The City’s Solid Waste Program is provided by Local Waste Services. It provides a simplified approach with a standard fee for service, billed twice a year. Trash, recycling, yard waste and bulk items are all collected as part of this fee. Local Waste provides all households with grey trash and blue recycling containers on wheels with lids. If a container becomes damaged, in most instances it will be repaired or replaced at no charge. The trucks used by Local Waste are energy-efficient, CNG vehicles, reducing their environmental impact on our community.
Local Waste observes some but not all of the City’s holidays each year. These holidays delay collection by one day, with normal service resuming the following week (if the holiday falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, there is no collection delay). Scroll down to our program guidelines to see which holidays will have a delay in service.
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The City is divided into four zones for the collection of solid waste. Collection days are determined by the location of your home:
- Mondays (Zone 1)– areas south of Canterbury Road/west of Tremont Road and all areas south of Lane Avenue
- Tuesdays (Zone 2)– all areas north of Canterbury Road, south of Fishinger Road and west of Tremont Road
- Wednesdays (Zone 3)– all areas north of Lane Avenue and east of Tremont Road/Reed Road
- Thursdays (Zone 4)– all areas north of Fishinger Road and west of Reed Road
Place all items for disposal at the curb between 6 pm the night before and 7 am on the day of your regularly scheduled collection day. Place containers in the grass near the edge of the curb. DO NOT place in the street or curb lane. Keep trash and recycling containers at least three feet apart from other items to provide easy access for the collection equipment. Containers must be removed from the curb by 7 am of the day following collection.
2024 Holiday Collection Delays
Local Waste observes some but not all of the City’s holidays each year. These holidays delay collection by one day, with normal service resuming the following week (if the holiday falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, there is no collection delay):
- New Year’s Day (Monday 1/1/24 – All zones delayed)
- Memorial Day (Monday 5/27/24 – All zones delayed)
- Independence Day (Thursday 7/4/24 – Thursday zones delayed)
- Labor Day (Monday 9/2/24 – All zones delayed)
- Thanksgiving Day (Thursday 11/28/24 – Thursday collection delayed)
- Christmas Day (Wednesday 12/25/24 – Wednesday and Thursday zones delayed)
- New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1/1/25 – Wednesday and Thursday zones delayed)
* If the holiday falls on or before your collection day, service is delayed one day, that week only.
* If the holiday falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, there is no collection delay.
Missed Collection?
Submit a Service Request: www.localwasteservices.com
Call: 614-583-5370
By Email: [email protected]
If you are buying or renting a home in Upper Arlington, there is no need to set up service or create a new trash or recycling account. Accounts are tied to the property owner of record per the Franklin County Auditor. The only time you would need to activate services is if you purchased a home that was part of a demolition or a rebuild.
Residents are billed twice per year, January and July. Property owners should make any account changes or updates before these billing cycles.
If you are moving out of a house in Upper Arlington, there is no need to stop services; just leave the trash and recycling cans and the new property owner can start using them.
The trash and recycling containers provided by Local Waste are the property of Local Waste. Please do not write your address or any other markings on these containers. If you do wish to place some identifier on your container, write on some tape and affix the tape to the inside of the container lid. In most instances damaged trash or recycling containers will be repaired or replaced by Local Waste. Call 614-583-5370 to report the issue and request a repair or replacement.
If you wish to dispose of old trash and recycling containers, Local Waste will take them. Either place old containers inside your new trash container, or affix a sheet that says “Take Me” and place at the curb. An alternative to disposing of old containers is to use them for yard waste. Yard waste decals are available at City buildings and library locations.
Place all items for disposal at the curb between 6 pm the night before and 7 am on the day of your regularly scheduled collection day. Place containers in the grass near the edge of the curb. DO NOT place in the street or curb lane. Keep trash and recycling containers at least three feet apart from other items to provide easy access for the collection equipment. Containers must be removed from the curb by 7 am of the day following collection.
