Staring at a garage full of old furniture and a tired fridge a week before listing photos? You are not alone. Clearing bulky items before you go live protects curb appeal and keeps your sale on track. In this guide, you’ll learn what counts as bulk trash in Columbus, how to schedule curbside pickup through 311, where to donate or drop off items fast, and the best move-out tips so your home shines. Let’s dive in.
What counts as bulk trash in Columbus
Bulk trash generally means large household items that do not fit inside your standard refuse cart or trash bags. Think couches, mattresses, appliances, and rolled carpet. The City’s rules can change, so always verify details with Columbus 311 or the Division of Refuse and Recycling.
Commonly accepted bulky items
- Household furniture like sofas, chairs, dressers, bookcases
- Mattresses and box springs
- Large appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and stoves
- Area rugs, carpet, and padding that are rolled and tied
- Limited amounts of non-hazardous construction or demolition debris
Items often excluded or restricted
- Household hazardous waste like paint, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, and propane tanks
- Electronics that require special e-waste handling
- Tires, dirt, concrete, and large volumes of construction debris
- Appliances or devices with refrigerants that need certified removal
- Medical waste or sharps
Prep tips before you set items out
- Disassemble large furniture where you can to speed pickup and improve curb appeal.
- Roll and tie carpeting. Many cities ask for 4-foot lengths, but confirm current Columbus requirements.
- If an appliance contains refrigerant, arrange certified removal and keep documentation.
- Keep items dry and neatly stacked to prevent scattering and neighborhood complaints.
Schedule curbside bulky pickup with 311
Curbside bulky pickup is straightforward when you plan ahead. Call early to get the best date before photography or closing.
How to contact 311
- Call 311 if you are inside Columbus city limits.
- If you are outside the city, call the published Columbus 311 number.
- Check if an online 311 portal or mobile app is available for requests.
Information to have ready
- Service address and confirmation it is inside the city service area
- Your contact name and phone number
- A short list of items, quantities, and approximate sizes
- Whether any appliances once contained refrigerant
- The placement location, typically curbside, and whether the property is single-family or part of a multi-unit building
What to expect when you schedule
- You will receive a pickup date or service window based on demand.
- There may be limits on the number of items per pickup or per year.
- Some programs include pickups at no cost while others may charge for special collections.
- Crews typically will not enter buildings. Items should be at the curb or designated point.
Placement and setout tips
- Set items out the evening before or early the morning of your scheduled pickup.
- Keep bulky items separate from regular trash and recycling carts.
- Bag or box small pieces. Leave larger items accessible for crews.
- Do not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or driveways. Keep items close to the curb.
If items are left behind or pickup is missed
- Call 311 to report a missed pickup or to clarify why an item was not collected.
- You may find a notice explaining what to change, such as securing proof of refrigerant removal or bundling carpet correctly.
- Avoid leaving items out for long periods to reduce the risk of code issues.
One-paragraph 311 call script you can use
“Hello, I’d like to schedule a bulky item pickup at [address]. I need curbside pickup for 1 sofa, 1 mattress, and 1 refrigerator. The refrigerator had refrigerant removed by a certified technician. My name is [X], phone [Y]. What pickup date or window is available, and are there any placement or preparation rules I should follow?”
Alternatives to curbside pickup
If your timeline is tight or your items are not eligible for curbside pickup, you have other options that keep your property looking great.
Waste and reuse drop-off centers
Franklin County convenience and reuse centers often accept items that curb crews do not, including furniture, some appliances, scrap metal, and tires for a fee at certain sites. Hours, fees, and accepted materials vary. Check county or regional solid waste authority resources for the latest details and any residency requirements.
Donate usable items fast
Donating can remove items quickly and help the community.
- Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local non-profits often accept furniture and household goods in good condition. Many offer scheduled pickups for larger donations.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore may accept building materials, appliances, and furniture that can be resold.
- For rapid removal, list items on neighborhood platforms or buy-nothing groups. Set clear pickup windows so items do not linger before photo day.
