Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Willoughby
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.
Blue or Green Republic Cart Bin (Trash)
Fill the 96-gallon cart first. Up to 3 additional cans or 5 extra bags may be placed next to it if needed. Place at the curb no earlier than 7:00 PM the night before and by 7:00 AM on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday food waste (drained, wrapped, and bagged)
- ✓Juice boxes and waste paper
- ✓Puncture-proof containers with sharps or broken glass
- ✓General household refuse
Blue or Green Republic Cart with Light Blue Lid Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected every other week. Place the recycling cart on the opposite side of your driveway from your trash cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and chipboard
- ✓Clean paper products
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, #5
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste runs from April 1 through November 30. Use 50lb brown Kraft bags or cans clearly marked 'yard waste'. Brush must be tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet and weighing no more than 30 lbs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and small branches
- ✓General plant matter
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request on regular collection day
Placement
Place approved bulk items within 3 feet of the curb no earlier than 7:00 PM the day before pickup.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (wrapped)
- ✓ Cloth and standard furniture (wrapped)
- ✓ Refrigerators and freezers (doors removed)
- ✓ Washers, dryers, window A/C units
- ✓ Rolled carpeting (4-foot lengths)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Large car parts and batteries
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Liquid waste and paint
- ✕ Contractor building materials or demolition debris
Bulk pickups are generally included in the standard residential cart service plan, but you must call 216-441-6300 to notify dispatch. Low-volume bag customers may incur fees for large items.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on or before your regular pickup day, your refuse and recycling collection schedule will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Holiday delays apply to all Republic Services routes, including seasonal yard waste collection.
Use the Republic Services Holiday Schedule tool on their website to verify your exact delay.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Secure Medical Sharps and Broken Glass
For the safety of sanitation workers, never throw loose broken glass, syringes, or sharp items directly into your trash bag. These must be secured in a sealed, puncture-proof container (like a heavy detergent bottle) before disposal.
Wrap Absorbent Bulk Items
Any bulk items that can absorb water or harbor pests—specifically mattresses, box springs, and cloth furniture—will not be collected by Republic Services unless they are entirely wrapped and sealed in plastic.
Keep Loose Leaves Out of Spring Yard Waste
During the standard April to November yard waste season, all debris must be bagged or bundled. Do not rake loose leaves to the curb during these months; loose curbside collection is only provided by the city during the late fall season.
Seasonal Information
Spring
AprilCurbside yard waste collection officially resumes on April 1st. Ensure your yard waste bags or designated containers are set out on your regular trash collection day.
Fall
October - DecemberThe City Service Department begins its loose leaf collection program in late October. Keep piles free of sticks and branches to prevent damage to the city's leaf vacuum machinery.
Winter
December - MarchSnow plowing takes precedence over leaf collection. If heavy snow hits before December, loose leaf collection will be temporarily suspended until the snow melts and roads are cleared.
About Willoughby Waste Management
Tiered Trash Service and Low-Volume Options
Willoughby residents are provided comprehensive waste collection through Republic Services, typically consisting of a 96-gallon trash cart collected weekly and a 64-gallon recycling cart serviced every other week. However, households that generate minimal garbage have the unique option to use a low-volume bag service. These special bags can be purchased in rolls of ten directly from City Hall. It is important to note that this bag-only service does not include curbside recycling or yard waste collection.
Strategic Driveway Cart Placement
To ensure efficient and safe automated pickup, the City of Willoughby enforces strict cart placement guidelines. Residents must place their regular waste and yard debris on one side of their driveway, and place their recycling cart on the completely opposite side. Carts need to be positioned within three feet of the curb with the arrows facing the street, ensuring they do not obstruct mailboxes, utility poles, or parked cars.
Handling Oversized and Bulk Items
Getting rid of large household items like furniture and appliances requires a proactive step in Willoughby. Residents must call Republic Services at 216-441-6300 to schedule and notify them of bulk item pickups on their normal collection day. Specific preparation is mandatory: mattresses, box springs, and cloth furniture must be completely wrapped in plastic, while carpeting must be securely tied into four-foot rolls.
Dedicated Fall Leaf Collection
Distinct from the standard yard waste program run by Republic Services, the City of Willoughby's Service Department operates an independent curbside leaf vacuuming program every autumn. Usually running from late October until early December, residents can rake loose leaves to the tree lawn. Be careful to keep leaf piles within eight feet of the roadway and never block drainage ditches or mix in grass and twigs.
Drop-off Facilities
Lake County Solid Waste District
2039 Blase Nemeth Road, Painesville, OH 44077
Materials Accepted
Greenvision Compost Facility
1291 E. 289th Street, Wickliffe, OH 44092
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a discounted trash collection rate for seniors in Willoughby?
Yes. A senior discount rate is available through Republic Services for residents aged 62 and older. To qualify, you must mail a copy of your Republic bill along with a copy of your Ohio Driver's License, State ID, or Golden Buckeye Card to their Cleveland office on Jones Road, noting 'Senior Rate' on the envelope.
How does the low-volume trash bag service work?
If you produce very little garbage, you can opt out of the standard cart fee and purchase special low-volume generator bags directly from Willoughby City Hall at $44.50 for a roll of 10. However, choosing this bag service means you will not receive curbside recycling or yard waste services.
What are the rules for disposing of old appliances like refrigerators?
You can dispose of refrigerators, freezers, and other large appliances by calling Republic Services at 216-441-6300 to schedule a bulk pickup. For safety and legal reasons, all doors must be completely removed or securely fastened shut before placing the appliance at the curb.
Can I leave my trash carts out all week?
No. The City of Willoughby requires that empty trash and recycling carts be removed from the curb within 12 hours after collection. Additionally, carts should not be placed at the curb prior to 7:00 PM on the evening before your scheduled collection day.