Place trash items in your grey trash container (bagged) with the lid opening facing toward the street. If you have additional items that cannot fit into the container from Local Waste, place them in a secondary, lidded container clearly marked as “trash,” and bring to the curb.
Place accepted recyclables loose (do not bag) in your blue recycling container and wheel to the curb with the lid facing toward the street. If you have additional recyclables, place them into a secondary, lidded container clearly marked as “recycling,” and bring to the curb. Recyclables are taken to the Rumple Recycling Facility, and accepted items are determined by Rumple, not Local Waste.
Please do not discard of electronic waste (e-waste) in your household trash. E-waste includes almost any electronic device that has a cord or a battery such as: small appliances, computers, cell phones, iPods, tablets, stereos and televisions.
To safely remove e-waste from the waste stream, the City offers a drop-off location at the Public Service Center, located at 4100 Roberts Road. The drop-off can be accessed Monday-Friday, 7 am-4 pm. Televisions and CRT monitors are NOT accepted at this location.
Televisions and CRT monitors, can be taken to most e-waste recyclers for a small fee. A list of local e-waste recyclers can be found at SWACO.org
Following the holidays, the City offers a holiday light recycling program. Bins are available at the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road, at the rear of the building, near the food composting containers. This environmentally friendly program offers residents an alternative to sending strands of holiday lights to the landfill. Lights only please, no bags or other material. Light strands should never be placed in the blue recycle containers as they are considered “tanglers” and can cause major issues within the recycling facility.
Information and drop-off locations regarding proper disposal of Household Hazardous Waste, such as fluorescent light bulbs, lawn chemicals and old gasoline, can be found on SWACO’s web page (//www.swaco.org/195/Household-Hazardous-Waste).
Live Christmas trees are collected on your regular collection day during the month of January. Remove all decorations and lights and place at the curb by 7 am. Do not place live trees in plastic bags or other forms of wrapping.
Residents who are physically unable to bring trash and recycling containers to the curb can qualify for at-the-door collection for no additional charge if they are a person with a disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk as defined by R.C. 4503.44(A)(1). Medical Exemption Service customers are required to re-qualify for this service annually. See form in Resources & Links section below.
Don’t throw away your pumpkins, compost them! Special collection containers will be available at Fancyburg Park beginning Halloween weekend through early December. Simply toss your pumpkins into the containers and they will be transported to a compost facility. Please DO NOT put any pumpkins in the lime-green food waste containers, these are reserved for food scraps only.
Households are required to keep trash and recycling containers out of view from the street—in a garage, shed, screened behind a fence or landscaping, etc.—except when putting them at the curb the night before or by 7 am on the morning of collection. Remove containers from the curb by 7 am of the day following collection.
Please give full consideration to how you dispose of materials that could cause a health or safety risk to Solid Waste crews. Contaminated objects that can penetrate the skin are considered “sharp” objects by the Occupational Safety And Health Administration regulations governing blood borne pathogens. These items include lancets, hypodermic needles, syringes, scalpel blades and non-household glass articles that have been broken.
In the case of an individual using sharps for the purpose of in-home care or treatment, these items may be disposed of as part of the City’s Solid Waste Program, as long as they are packaged into a rigid container clearly marked as “Sharp Waste” prior to disposal into your trash container. Acceptable containers include liquid detergent and bleach bottles, two liter pop bottles and coffee cans. These containers should be securely sealed with heavy tape. Your cooperation in keeping the work environment as safe as possible for Solid Waste crews is appreciated.
Additional information and resources may be found at Columbus Public Health.
