How Columbus Bulk Pickup Works
Visit columbus.gov and navigate to Solid Waste or Public Works to find your address-specific schedule and submit pickup requests. You can also call 614-645-3111 during business hours for schedule information and to report missed pickups.
Bulk pickup schedules are updated annually and can change between zones. Look up your exact address at columbus.gov or call 614-645-3111 for your current-year dates — don't rely on a schedule from a prior year.
Generally Accepted Items in Columbus
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood and metal furniture | ✅ Yes | Standard acceptance |
| Upholstered furniture | ⚠️ Verify | Call to confirm — varies by city |
| Mattresses | ⚠️ Verify | Often accepted; may require plastic wrap |
| Refrigerators/Freezers | ⚠️ Conditional | Freon removed + door disabled required everywhere |
| Washers/Dryers | ✅ Yes | Drain completely before placement |
| Tree branches/yard waste | ⚠️ Conditional | Bundled; max 4" diameter and 6 ft. length |
| Electronics (TVs, computers) | ❌ No | Best Buy or county e-waste events |
| Construction debris | ❌ No | Private hauler or dumpster rental |
| Tires | ❌ No | Auto parts stores (free core charge credit) |
| Hazardous materials | ❌ No | County HHW collection events |
Set-Out Rules
- Have items at the curb by 7:00 AM on your scheduled pickup day
- Set out no earlier than the evening before your scheduled day (after 6 PM)
- Place within 4–5 feet of the curb edge — not in the street
- Do not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or utility meters
- Leave 10 feet of clearance from parked vehicles
- Bundle vegetation separately from household items
- Never mix regular garbage bags into your bulk pile
Reporting a Missed Pickup
- Online: columbus.gov → Solid Waste / Public Works → Missed Pickup
- Phone: 614-645-3111 (Mon–Fri, 7 AM–5 PM)
- 311: Most cities also accept missed pickup reports through 311
- File within 48 hours of your pickup date for priority resolution
Alternatives for Items Columbus Won't Collect
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Free furniture pickup for good-condition items (habitat.org/restores)
- Best Buy — Year-round electronics recycling at retail locations
- Facebook Marketplace / Nextdoor — Post as free for fast community pickup
- Scrap metal dealers — Free appliance pickup; they handle refrigerant removal
- Private junk removal — 1-800-GOT-JUNK and local haulers; most items in 24–48 hours
- County HHW events — Free for paint, chemicals, batteries, and electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most city bulk pickup programs are limited to single-family homes and properties with 4 units or fewer. Larger complexes use private commercial haulers. Call 614-645-3111 with your address to confirm whether your property receives residential service.
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Post items as free on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor — furniture and appliances are often claimed within hours in most markets. Scrap metal dealers pick up appliances same-day or next-day at no charge. Habitat for Humanity ReStore schedules free pickup for good-condition items within 1–2 weeks.
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Yes — most cities restrict when you can set out items and how long they can remain. Placing items too early or leaving them past your window can result in a code enforcement citation. If your pickup was missed, report it within 48 hours and keep items accessible at the curb while you wait for the return visit.