Default rule and exceptions
Columbus picks up bulk items (furniture, carpet, mattresses, non-refrigerant appliances) for free, but only after a resident schedules a specific date through 311; refrigerated appliances, tires, auto parts, hazardous materials, and building/excavating debris are excluded.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| City / sanitation | City of Columbus collects bulk items for free once the resident schedules a collection date through 311 online or by phone. |
| Property owner | Resident must schedule the pickup in advance (nothing is collected unrequested) and must separately dispose of refrigerated appliances, tires, auto parts, hazardous materials, and building/excavating debris. |
| Exceptions | Hazardous, flammable or explosive materials; Auto parts and tires; Excavating and building materials; Refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, water coolers, air conditioners); Furnaces, pianos, spas, hot tubs, pool tables |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 20, 2026.
No bulk items will be collected unless the resident schedules collection online through 311 or calls (614) 645-3111.
Hazardous, flammable or explosive materials; Auto parts and tires; Excavating and building materials; Refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, water coolers and air conditioners); Furnaces, Pianos, Spas, Hot tubs or pool tables
The City of Columbus will pick up many bulk items as a free service to its residents.
City rules rest on state law. Read Ohio's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for bulk trash / junk removal in Columbus, OH?
The city / utility. City of Columbus collects bulk items for free once the resident schedules a collection date through 311 online or by phone.
Are there exceptions in Columbus, OH?
Hazardous, flammable or explosive materials; Auto parts and tires; Excavating and building materials; Refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, water coolers, air conditioners); Furnaces, pianos, spas, hot tubs, pool tables
What is this based on for Columbus, OH?
This verdict is sourced to Bulk Collection and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Bulk Collectionofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- Bulk Collection (Unacceptable Items clause)official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- Bulk Collectionofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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