Recycle or salvage what you can
- Scrap metal yards typically accept metal appliances and furniture, and may pay for certain metals.
- Look for mattress recycling options if available in your area.
- Use e-waste collection sites or special events for TVs, computers, and peripherals.
Hazardous waste requires special handling
Paints, pesticides, automotive fluids, batteries, and propane tanks should go to household hazardous waste facilities or events. Do not place hazardous items curbside with bulky trash.
Junk removal or short-term storage
- Private junk haulers can remove almost everything on short notice for a fee, which is helpful when you have a hard deadline.
- Portable storage units can hold items off-site during listing and staging so your exterior and interior photos look clean and inviting.
Photo day and move-out checklist
Use this quick plan to keep curb appeal high while you clear bulky items.
2 to 3 weeks out
- Call 311 to schedule bulky pickup and ask about current rules and limits.
- Book donation pickups for usable items. Confirm that helpers can move heavy pieces safely.
- If you expect delays, price out a private hauler as a backup.
1 week out
- Disassemble large furniture and roll and tie carpet so everything is ready to set out.
- Arrange certified refrigerant removal for appliances if needed.
- Confirm pickup windows with charities or buyers from online listings.
Day before photos
- Keep porch, driveway, and front yard clear of clutter and bulky piles.
- If you must stage items near the curb, stack them neatly and cover them to prevent weather damage.
- Separate bulky items from regular trash and recycling containers.
Fast curb appeal fixes
- Power wash the driveway and walkways if needed.
- Trim hedges and remove dead plants.
- Stow tools, hoses, and boxes. Add a few potted plants for a fresh look.
Save your paperwork
- Keep confirmation numbers and receipts from 311, donation pickups, and private haulers.
- If an HOA or landlord is involved, confirm who is responsible for bulk disposal.
Common problems and quick fixes
- The city left items behind. Call 311 to ask why. You may need to re-bundle, move items, or provide proof of refrigerant removal.
- You renovated and have lots of debris. Many cities limit the amount of construction material accepted. Consider renting a small roll-off or using a transfer station for large volumes.
- You are in a multi-unit building. Rules can vary. Property managers often coordinate bulk disposal. Check your lease or community guidelines.
- Items sat at the curb too long. Municipal rules often limit how long items can remain in the right-of-way. Remove or re-schedule promptly to avoid potential violations.
Where to verify official rules
Because local programs can change, verify details before you schedule.
- City of Columbus Division of Refuse and Recycling
- Columbus 311 customer service and online portal
- Franklin County solid waste authority resources and convenience center pages
- SWACO, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
- Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for household hazardous waste guidance
- Goodwill Columbus, Salvation Army Central Ohio, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore for donation criteria and scheduling
Ready to time your cleanup with your listing plan and photo day? For personal guidance on staging, timelines, and a data-backed pricing strategy, reach out to Brad Gregg Real Estate and get your free home valuation.
FAQs
What counts as bulk trash in Columbus?
- Large household items that do not fit in standard refuse carts, such as furniture, mattresses, appliances, rolled carpet, and limited non-hazardous debris.
How do you schedule Columbus bulk pickup?
- Call 311, provide your address, contact info, and a list of items, then follow the setout rules and the pickup date or window given.
What items are not accepted curbside in Columbus?
- Hazardous materials, electronics that need special handling, tires, concrete or dirt, medical waste, and appliances with refrigerants without proper documentation.
Where can you take hazardous waste in Franklin County?
- Use household hazardous waste facilities or events coordinated by regional or county agencies and do not place these materials curbside.
How far in advance should you plan bulk pickup before listing photos?
- Aim for 1 to 3 weeks ahead to secure a pickup window, book donations, and keep your exterior clean on photo day.
What if the city leaves an item that once contained refrigerant?
- Contact 311, obtain or present proof of certified refrigerant removal, and follow any placement or preparation instructions you receive.
