How to Recycle Correctly in Columbus Curbside Pickup

Recycling is one of the most impactful everyday actions residents can take to protect the environment, reduce landfill waste, and conserve natural resources. In Columbus, Ohio, curbside recycling is a convenient and widely available service provided to millions of households. Yet, despite the accessibility of this program, contamination rates remain stubbornly high—often exceeding 25% in many municipal systems. This means that for every four bags of recyclables collected, one is unfit for processing due to improper items or contamination. The result? Entire truckloads of otherwise good material end up in landfills, increasing costs and undermining environmental goals.

Understanding how to recycle correctly in Columbus curbside pickup isn’t just about following a list—it’s about participating in a system designed to turn everyday waste into valuable resources. When done right, your recycling helps power local industries, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a circular economy. When done wrong, it creates inefficiencies that affect everyone. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to ensure your recyclables are processed efficiently, effectively, and in full compliance with Columbus’s curbside program guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Know What’s Accepted

The foundation of correct recycling begins with knowing exactly what materials Columbus accepts through its curbside program. The city follows a single-stream system, meaning all acceptable recyclables go into one bin. However, not everything that looks recyclable actually is. Here’s the official list of accepted items:

• Paper: Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, paperboard (like cereal boxes), and cardboard (flattened).
• Plastics: Bottles and containers labeled

  1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE). This includes water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles, and shampoo containers. Caps should be replaced on bottles.

• Metals: Aluminum and steel cans, including food and beverage cans. Rinse them thoroughly.
• Glass: Clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars. No mirrors, windows, ceramics, or Pyrex.

Important: All items must be empty, clean, and dry. Food residue, grease, or liquid can contaminate entire batches of recyclables. A quick rinse under running water is sufficient—no need for soap or scrubbing.

Step 2: Prepare Your Items Properly

Preparation is where most mistakes occur. Even accepted items can become contaminants if not prepared correctly. Follow these detailed instructions:

• Flatten cardboard: Break down boxes to save space and prevent them from getting caught in collection equipment. Keep them flat and stacked neatly beside your bin.
• Remove caps and lids: Plastic caps and lids made from

  5 (PP) or other non-accepted plastics should be removed and discarded in the trash. However, if the cap is made of #1 or #2 plastic (same as the bottle), it’s acceptable to leave it on. Screw it back on tightly after rinsing.

• Rinse containers: Empty all liquids and wipe out food residue. A quick rinse with leftover dishwater is ideal—don’t waste clean water. Grease-soaked pizza boxes are not recyclable; only the clean top half may be accepted.
• Remove non-recyclable parts: Plastic film, Styrofoam, straws, and plastic utensils should never go in the recycling bin. Remove plastic liners from cereal boxes and foil seals from yogurt cups.

Step 3: Use the Right Container

Columbus provides residents with a standardized 95-gallon blue recycling cart. This cart is specifically designed for automated collection. Do not use personal bins, bags, or other containers unless explicitly permitted by the city.

If you don’t have a cart, request one through the city’s official website. Never place recyclables in plastic bags—these get tangled in sorting machinery and cause shutdowns. If you have excess cardboard or paper, flatten it and place it beside the cart, securely tied with twine or placed in a box. Do not pile items on top of or next to the cart in a way that blocks the lid from closing.

Step 4: Know Your Collection Schedule

Recycling is collected weekly in most Columbus neighborhoods, but schedules vary by address. To find your exact collection day:

• Visit the City of Columbus Public Works website and use the “Find My Collection Day” tool.
• Enter your street address to retrieve your schedule.
• Save the date on your calendar or set a phone reminder.

Place your cart at the curb by 6 a.m. on your collection day. Ensure it’s at least three feet away from obstacles like mailboxes, trees, parked cars, or other bins. Avoid placing it on the street or in the gutter—this can lead to missed pickups or damage to the cart.

Step 5: Avoid Common Contaminants

Contamination is the number one reason recyclables are rejected. Here are the most common items that should NEVER go in your recycling bin:

• Plastic bags and film: Grocery bags, bread bags, zip-top bags, and bubble wrap. These jam sorting equipment. Return them to designated drop-off locations at grocery stores.
• Styrofoam: Packaging peanuts, takeout containers, and meat trays. These are not recyclable in Columbus.
• Food waste: Leftovers, coffee grounds, eggshells, or greasy pizza boxes. Compost these instead.
• Wires, cords, and electronics: These require special e-waste handling.
• Diapers and sanitary products: These are biohazards and must go in the trash.
• Broken glass and ceramics: Even if it’s glass, if it’s from a mirror, window, or drinking glass, it’s not acceptable.
• Non-container plastics: Toys, hangers, buckets, and plastic furniture.

When in doubt, leave it out. It’s better to throw an uncertain item in the trash than to risk contaminating an entire load.

Step 6: Monitor Your Cart After Collection

After your recycling is collected, check your cart for a tag. Columbus uses color-coded tags to communicate feedback:

• Green tag: Your recycling was accepted. Great job!
• Yellow tag: Minor contamination detected. Review your items and adjust for next time.
• Red tag: Major contamination. Your cart was not collected. You must remove unacceptable items before the next pickup.