Yard waste is picked up from the curb on your regular trash collection day, with the following requirements:
- Use approved biodegradable yard waste bags; OR
- Place yard waste in marked containers, making sure the weight of each container does not exceed 50 lbs
- For branches, please cut them down to 4-5 feet in length and bundle with twine/rope, making sure each bundle does not exceed 50 lbs in weight
- Plastic bags are NOT accepted
- Yard waste mixed with trash is NOT accepted
- Yard waste in containers MUST be marked as “Yard Waste”
- The City has “Yard Waste” decals available at the Municipal Services Center (3600 Tremont Road) and at UA libraries; or mailed by request at 614-583-5350
Ohio Mulch Facility, 4120 Roberts Road, Columbus
UA Residents may drop off accepted yard waste item free-of-charge at the Regional Composting Facility, operated by Ohio Mulch. You may be asked to provide proof of UA residency to qualify for free drop-off for items larger than 1/4” in diameter, per the City’s arrangement with Ohio Mulch.
For hours of operation, please call Ohio Mulch at 614-921-9330 or visit their website here.
The amount of waste created by Central Ohio residents and businesses is staggering. In fact, every resident generates an average of nine to 10 pounds of waste each day. With only so much landfill space available, it’s more important than ever that we reuse, recycle, compost or divert as much as we can.
It’s not only important to recycle, it’s important to Recycle Right.
By only recycling materials that are accepted at the recycling facility, your recycling efforts will make more of an impact. SWACO’s “RECYCLE RIGHT” campaign makes proper recycling easy by providing a comprehensive list of what should and should not go in your recycling container. For more information about “RECYCLE RIGHT,” visit RecycleRight.org.
For SWACO’s comprehensive list of resources that accept metals, furniture, electronics, plastics and other items that you need to recycle, please visit RecycleRight.org.
Accepted
- Cartons: Please rinse and remove lids.
- Glass Bottles & Jars: All colors of glass are accepted.
- Metal Cans: Labels are accepted. Remove aerosol tips.
- Plastic Bottles, Jugs and Tubs: Water/Soda bottles, milk jugs, laundry detergent jugs, shampoo bottles; butter, sour cream, cottage cheese tubs; yogurt and fruit and yogurt cups. Lids and labels accepted – please keep all bottle & tub lids attached.
- Cups: Paper, plastic and aluminum cups are NOW ACCEPTED!
- Paper Cups: Poly-lined paper cups such as disposable “to-go” coffee cups; the paper sleeves frequently added to these cups are also accepted but their plastic lids should be thrown away
- Plastic Cups: Plastic fast-food cups. Empty them, remove straws and place the plastic lids back on; please avoid throwing the lids loosely into the cart
- Aluminum Cups: Aluminum cups such as those used at many stadiums and some dedicated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs)
- Paper & Cardboard: Break down and flatten cardboard boxes. Paper such as junk mail (envelopes w/plastic window are accepted), newspaper, magazines, office & school paper, and paper grocery bags are accepted. Paper egg cartons are accepted (NO Styrofoam egg cartons). Shredded paper is accepted ONLY if it is placed in a clear plastic bag – this is the only exception to the “no plastic bag” rule.
- Keep items loose. Don’t bag items.
Not Accepted
- NO Wires or Hoses: No garden hoses, wires, Christmas lights, or chains.
- NO Specialty Glass: Window glass, glass shower doors, glassware or light bulbs
- NO Specialty Paper: No paper plates, napkins, or hardcover books (paperback books are OK but please consider donating). Photographs and sticker paper are NOT accepted.
- NO Plastic Bags: These may be returned to retail stores.
- NO Metals: Car parts, nails, screws, pots and pans or bedframes.
- NO Plastic, Foam or Aluminum Food Containers: No plastic/foam take out containers and clamshell like those used for strawberries and blueberries; no aluminum foil or aluminum pans, NO Keurig cups.
- NO Plastic Party Cups: “Solo” is one common brand, Styrofoam cups, K-cups, plastic coffee cup lids, straws.
