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
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.
Local Tips & Community Info
City Ordinances for Cart Storage and Receptacles
The City of Kettering maintains strict neighborhood aesthetics through specific ordinances regarding waste containers. While Rumpke serves as the exclusive solid waste provider, homeowners cannot simply leave their bins out all week. City law mandates that all trash and recycling carts must be stored on the side or in the rear of your property. They cannot remain in the front yard, on the driveway, or permanently at the curb. Furthermore, all refuse must be placed into official Rumpke-issued receptacles. The sanitation drivers will not service any secondary, store-bought garbage cans. If you require more capacity for your household, you can lease an extra cart directly through the provider for a minor quarterly fee.
Curbside Collection Protocol and Overage Allowances
Unlike many municipalities that restrict households to only what fits inside the designated bin, Kettering's contract offers a bit more flexibility for its residents. You are permitted to place out extra bags on your normal collection day, provided each bag is standard-sized, under 35 gallons, and weighs less than 50 pounds. Any loose bags must be securely tied and left neatly beside your official Rumpke cart. Keep in mind that yard waste placed in paper bags will be rejected if the bags become wet or exceed the 50-pound weight limit. If a major holiday falls on a weekday before your normal collection day, expect your pickup route to be delayed by exactly 24 hours.
The Generous Three-Item Bulk Waste Policy
One of the most resident-friendly aspects of Kettering's waste management program is how it handles large, cumbersome debris. Homeowners do not have to call ahead or schedule a special bulk pickup for most oversized items. Rumpke will automatically collect up to three bulk items per week on your standard service day without any prior notification. However, strict health and safety protocols still apply to this service. Upholstered items, such as mattresses, couches, and padded dining chairs, must be completely sealed in protective plastic wrap. Appliances containing Freon, like older refrigerators or water coolers, require a certified removal tag before they can be legally hauled away.
Specialized Assistance and Senior Citizen Discounts
The city strives to ensure that waste disposal is accessible and affordable for all demographics. Eligible senior citizens aged 65 and older who meet specific income requirements, specifically reporting less than $35,000 annually, can apply for a significantly reduced quarterly utility rate. Additionally, if a physical limitation prevents you or anyone in your household from rolling the heavy carts to the street, Kettering offers a specialized Houseside carryout service. To qualify for this physical accommodation, residents must provide a signed physician's note along with a sworn affidavit confirming that no able-bodied individuals currently reside in the home.
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
Do I need to schedule a pickup for a broken couch or mattress in Kettering?
No. Rumpke allows up to three bulk items per week on your normal collection day without any prior scheduling. Just ensure that any upholstered furniture or mattresses are completely wrapped and sealed in plastic before placing them at the curb.
Can I use a generic trash can I bought from the hardware store?
No. Rumpke will only service official Rumpke-issued carts. If you have extra waste, you can leave it in standard plastic bags weighing under 50 pounds next to your official cart, but personal receptacles will not be emptied.
Where am I legally allowed to store my trash bins?
According to Kettering city ordinance, waste carts must be stored either on the side or in the rear of your home. Storing them on sidewalks, front porches, or driveways is strictly prohibited when it is not your collection day.