These tags are not punitive—they’re educational. Use them to improve your habits. If you receive a red tag, remove all non-compliant items and leave the cart at the curb for the next scheduled pickup. Do not attempt to force contaminated material into the bin.

Best Practices

Practice the “Clean, Dry, Empty” Rule Religiously

Every successful recycling effort begins with this mantra: clean, dry, empty. Even a small amount of sauce in a jar or a splash of milk in a carton can ruin a whole batch of paper. Paper fibers absorb moisture and grease, making them unprocessable. Plastic and metal can be rinsed quickly, but paper cannot be salvaged once contaminated. Make it a habit to rinse containers immediately after use, and let them air-dry before placing them in the bin.

Separate Cardboard from Other Recyclables

While cardboard is accepted in the same bin, it takes up significant space and can crush other items. Flatten all boxes and stack them neatly beside your cart. This not only helps collection crews but also ensures your cardboard gets sorted efficiently at the recycling facility. Large quantities of cardboard can be taken to designated drop-off centers if your cart is full.

Recycle Only What You’re Sure About

There is no penalty for throwing an item in the trash if you’re unsure whether it’s recyclable. The environmental cost of contamination far outweighs the benefit of recycling one questionable item. When in doubt, check the city’s official list or use the “What Goes Where?” tool on the Columbus Public Works website. Don’t rely on the recycling symbol alone—many plastics with a

3–#7 are not accepted in Columbus.

Reduce and Reuse Before Recycling

Recycling is the last step in the sustainability hierarchy. The most effective way to reduce waste is to avoid creating it in the first place. Choose products with minimal packaging, bring reusable bags to the store, refill containers when possible, and donate usable items instead of discarding them. A glass jar can become a storage container. A cardboard box can be repurposed for moving or crafts. Every item you reuse is one less item needing recycling.

Engage Your Household

Recycling is most effective when everyone in the home participates. Create a simple chart or reminder near your kitchen sink listing accepted items. Teach children how to rinse containers. Make recycling a family routine. When one person contaminates the bin, the entire household’s effort is compromised. Consistency across all members ensures success.

Keep Your Bin Clean and in Good Condition

Over time, residue can build up inside your recycling cart. Rinse it out every few months with a hose or bucket of soapy water. This prevents odors and pests. If your cart is damaged, cracked, or missing wheels, report it to the city for repair or replacement. A well-maintained cart ensures consistent collection and prevents spillage.

Be Seasonally Aware

Holiday seasons bring a surge in packaging waste. During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays, recycling volumes spike. Be extra vigilant about flattening boxes, removing tape and packing peanuts, and avoiding plastic wrap. Many retailers offer holiday recycling events—check local listings for drop-off locations for wrapping paper and ribbons.

Track Your Progress

Keep a simple log: note how often you receive green, yellow, or red tags. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in your habits. Did you start receiving more yellow tags after switching to a new brand of detergent? Maybe the bottle has a non-accepted cap. Awareness leads to improvement.

Tools and Resources

City of Columbus Public Works Website

The official source for all recycling information is the City of Columbus Public Works website. Here, you can:

• Find your collection day using your address.
• Download a printable recycling guide.
• Access the “What Goes Where?” interactive tool.
• Report missed pickups or damaged carts.
• Sign up for email reminders.

Website: https://www.columbus.gov/public-works/recycling/

RecycleSmart App

Available for iOS and Android, the RecycleSmart app provides personalized collection schedules, real-time alerts for weather delays, and a searchable database for over 1,000 items. Simply type in “plastic bottle cap” or “pizza box” to get an instant answer. The app also includes educational quizzes and tips tailored to Columbus residents.

Local Drop-Off Centers

For items not accepted curbside, Columbus offers several drop-off locations:

• Plastic Bags & Film: Kroger, Walmart, and Target stores have collection bins near entrances.
• Electronics: The City of Columbus hosts quarterly e-waste collection events. Check the calendar on the Public Works site.
• Batteries: Home Depot and Lowe’s accept single-use and rechargeable batteries.
• Paint: Drop off at the Columbus Recycling and Disposal Center (1980 S. Henderson Road).
• Textiles: Goodwill and Salvation Army accept clean clothing, shoes, and linens.

Composting Options

Food scraps and yard waste are not accepted in curbside recycling but can be composted. Columbus offers a curbside composting pilot program in select neighborhoods. Residents can sign up for a 35-gallon green compost cart. Alternatively, backyard composting is encouraged. The city provides free workshops and discounted compost bins through its Sustainability Office.

Recycling Education for Schools and Groups

Columbus Public Works offers free educational presentations for schools, community centers, and neighborhood associations. Request a visit to learn how to teach recycling to children and adults alike. Materials include posters, activity sheets, and interactive games designed to reinforce proper habits.

