Some large items cannot be thrown away with regular trash because they are too big to fit in your trash container or are illegal to put in the landfill. Bulk items that need to be disposed of separately include furniture, mattresses, carpet, appliances, tires, hazardous materials, auto parts and building materials.

Donate Items

Another option for disposing of large items in good condition is to donate them to a charitable organization. Franklin County’s FIRSTLINK program can provide referrals to organizations that will accept donations of old furniture, appliances or other items such as clothing and use them to help families in need. Many local churches will also take donated items and give them to needy families. Most central Ohio residents can reach FIRSTLINK by dialing 211, others may call (614) 221-2255.

Arrange for Pickup

The City of Columbus will pick up many bulk items as a service to its residents. The City can pick up furniture, mattresses, carpet, and appliances that do not have refrigerants in them, like dishwashers and washing machines.

Follow these guidelines:

To schedule collection of bulk items, contact the City Call Center (645-3111) at least 2 working days prior to your regular trash collection day.  You can also schedule bulk using the on-line scheduling available at 311.columbus.gov If your regular trash is picked up at the curb, place items in front of your home away from obstructions on your specially scheduled collection day. If your regular trash is picked up in an alley, place bulk items on the edge of your property at the alley line. Roll carpet into a bundle 4' long by 2' in diameter and tie it with rope. Leave furniture assembled. DO NOT place bagged or canned trash out for bulk collection.

Arrange for Proper Disposal

Some items cannot be collected by the City of Columbus.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• 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

For these items, call a private hauler (listed in the yellow pages under "Rubbish") or one of the facilities listed at the below. (Some may charge a small fee, so please ask.)

Useful Phone Numbers:

Division of Refuse Collection Site Map

Updated: October 10, 2008