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Garbage Collection Guidelines

The City of Cincinnati's Department of Public Services (DPS) provides weekly garbage, yard waste (bi-weekly, April-January) and scheduled bulk items collection for residential properties that meet the definition of "dwelling," as adopted by Ord. No. 41-2013.

All other dwelling units are considered commercial entities. All commercial entities are required to enter into a contract with a City of Cincinnati registered waste hauler for the disposal of their waste. Proof of such contract (also known as "certificate of commercial waste collection contract") needs to be provided upon request by the Director of the Department of Public Services or his/her designee.

The Office of Environmental Quality provides bi-weekly recycling collection for The City of Cincinnati. Each resident is assigned a collection day (Monday to Thursday) and a recycling/yard waste week.

What To Place Garbage In

Garbage must be placed in a City-issued or "City-approved" cart. A "City-approved" cart is one that is compatible with DPS lifting equipment and registered with the City. These carts must have a lift pocket and a steel lower lift bar for fully automated and/or semi-automated collection systems. Garbage in carts is not to exceed 75 lbs. 

The City of Cincinnati will not collect garbage in a cart that is not compatible with the City's lifting equipment and not registered with the City of Cincinnati.

proper setout examples

If residents need additional carts in addition to or to replace a City-issued cart, they will have to purchase additional carts compatible with DPS lifting equipment. These carts must have a lift pocket and a steel lower lift bar for fully automated and/or semi-automated collection systems. Each cart must be registered with DPS, by calling 311.

You may also go online to www.311cincy.com by following these directions:

  • Click Request a Service button
  • Step 1: enter your address location
  • Click NEXT
  • Step 2: Service Type - I need help with: Trash, Litter & Recycling
  • Specifically: Trash Cart, registration
  • From there, you are able to submit answers to requested information and provide your contact information.

After registration, DPS will send the resident a City sticker to be placed on the cart for collection. The sticker identifies the cart to DPS crew as a cart eligible for residential collection.

Stolen carts, broken carts, missing carts and carts for new residents are all the responsibility of the homeowner/landlord to purchase. DPS is not responsible for damages to carts due to normal collection operations.

Examples of materials that can be placed in the cart:

  • Household garbage
  • Sawdust (only if placed in a sealed bag)
  • Hypodermic needles and sharps (only if placed in a rigid container with a lid before it is placed in the cart and marked "sharps")
  • Paint cans that have the lid removed and the paint dried out.
  • Carpet can be placed in the cart if it fits inside the cart with the lid closed. (3ft. by 2ft. rolls)
  • Up to 3 items that do not fit in the cart that are less than 40 lbs. and no larger than 3' x 2' x 2' can be placed next to the garbage carts for collection by the crews. If the item exceeds these dimensions, it must be scheduled for bulky collection.

Items not accepted (either regular collection, or bulk collections)

If the City cannot collect your items (listed below), the Commercial Waste Hauler Program can help! Learn more about their services here.

Non-hazardous (for these items, contact a City of Cincinnati registered waste hauler):

  • Car parts
  • Construction debris
  • Automotive, truck, car, motorcycle or lawn mower parts
  • Pianos
  • Wall/Kitchen cabinets
  • Concrete items
  • Windows and siding
  • Construction debris which includes nominal lumber (1x2s, 2x4s, 2x6s, 4x4, etc.)

Hazardous (for these items, contact Hamilton County R3Source):

  • Car batteries
  • Liquid paint
  • Acids
  • Motor oil
  • Household chemicals
  • Hazardous or infections waste
  • Propane or other pressurized gas tanks

Set-Out Time

Garbage carts, yard waste containers, scheduled bulk items and recycling carts should be placed at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on collection day but no earlier than 5 p.m. the previous day. Please avoid placing the carts around any obstructions, mailboxes, low-hanging wires, etc., and avoid parking in front of the cart on collection day. Residents with cart exemptions (see below) are required to set out their garbage on the day of collection by 6 a.m. Residents are responsible for the potential mess caused by wildlife and vandalism when garbage is set out improperly, or when setting out garbage under the cart exemption clause.

Garbage carts must be removed from the curb by midnight on the day of collection.

Set-Out Service

Set-Out Service is a trash collection service that is offered to City of Cincinnati residents who are either elderly or have a medical condition, verified by a doctor, that prevents them from being able to move trash carts to the curb.

Residents utilizing Set-Out Service may have only one trash cart or five bags of trash per week for the household. Trash bags or trash carts must be easily visible and in an accessible location. Residents are responsible for keeping walkways and driveways clear in order to receive this service.

Cart Exemption

Exemption from using Carts can be granted for a variety of reasons, including disability, topography (access through long stairs), or lack of storage space for the cart.

Residents with cart exemptions are asked to set out their garbage on the day of collection by 6 a.m. An exemption allows residents to use up to 8 plastic bags. Plastic bags have to be heavy-duty (3 mil.) and weigh less than 25 pounds when full. Cardboard or paper containers, light-duty plastic bags, and grocery bags are not proper containers.

To request an application for Set-Out Service or Cart Exemption, please call 311.

You may also go online to www.311cincy.com by following these directions:

  • Click Request a Service button
  • Step 1: enter your address location
  • Click NEXT
  • Step 2: Service Type - I need help with: Trash, Litter & Recycling
  • Specifically: Trash Cart, set-out service
  • Or: Trash Cart, exemption
  • From there, you are able to submit answers to requested information and provide your contact information.

Street (Corner) Cans

The City of Cincinnati provides Street Cans (also known as Corner Cans) in some areas with high pedestrian traffic. These cans are for pedestrian garbage only, defined as garbage generated while walking. Disposing of household or business garbage in these cans is strictly prohibited and could result in fines.