The City offers both drop-off and curbside collection of food waste. The drop-off program offers three locations that all UA residents can use. The curbside collection program is open to a limited number of UA residents. Click the link below to learn more:
Please do not discard electronic waste (e-waste) in your household trash. The City of Upper Arlington partners with Columbus Micro Systems to offer a convenient location where residents can recycle items such as old cell phones, computers and small appliances. Items can be dropped off Monday-Friday, 7 am-4 pm, at the Public Service Center, located at 4100 Roberts Road.
E-waste includes almost any electronic device with a cord or a battery, such as: small appliances, computers, cell phones, iPods, tablets and stereos. For a list of accepted / not accepted items, please visit //www.accurateit.com/items-accepted.
Televisions and CRT monitors are NOT accepted at the Roberts Road drop-off – TVs and monitors require a recycling fee. They can be taken directly to the recycling facility located at 5087 Westerville Road, Columbus, OH 43231, Monday-Friday, 8:30am–6 pm.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to our Public Service Department at 614-583-5350 or email [email protected].
Bulk items, such as furniture, appliances and other qualifying larger items are collected as part of this program. While most items are collected curbside with no additional charges, refrigerators, freezers and some other bulk items may incur charges and must be scheduled prior to collection. Please see information below for special pick-up requirements.
Accepted
- Large Appliances: Ovens, range-tops, stoves, refrigerators/freezers*, washers, dryers, water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers, grills**
- Furniture***: Sofas, love-seats, mattresses & box springs, tables, chairs, bookcases, bedframes, dressers. Please break down large items as much as possible before placing curbside.
- Carpet: Cut to no longer than 5 feet in length, rolled to no more than 50lbs in weight
- Extra-Large/Specialty Items: For extra-large items, please contact Local Waste Services to schedule a bulk pick-up. Additional charges may apply.
*Refrigerators, freezers and other appliances containing Freon may require additional charges for collection. Please call Local Waste Services (614-583-5370, Option 2) before placing curbside.
**Propane tanks are NOT accepted curbside. Visit www.swaco.org for household hazardous waste details.
***ALL UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE, including mattresses & box springs, must be wrapped in plastic for collection.
Not Accepted
- NO Construction Debris: Concrete, rocks, bricks, Metal awnings, railings, bath tubs/shower stalls, sinks, toilets, pipes, other plumbing materials, cabinets (metal or wood), garage doors, exterior/interior doors, window frames, countertops, etc.
- NO eWaste*: Electronic waste is not accepted for curbside pick-up. Please bring your electronic waste items to our e-waste drop-off; items can be dropped off Monday-Friday, 7 am-4 pm at the Public Service Center, located at 4100 Roberts Road.
- NO Hazardous Waste**: Motor oil, flammables, propane tanks, bleach/household cleaners, oil-based paints, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, lawn chemicals, insecticides, pool chemicals, etc.
- NO Other: Tires, scrap metal, lawn mowers, car batteries, etc.
*Televisions of any kind and CRT monitors are NOT ACCEPTED at UA drop-off site. Please use the SWACO search tool for proper disposal information.
**Visit www.swaco.org for household hazardous waste details.
The following outlines the fees associated with the City’s Solid Waste Program. Please see the table below for a more detailed breakdown.
Annual Fee
All households are charged a base fee of $285 annually, plus administrative and community recycling fees, for a total of $300.50. The fee runs January 1 through December 31 each year and may be subject to nominal annual adjustments. Households are billed twice a year (January & June) via a Utility bill from the City that includes the Solid Waste fee, the Stormwater Utility fee and, in some cases a Neighborhood Lighting Utility fee. This fee applies to every household – single family homes, apartments and condominiums. The fee runs with the property and the City will not prorate the amount due should the property change hands during the year. This annual fee is all inclusive, i.e. trash, recycling, yard waste and bulk items are all collected by Local Waste at no additional charge.
