Trash pick up is a critical municipal service that keeps Columbus clean, healthy, and functioning smoothly for over 900,000 residents. Understanding your specific trash collection schedule ensures timely disposal and maintains community standards of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
References:
- Official City of Columbus Trash Collection Page: https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Trash-Recycling-Bulk-Collection/Find-My-Collection-Day
- City Waste Management Guidelines
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Columbus
Starting September 2, 2025, Columbus will implement a citywide trash collection route rebalancing. Approximately half of single-family households will experience changes in their collection day and color zone.
Residential Trash Collection
Columbus uses a color-coded zone system for trash collection:
- Available colors: Navy, Pink, Ruby, Gold, Gray
- Each color represents a specific collection day
- Collection times vary between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How to Determine Your Collection Day
Residents have multiple ways to find their trash pick up schedule:
- Download PickUp CBUS smartphone app
- Visit www.columbus.gov/trash
- Use Collection Day Lookup tool
- Call color-specific hotlines:
- Navy: (614) 645-NAVY (6289)
- Pink: (614) 645-PINK (7465)
- Ruby: (614) 645-RUBY (7829)
- Gold: (614) 645-GOLD (4653)
- Gray: (614) 645-GRAY (4729)
Recycling Services
Recycling collection remains consistent:
- Weekly collection on the same day
- Blue recycling cart used
- Use PickUp CBUS app’s Waste Wizard to check recyclable items
Bulk & Large Item Pick Up
Bulk collection is a free service that requires scheduling:
- Contact 311 at (614) 645-3111
- Online request at columbus.gov/311-Customer-Service-Center
- Free drop-off available at Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers
Yard Waste Collection
Yard waste collection occurs bi-weekly:
- Assigned to either Zone A or Zone B
- Consistent collection schedule
- Separate from regular trash pick up
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
No trash collection on these holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Collection day moves forward one day after each observed holiday.
Container Guidelines
Trash container placement rules:
- Place at collection location no earlier than 6 p.m. the day before
- Remove container by 2 p.m. the day after collection
- Containers must be city-issued and address-specific
Additional Services
Residents with physical limitations can apply for exemption services:
- Contact 311 for questionnaire
- Provide doctor’s statement
- Personalized collection assistance
Effective trash pick up requires resident awareness and cooperation. By understanding Columbus’s color-coded system, holiday schedules, and collection guidelines, residents contribute to a cleaner, more efficient urban environment.
Stay informed by using the PickUp CBUS app, checking online resources, or contacting city services for the most up-to-date information on your trash collection schedule.
FAQ
Is there garbage pickup on Columbus Day, NYC?The Department of Sanitation won’t collect trash, composting, or recycling during the holiday. It’s a bank holiday in the U.S., but the stock market is still open. Alternate side parking is suspended for the holiday.
Does Philadelphia have trash pickup on Columbus Day?Trash and recycling collection: Trash and recyclables are not collected on City holidays. Trash and recycling collection will be one day behind schedule for the rest of the week after a holiday.
What holidays are trash pickup in Phoenix?Changes in collection day only occurs on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. During the rest of the holidays, Public Works staff will be working to collect your trash and recycling as regularly scheduled.
Is trash pick up on Columbus Day in Tucson?The city of Tucson’s garbage and recycling collections will not be affected by the Columbus Day holiday Monday. Collection times vary; customers must have containers out by 6 a.m. to ensure service.
https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Trash-Recycling-Bulk-Collection/Find-My-Collection-Day
Regular collection typically occurs on the first day of the two day window. During the week of an observed holiday, however, service will occur on day two of
https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/trash
Labor Day – Sept. 1st (one day delay all week); Veterans Day – Tuesday, Nov. 11th (No collection on Tuesday. Trash will be delayed Tuesday through Saturday)