Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Westlake
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.
Resident's Choice / Rumpke Cart Bin (Trash)
Trash must be bagged and placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated collection day. Cans and bags must observe Rumpke's weight limits.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household solid waste
- ✓Food wrappers and non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
Green (Rumpke 65-Gallon Cart) Bin (Recycling)
Items must be placed loose (unbagged) in the provided 65-gallon recycling cart. Cardboard boxes must be flattened.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum cups and metal cans
- ✓Milk and juice cartons
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Cardboard and clean paper
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Clear plastic clamshells (berry/egg containers)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Straws and stoppers
- ✕Colored plastic party cups (Solo cups)
- ✕Food-encrusted paper
Yard Waste Bin
Bagged yard waste (grass, weeds, leaves) is collected by Rumpke. Brush and branches must be bundled under 4 ft long, tied with twine, and weigh less than 50 lbs for city collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Weeds and flowers
- ✓Leaves and acorns
- ✓Brush and tree limbs (City Service Dept.)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your regular collection day
Placement
Place bulk items out by 6:00 a.m. Ensure mattresses and upholstered items are wrapped in plastic per general hauler guidelines.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Box springs
- ✓ Couches and recliners
- ✓ Household furniture
- ✓ Large broken appliances
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Commercial construction debris
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Wet paint
Bulk pickup is included for residents, but you must call Rumpke at (800) 828-8171 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the truck.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on or before your normal collection day, both recycling and rubbish pickups will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Bagged yard waste and bulk collection follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as standard trash.
If the holiday falls on a weekend, your weekday collection schedule typically remains unchanged.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Clear Clamshells Are In, Party Cups Are Out
While Westlake recently began accepting clear plastic clamshells (like those used for take-out and berries), brightly colored plastic party cups and plastic straws remain strictly prohibited in the recycling cart.
Keep Recyclables Unbagged
Never use plastic trash bags to hold your recyclables. Items must be tossed loosely into the Rumpke recycling cart to ensure they can be efficiently sorted at the recycling facility.
Avoid Wish-Cycling
Only place items specifically listed on the lid of your Rumpke recycling cart. Throwing questionable items in hoping they are recyclable can contaminate the entire truckload, sending it straight to the landfill.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
Mid-October to DecemberThe City of Westlake Service Department operates fall leaf collection vacuum trucks. Rake leaves to the tree lawn (not into the street) and keep them free of branches and grass cuttings.
Spring
April to MayDuring the Spring Yard Clean-Up season, the city continues dedicated leaf vacuuming on residential tree lawns. Check the city's 'Daily Leaf Update' portal to see which routes are active.
Year-Round
January to DecemberIf you miss the city's specialized leaf collection windows, you can always bag your leaves (ensuring they weigh less than 50 lbs) and place them at the curb for Rumpke's normal weekly rubbish pickup.
About Westlake Waste Management
A Hybrid Approach to Westlake Waste Services
The City of Westlake utilizes a uniquely integrated solid waste management system to keep its neighborhoods clean. While the city partners with Rumpke Waste & Recycling to manage all routine curbside trash, single-stream recycling, and bagged yard waste collections, the municipal Westlake Service Department handles specialized duties. This includes collecting bundled brush, heavy tree limbs, and running the city's robust seasonal leaf vacuum trucks.
Maximizing the 65-Gallon Recycling Cart
Westlake residents are provided with a dedicated 65-gallon Rumpke recycling cart to make processing household recyclables as efficient as possible. Recently, Rumpke expanded its accepted materials to include clear plastic clamshells—such as those used for berries, lettuce, and carry-out meals—which is a major upgrade. However, all recyclables must fit loosely inside the cart; placing excess recycling in plastic bags on the ground next to the cart will result in it being left behind.
Free Porch Pickup for Textiles via Simple Recycling
In an effort to keep usable textiles out of Cuyahoga County landfills, Westlake participates in the Simple Recycling program. This convenient service allows residents to easily dispose of unwanted clothing, shoes, bedding, and small household goods. Instead of placing these items at the curb, residents must call Simple Recycling to schedule a free pickup and simply leave the provided green or orange bags on their front porch.
Navigating Heavy Bulk Item Disposal
Disposing of large, unwieldy items like old couches, mattresses, or broken appliances is manageable thanks to Westlake's weekly bulk collection. Rumpke will pick up heavy and bulky refuse right alongside your regular rubbish cart. The key requirement is that residents must contact Rumpke's customer service team at least 24 hours prior to their normal collection day to formally schedule the haul-away.
Drop-off Facilities
Rumpke Harvard Road Transfer Station
3227 Harvard Road, Newburgh Heights, OH 44105
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who picks up branches and brush in Westlake, OH?
While Rumpke collects bagged grass and leaves, the City of Westlake Service Department is responsible for picking up tree limbs, branches, and brush. You must cut them to under 4 feet, bundle them with twine, and ensure they weigh less than 50 pounds.
How do I throw away an old couch or mattress?
Westlake residents can dispose of bulky items like couches on their regular trash day. However, you are required to notify Rumpke at least 24 hours in advance by calling (800) 828-8171 to schedule the pickup.
Can I recycle my takeout food containers?
Yes, as of late 2024, Westlake and Rumpke now accept clear plastic clamshells, such as those used for takeout, berries, or salads. Ensure they are completely emptied and rinsed before placing them loosely in your recycling cart.
Does Westlake recycle old clothing?
Yes, through a separate program called Simple Recycling. Residents can call to schedule a pickup for clothing, shoes, and textiles. Items are placed in designated orange or green bags on your front porch, not at the curb.