpke may delay service to ensure the safety of their drivers. If a snow emergency is declared in Montgomery County, leave your carts at the curb as crews will recover the routes as soon as roads are passable.
Spring
March to MaySpring cleaning often results in excess yard debris. Remember to utilize the Kettering Yard Debris Center on Woodman Center Drive for large branches and brush that exceed curbside bundling limits.
About Kettering Waste Management
Comprehensive Waste Management in Kettering, Ohio
The City of Kettering ensures residential neighborhoods remain pristine through a strategic partnership with Rumpke Waste & Recycling. This contracted service provides weekly collection for standard household garbage and recyclables. Residents are equipped with specialized Rumpke carts, designed to be easily maneuvered while keeping local streets free of loose debris. Understanding your designated pickup zone is crucial for maintaining the seamless operation of the city's sanitation efforts.
Navigating Bulk Item and Furniture Disposal
Getting rid of large household items in Kettering requires a bit of preparation. Rumpke allows for the collection of bulky items, but strict health and safety protocols apply. Upholstered furniture and mattresses must be entirely sealed in plastic wrap before being placed at the curb to protect sanitation workers from potential pests like bed bugs. Additionally, residents must contact Rumpke at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the pickup of these oversized materials.
Maximizing the Kettering Yard Debris Center
Montgomery County’s lush landscapes mean yard maintenance is a year-round task. Instead of mixing heavy organic waste with household trash, Kettering residents can utilize the city's dedicated Yard Debris Drop-off Center located on Woodman Center Drive. This facility is a vital resource for disposing of excess brush, tree limbs, and seasonal trimmings that exceed standard curbside limits. It helps keep organic materials out of standard landfills and promotes sustainable community landscaping practices.
Recycling Right in the Miami Valley
To combat recycling contamination, Kettering strongly emphasizes proper sorting habits. Rumpke's single-stream recycling program is convenient, but it strictly prohibits 'tanglers' such as garden hoses, electrical cords, and plastic grocery bags. These items frequently jam the mechanical sorting equipment at the regional recycling facilities. Residents are urged to place approved items—like clean cardboard, glass jars, and plastic jugs—loosely into their recycling carts.
Drop-off Facilities
Kettering Yard Debris Drop-off Center
1840 Woodman Center Drive, Kettering, OH 45420
Materials Accepted
Montgomery County Solid Waste District Transfer Facility
1001 Encrete Ln, Moraine, OH 45439
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I throw away a mattress in Kettering?
To dispose of a mattress or box spring in Kettering, you must completely wrap it in plastic and seal it with tape to protect sanitation workers from bed bugs. You must also contact Rumpke at least 24 hours prior to your collection day to schedule the pickup.
What should I do if my trash wasn't picked up?
If your trash or recycling was missed, first ensure it was placed at the curb by 6:00 AM and that there were no holiday delays. If everything was correct, contact Rumpke Waste & Recycling directly at 1-800-828-8171 to report the missed collection.
Where can I drop off extra yard waste in Kettering?
Kettering residents can utilize the Yard Debris Drop-off Center located at 1840 Woodman Center Drive. You will need to bring proof of residency. This facility is ideal for disposing of large tree branches and excessive brush that cannot be bundled for curbside pickup.
Does Rumpke pick up appliances in Kettering?
Yes, Rumpke will pick up household appliances. However, if the appliance contains refrigerants (like a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner), you must first have the CFCs/Freon professionally removed. A certified technician must tag the appliance before Rumpke will collect it.