Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Wooster
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.
Dark Green (Kimble Cart) Bin (Trash)
Place your 96-gallon cart at the curb with the opening facing the street. All extra bags must be securely tied and weigh less than 50 lbs each.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Up to 8 additional 30-gallon bags outside the cart
Bright Green Cart (Kimble) Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected bi-weekly. All materials must be placed loosely inside the cart; never bag your recyclables. Cardboard must be broken down.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Metal canisters and cans
- ✓Clean paper products
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic shopping bags
- ✕Clothes and textiles
- ✕Metal bars
- ✕Batteries and tires
Yard Waste Bin
The city conducts separate seasonal loose-leaf vacuuming in the fall. During the rest of the year, standard yard waste can be bagged as part of your 8 additional weekly trash bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once per month on your regular collection day
Placement
Place your single bulk item next to your 96-gallon cart at the curb. Ensure upholstered items are wrapped and sealed in plastic.
Accepted
- ✓ Empty hot water tanks
- ✓ Stoves and non-Freon appliances
- ✓ Wrapped mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Upholstered furniture (sealed in plastic)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Construction materials
- ✕ Freon-containing appliances (unless tagged)
The first bulk item per month is included in your standard $16.50 monthly utility rate. Additional items or specialized cleanouts will require coordinating directly with Kimble.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, trash and bi-weekly recycling collections will be delayed by exactly one day for the remainder of that week. Friday routes will be serviced on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Any bagged yard waste placed out as part of your standard refuse capacity follows the identical holiday delay schedule.
If a major holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your regular weekly collection schedule remains completely unaffected.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out of the Cart
Never bag your recyclables in plastic grocery bags or garbage bags. Thin plastics tangle up the gears at Kimble's regional recycling facility, which can cause severe damage and increase costs for the entire community.
Wrap All Mattresses and Upholstery
If you are utilizing your one free monthly bulk item pickup for a mattress, box spring, or upholstered piece of furniture, it must be completely wrapped and sealed in plastic to protect drivers from bed bugs.
Keep Batteries Out of the Trash
Lithium-ion and standard alkaline batteries are major fire hazards. Do not throw them in your regular trash or recycling carts. Take them to a Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste District designated e-waste drop-off.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to NovemberThe City of Wooster's Public Works Department provides an annual fall leaf pickup service. Residents should rake leaves to the tree lawn, ensuring they do not block storm drains or spill into the roadway.
Winter
December to JanuaryAfter the holidays, Kimble will typically collect live Christmas trees at the curb as part of your weekly allowance. Ensure all lights, tinsel, ornaments, and plastic tree bags are completely removed.
Spring
April to MaySpring cleaning is a great time to take advantage of your monthly bulk item allowance. Remember that large appliances containing Freon, like old refrigerators or AC units, require professional Freon removal before pickup.
About Wooster Waste Management
Generous Weekly Refuse Capacity with Kimble
The City of Wooster maintains an exclusive waste management contract with Kimble Recycling & Disposal to provide robust collection services. Unlike many municipalities that enforce strict one-cart limits, Wooster's program is notably generous. Weekly refuse service includes the contents of your large 96-gallon Kimble cart, plus the city allows you to place up to 8 additional 30-gallon bags or standard cans next to it. This extensive capacity is ideal for larger households or post-holiday cleanups.
Bi-Weekly Recycling and Glass Acceptance
While trash is collected weekly, Wooster operates its recycling program on a bi-weekly (every other week) schedule. Since the transition to the new Kimble contract, the city proudly accepts glass bottles and jars alongside standard paper, cardboard, and metal canisters. Because the region's northern Ohio processing facilities use highly automated equipment, residents are urged to follow the 'Easy Recycling Guide' strictly to ensure materials find a second life without jamming local machinery.
Built-In Monthly Bulk Item Pickups
Disposing of large household items in Wooster does not require expensive private hauling or waiting for a single annual cleanup day. The city's contract automatically includes the collection of up to one bulk item per month on any regularly scheduled collection day. This means you can routinely throw out a broken stove, an empty hot water tank, or a piece of old furniture without incurring additional hidden fees from Kimble.
Discounted Refuse Rates for Senior Citizens
Wooster prioritizes its older residents by offering a dedicated Senior Citizen discount on monthly waste collection rates. While the standard residential service rate is competitive, residents aged 65 and older qualify for a reduced utility rate. To activate this discount on their municipal bill, eligible seniors must proactively contact Wooster City Services directly via phone or email to verify their age and adjust their account.
Hazardous Waste and the Joint Solid Waste District
Because items like car batteries, tires, and volatile chemicals are strictly illegal to dispose of in Wooster's residential waste stream—often causing dangerous fires in Kimble's transit trucks—the city partners with the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste District. Residents can utilize the district's 'Time To Recycle' resources to locate specialized drop-off centers in Wayne County for safe, environmentally compliant disposal of toxic and hazardous materials.
Drop-off Facilities
Wayne County Recycling Center (Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste District)
Visit timetorecycle.org for current Wayne County drop-off locations
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How much trash can I put out in Wooster, Ohio?
Wooster allows a very generous weekly capacity. You can set out the full 96-gallon Kimble cart, plus up to 8 additional 30-gallon bags or standard trash cans next to it.
How often is recycling picked up in Wooster?
Under the Kimble contract, recycling is collected bi-weekly (every other week) on your designated trash day. Check the official city Recycling Map by Neighborhood to find your specific rotation.
How do I throw away a mattress in Wooster?
You can throw away a mattress using your built-in 'one bulk item per month' allowance. Simply wrap the mattress tightly in plastic, seal it with tape to prevent pests, and leave it at the curb on your normal trash day.
Is there a senior discount for trash service in Wooster?
Yes, residents aged 65 and older qualify for a reduced refuse rate of $14.70 per month (compared to the standard $16.50). You must contact Wooster City Services at (330) 263-5228 to have this applied to your bill.