QR Code Labels

Many Columbus recycling carts now include a QR code sticker. Scan it with your smartphone to instantly access a video tutorial, local guidelines, and a list of accepted items. This feature is especially helpful for visitors, renters, or anyone new to the system.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Pizza Box Mistake

Jamal, a college student living in the Near East Side, regularly recycled his pizza boxes. After receiving a red tag, he called the city for clarification. He learned that grease-soaked cardboard cannot be recycled—even if only one corner is oily. The solution? He now tears off the clean top half of the box and recycles that portion, while tossing the greasy bottom into the trash. He also started using a reusable pizza box liner, which eliminated the issue entirely.

Example 2: The Plastic Bag Trap

Sarah, a retiree in the West Side, had been placing her grocery bags inside her recycling cart to keep things tidy. After three missed pickups and two yellow tags, she realized her mistake. She now keeps a small reusable bag by her front door to collect plastic bags and takes them to the Kroger drop-off every other week. She also started buying bulk items with minimal packaging.

Example 3: The Contaminated Glass Jar

The Rivera family in the South Side had been recycling peanut butter jars without rinsing them. Their cart was flagged multiple times. They began keeping a small bowl by the sink to rinse jars with leftover dishwater. Now, they receive green tags consistently. They also repurpose clean jars for storing spices, craft supplies, and homemade sauces.

Example 4: The Overfilled Cart

A family in the North Side tried to cram too many flattened boxes into their cart, causing the lid to not close. The collection truck skipped their stop. They learned to flatten boxes immediately after unpacking and to tie excess cardboard in bundles beside the cart. They now use a small shed to store flattened boxes until collection day.

Example 5: The Holiday Surge

During Christmas, the Henderson family accumulated 15 flattened boxes from gifts. Instead of overloading their cart, they took the extras to the city’s recycling center. They also collected wrapping paper—only the non-metallic, non-laminated types—and dropped them off at a local church recycling drive. Their efforts kept their cart compliant and reduced waste by nearly 40% that month.

FAQs

Can I recycle pizza boxes in Columbus?

You can recycle the clean, non-greasy portions of pizza boxes. If the bottom is soaked in grease or cheese, tear it off and throw it in the trash. Only the top half, if free of food residue, can go in the recycling bin.

Do I need to remove labels from jars and bottles?

No. Labels and adhesive residues are removed during the recycling process. Just ensure the container is empty and rinsed.

What if my recycling cart is full?

Flatten cardboard and place it beside the cart, tied with twine or in a box. Do not place items on top of the cart or in plastic bags. If you consistently need more capacity, request a second cart through the city’s website.

Can I recycle shredded paper?

Yes, but it must be contained. Place shredded paper in a paper bag, staple it shut, and put it in your recycling cart. Loose shredded paper can blow away or contaminate other materials.

Are plastic lids accepted?

Only if they are

1 or #2 plastic and attached to the container. If the lid is a different plastic (like #5), remove it and throw it away. Caps on bottles should be screwed back on tightly after rinsing.

What happens if I put the wrong thing in the bin?

Contaminated loads may be rejected and sent to landfill. You may receive a yellow or red tag on your cart. Repeated contamination can lead to service review. Use the tags as learning tools and adjust your habits.

Can I recycle broken dishes or glassware?

No. Only glass bottles and jars are accepted. Drinking glasses, mirrors, windows, and ceramics are not recyclable in Columbus and should be wrapped and disposed of in the trash.

Do I need to remove tape from cardboard boxes?

Not necessarily. Small amounts of tape and labels are removed during processing. However, large amounts of packing tape or plastic straps should be removed and discarded.

Is aluminum foil recyclable?

Yes—if it’s clean. Wipe off food residue and crumple it into a ball the size of a tennis ball. Small pieces won’t be caught by sorting machinery.

Can I recycle coffee cups?

Most disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic and are not recyclable. Use a reusable cup instead. If you must dispose of one, throw it in the trash.

What about biodegradable or compostable plastics?

These items are not accepted in Columbus curbside recycling. They require industrial composting facilities and can contaminate conventional recycling streams. Dispose of them in the trash unless you have access to a certified composting program.

How do I report a missed pickup?

Visit the City of Columbus Public Works website and use the online form to report a missed collection. Provide your address and collection day. A crew will be dispatched within two business days.

Are there penalties for improper recycling?

There are no fines, but repeated contamination can lead to service adjustments. The city focuses on education over punishment. Use the tags and resources to improve.

Conclusion

Recycling correctly in Columbus curbside pickup is not complicated—but it does require attention, consistency, and awareness. The system works best when every resident understands what belongs in the bin and what doesn’t. A single contaminated item can derail an entire truckload, but a clean, well-prepared bin contributes directly to a healthier planet.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—knowing what’s accepted, preparing items properly, using the right container, adhering to schedules, and avoiding common contaminants—you become a vital part of Columbus’s sustainability network. You’re not just tossing a bottle into a bin; you’re helping turn waste into new products, conserving energy, reducing emissions, and protecting local ecosystems.

Remember: Recycling is a team effort. Your actions influence your neighbors, your community, and the future of waste management in Central Ohio. Use the tools, learn from the examples, and embrace the best practices. When you recycle correctly, you’re not just doing your part—you’re leading by example.

Start today. Rinse that jar. Flatten that box. Leave out the plastic bag. And watch as your small, consistent actions create a large, lasting impact.