Senior Discount
Single-unit homeowners who reside at the address and are aged 60 years or above can qualify to receive a discount on their Solid Waste base fee each year. PLEASE NOTE: owners of multiple-unit rental apartments do not qualify for the Senior Discount. The Senior Discount is only applicable for the Solid Waste base fee. It will not be applied to Premium Service or to the City’s administrative and community recycling fees. Residents who have recently turned 60 years of age can qualify for this discount at any time, however, it will not be applied retroactively—the first discount will be reflected on your next semi-annual invoice. Once qualified, there is no need to reapply.
Premium Service
Premium, at-the-door service for trash and recycling collection is available to households for an additional $495 per year. Yard waste and bulk items must still be brought to the curb. The Premium Service fee is in addition to the base fee of $285 for Solid Waste Services and the administrative and community recycling fees. The fee runs January 1 through December 31 each year.
| Item | Standard Semi-Annual | Standard Annual | Senior Discount Semi-Annual | Senior Discount Annual |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Fee | $142.50 | $285 | $128.25 | $256.50 | |
| Clean UA Charge | $3 | $6 | $3 | $6 | |
| Administrative Fee | $4.75 | $9.50 | $4.75 | $9.50 | |
Regular Total | $150.25 | $300.50 | $136 | $272 |
|
| Premium Service Fee | $247.50 | $495 | $247.50 | $495 | |
Premium Total | $397.75 | $795.50 | $383.50 | $767 |
Forms & Applications
Resources
Solid Waste (10)
Open burning of any yard waste such as brush or leaves is prohibited in the City of Upper Arlington. Yard waste disposal questions should be directed to the Public Service Department, at 614-583-5350 or visit our Solid Waste Services section. For any outdoor burning concerns, call 614-583-5100.
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) has a year-round drop-off facility for household hazardous wastes. SWACO also schedules annual household hazardous waste collection days at local communities. Visit www.swaco.org.
Bulk items are collected on your regular collection day; please have the item(s) at your curb by 7 am on your regular collection day. Some large appliances and items containing Freon may incur additional charges for collection, and mattresses & box springs must be wrapped in plastic for bulk pick-up. For questions about what items are accepted, please contact Local Waste Services at 614-583-5370 (option 2).
Local Waste observes some but not all of the City’s holidays each year. These holidays delay collection by one day, with normal service resuming the following week (if the holiday falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, there is no collection delay):
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Yard waste is picked up on your regular refuse and recycling collection day. Click here for more details on Yard Waste Collection. Alternatively, residents may drop off acceptable yard waste free-of-charge at the Ohio Mulch composting facility located at 4120 Roberts Road. Please call 614-921-9330 to check hours of operation.
The Public Service Department at the City can help to answer any questions regarding trash or recycling services, Monday-Friday from 7:30 am-4:30 pm at 614-583-5350. Local Waste Services can be reached Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm at 614-583-5370 (option 2) or by emailing [email protected].
JUNE 2022 UPDATE: With the start of renovations to the Police Division offices at the Municipal Services Center, the Drug Collection Unit has been decommissioned and the division is no longer accepting old or unused prescription drugs. The closest alternative is at the CVS pharmacy at Kingsdale.
DEA Drug Take Back Events
Each fall and spring, the Police Division takes part in national drug take back events coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). These events provide an easy way for residents to drop-off old and unused prescription drugs drive-thru style at the Municipal Services Center parking lot. Dates are posted on our event calendar and published in City newsletters.
Visit the Police Support Services Bureau – Drug Disposal section of our website or call 614-583-5150 with questions.
No, all fees included on your utility invoice (stormwater, solid waste, neighborhood lighting utility—if applicable) run with the property and the City does not prorate the amount due should a property change hands during the year. The individual/party that owns the property in question when the utility bill is received is responsible for payment in full.We recommend that you discuss balancing your utility account through your realtor and escrow closing, similar to how property taxes are pro-rated.
No, it is a utility fee just like your water or electric bills, and is therefore not tax deductible.
Please visit SWACO’s resource page for various ways to donate, recycle, or scrap unwanted items at //www.swaco.org/251/Recycling-Reuse-Search-Tool.