Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Lancaster
Trash Day
Trash collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood zone (searchable via the City's Waste Collection Map).
Recycling
Curbside recycling is not provided by the City; residents can drop off recyclables at Fairfield County Recycling locations.
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on your normal trash pickup day during the seasonal program (late March through mid-December).
Set Out Time
By 7:30 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Refuse collection fees are billed monthly on a unified city utility statement alongside natural gas, water, stormwater, and sewer services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior discount available: residents 62 years of age or older occupying a home with a 48-gallon trash cart can apply at the Utilities Collection Office for a reduced monthly rate of $13.00.
City-issued Cart (48-gallon or 96-gallon) Bin (Trash)
Set out by 7:30 a.m. at the curb or alley edge. The lid must be completely closed. Remove the cart from the street by 7:00 p.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Dried latex paint (lid removed)
Drop-off Bins Only (No Municipal Curbside) Bin (Recycling)
Since the city does not collect recycling, take items to Fairfield County drop-off sites, such as the LFCAA Recycling Center at 1761 E. Main St.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2
- ✓Newspaper and office paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Food residue
- ✕Glass (at some specific paper-only bins)
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Set out to the STREET (not alley) by 7:30 a.m. Use biodegradable bags or a personal can marked with a bright green ring. Bundles must not exceed 4 ft or 50 lbs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Brush, tree trunks, and stumps
- ✓Pumpkins, gourds, and bare holiday trees
- ✓Prunings from shrubs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only
Placement
Items scheduled for pick-up must be placed where your regular trash is set for pick-up (curb or alley) and must not be blocked by vehicles.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and large household goods
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Tires (must be off the rim)
- ✓ Large tree branches
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and liquids
- ✕ Car batteries
- ✕ Concrete, rocks, and dirt
- ✕ Metal pipes and building materials
A minimum charge of $25.00 applies for the first cubic yard, with an additional $19.25 per cubic yard thereafter. This fee is added to your Lancaster Utility bill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Lancaster follows a unique non-rolling schedule: If your collection day falls ON an observed holiday, your trash is collected on the next business day. NO other collection days in the week are affected.
Yard Waste Exception
During the active season, yard waste follows the exact same holiday shift and is collected concurrently with your delayed trash pickup.
The Lancaster Transfer Station is entirely closed on all city-observed holidays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring to Fall
Late March - Mid-DecemberThe free curbside yard waste program operates strictly during this seasonal window. Outside of these dates, all yard waste must be hauled directly to the Lancaster Transfer Station and is subject to standard drop-off fees.
Autumn
October - NovemberDuring the fall season, decorative plant materials such as pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and wreaths are fully accepted as yard waste, provided you remove all plastic, metal wire, and non-compostable decorations first.
Winter
JanuaryBecause the curbside yard waste program ends in mid-December, post-holiday Christmas trees usually need to be taken to the Transfer Station or held for designated community post-holiday chipping events.
Local Tips & Community Info
Welcome to Lancaster Sanitation Services
The City of Lancaster, Ohio, provides comprehensive waste management services for all residents to maintain a clean and beautiful community. The Sanitation Department manages routine trash pickup, curbside recycling, and yard waste collection. Understanding the local sanitation rules ensures your waste is handled efficiently without any service interruptions.
Trash Pickup Schedule & Bin Placement Tips
Lancaster residents must follow specific bin placement rules to guarantee collection. Trash carts should be placed at the street edge or alleyway by 7:30 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day. Ensure the lid opening faces the street and the wheels face your home. To allow automated trucks to operate safely, keep your cart at least three feet away from mailboxes, trees, and utility poles, and ten feet away from parked cars. If you have multiple carts, space them three feet apart. Remember to remove your empty carts from the curb by 7:00 p.m. on your collection day.
Lancaster Recycling Guidelines
Participating in the local recycling program helps reduce waste at the Lancaster Transfer Station. Residents are encouraged to recycle clean cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, and metal cans. It is essential that all food and beverage containers are rinsed out before being placed in the bin. Do not bag your recyclables; keep them loose in the container, as plastic bags can jam the sorting machinery. Items like Styrofoam, window glass, and hazardous waste should never go in the recycling cart.
Bulk Waste Disposal & Hazardous Materials
Standard trash collection in Lancaster covers household waste securely placed inside your designated cart. Any extra bags or items left beside the cart will not be picked up without an additional fee. For oversized items like furniture or appliances, residents must arrange a special bulk pick-up. Please note that hazardous materials such as tires, car batteries, concrete, wet paint, and metal pipes are strictly prohibited from curbside pickup and must be disposed of properly at authorized county facilities.
Yard Waste Pickup & Compost
The City of Lancaster offers a seasonal curbside yard waste collection program, generally running from late March through mid-December. Residents can leave leaves, grass clippings, and small branches out for collection. If you miss the curbside window or have an abundance of yard debris, you can bring it directly to the Lancaster Transfer Station, though standard collection fees may apply.
Holiday Delay Schedule & Missed Pickups
The Sanitation Department observes major city holidays, which may affect your regular pickup. If your collection day falls on an observed holiday, your trash will be picked up on the next business day. Keep in mind that the Lancaster Transfer Station will also be closed on these holidays. If you followed all bin guidelines and your trash was still missed, contact the Sanitation Department at (740) 687-6660 to report the issue.
Drop-off Facilities
Lancaster Transfer Station
743 S Ewing Street, Lancaster, OH 43130
Materials Accepted
LFCAA Recycling Center (Fairfield Recycles)
1761 E. Main St, Lancaster, OH 43130
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I put my trash cart out in Lancaster, OH?
You must place your trash cart at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on your scheduled collection day, and it should be removed by 7:00 p.m. the same day.
How do I dispose of yard waste in Lancaster?
Curbside yard waste collection runs from March 30th to December 18th. Outside of these dates, you can take yard waste to the Transfer Station for a fee.
Will my trash pickup be delayed on holidays?
Yes. If your normal pickup day falls on a city-observed holiday, your trash will be collected on the following business day.