449. How early may I set out my waste at the curb?

By law, you may set out your waste 12 hours early, on the day before your scheduled collection day. Garbage cans must be removed within 12 hours of collection. For questions, call 216.664.3711

450. Does the City offer waste collection service for commercial businesses?

504. Where should I report trash/debris on private property

This should be reported to the Health Department at 216.664.2324.

809. Where are the neighborhood recycling drop-off sites?

Drop-off sites are listed here. Call 216.664.3717 for more information.

811. What items are prohibited from waste collection pick up?

Some debris, such as hazardous waste, are not recommended for curbside pick-up. Consult the recycling and waste disposal guide here for options, or call 216.664.3711. For excessive construction debris, dumpster services are available. For information or to place an order, call 216.664.2162.

812. How do I recycle in Cleveland?

Refer to the recycling and waste disposal guide. This guide is updated frequently with information regarding the City's recycling round-ups. If your home is one which receives the automated waste collection program, you may recycle many items curbside. Call 216.664.3717 if you need more information.

813. Is recycling mandatory in the City of Cleveland?

Currently there is no mandate on recycling, but the Mayor cares a great deal about our environment and urges residents to participate in saving it. Recycling is one way for everyone to keep Cleveland clean and green. There are convenient recycling drop-off sites for everyone plus curbside pick-up in select areas. Call 216.664.3717 for more information.

814. When is my garbage collection day?

Residential collection days are indicated on the pick-up map. Holidays which affect weekly residential pick-up are indicated on the holiday waste pick-up schedule. Call 216.664.3711 for more information.

815. How many landfills are located in the City of Cleveland?

The City does not have or operate a landfill, but does have a Transfer Station at 3727 Ridge Road where disposed waste is hauled to a landfill.

947. What do I do with household hazardous waste?

Twice yearly, there is a hazardous waste round-up and you may dispose of them at that time. See the city's recycling guide here which links to flyers with full details about upcoming events. For further information, call 216.664.3717.

122. What is an appropriate waste container?

Garbage cans should be made of plastic or rustproof metal. They should have lids and weigh less than 70 pounds when full.

123. I forgot to set my garbage can out on collection day. What should I do?

If you miss the collectors, take the can off the treelawn until your next scheduled collection day.

124. Why did I receive a citation?

You may receive a citation for any of the following reasons:

• Setting out garbage for collection earlier than 7 pm the day before your collection day
• Not removing your waste container by noon the day after the collection
• Putting out eight bags or more, which is more than a normal weeks worth

125. What is the proper way to dispose of building materials?

The Division of Waste does not collect masonry bricks, dirt or building materials, but you may call 216.664.2162 for dumpster rental.

126. Does the City recycle yard waste?

No, but the City will collect it with regular waste. Branches and brush must cut into lengths of four feet or less and tied into bundles that do not exceed 24 inches in diameter.

127. How should I dispose of large household items?

Bulk items such as household furniture, appliances, and used tires may be placed at the curb on your regular collection day before 7 am.

128. Where do I call for dead animal pickup?

Please call 216.664.3270. If the animal is on your property, you must put it at the curb for collection. If you see a dead animal on the street, please call and report it.

129. Does the City collect leftover paint?

Yes! Remove the paint can's lid and let paint dry or add kitty litter to solidify it before setting it out for collection. This avoids spillage and keeps streets clean. We encourage you to ask friends and neighbors if they can use your extra paint before you decide to dispose of it.

130. Who do I call about graffiti?

The Division of Streets Operations Office at 216-664-2510

131. What is recyclable?

Glass bottles and jars, metal cans, plastic containers, cardboard and paper are recyclable. Containers should be rinsed thoroughly and lids and caps should be removed and discarded. Keep paper products separate.-more

132. What should I do if I see somebody dumping rubbish illegally?

Call 216.664.DUMP and note the license plate and make, model, and vehicle color if you can.

168. There is an area in my neighborhood where people dump trash and junk. I know this this illegal- can I collect a reward by reporting it?

Yes, you may collect a reward equal to one half of the fine if you provide information leading to the identity and the conviction of an illegal dumper. The penalty can be as high as $1000.00. The City has an illegal dumping hotline which you can call at 216.664.3867.

169. I live next to an apartment building that has its trash picked up by a truck at 5:00 a.m. The noise wakes me and my family. Is this legal?

By law, collection must occur between 6 am and 7 pm weekdays and 6 am and 4 pm Saturdays. However, there are exceptions, such as areas with heavy daytime traffic and heavy commercial activity, which may have collections at other times. Call 216.664.3711 for more information.

170. Children in my neighborhood throw trash and other items on the ground. I would like to speak to their parents about this. What does the City Ordinance state?

Section 613.02 of the Codified Ordinances states:
"No person shall throw or deposit litter in or upon any street, sidewalk or other public place within the City except in public receptacles or in authorized receptacles for collection."

266. What is the new Automated Recycling Pilot Program?

This is a pilot program testing the use of automated collection of solid waste plus a semi-automated system for curbside recycling, (see flyer) which is more efficient and safer. Currently 15,000 homes across all wards are in the program. A 96-gallon black or gray cart for waste and a 64-gallon blue cart for recycling have been provided to each home free of charge.

267. I have heard there are now some automated and semi-automated waste collection vehicles. What does that mean?

Automated collection vehicles have arms that can pick up and empty trash carts and return them to the curb. The driver does not have to leave the vehicle. Semi-automated vehicles have tippers on the back. Operators can roll carts to the back of the vehicle, and then the tipper will lift and tip the contents of the cart into the vehicle.

268. When will the new automated waste collection program start in my area?

The expansion of the program is currently under review. As plans are finalized, residents will be notified of service availabity. Addresses will be phased into the program over the next 6 years. For more information call 216.664.3717.

269. How can I get my name on the list to be included in the new automated waste collection program?

The pilot program areas have already been randomly selected. When expansion plans are completed, residents will be notified of the availability of service within their respective areas.

270. My address is in a automated waste collection pilot program area. What can I put in the black (or gray) and blue garbage carts?

For instuctions, see this program flyer.

272. Once my address is included in the automated waste collection program, what do I do with my bulk trash and yard waste?

Continue to place it out in or alongside your new containers. Yard waste should be properly bagged and bulk items will be collected separately.

273. After my address is included in the new waste collection program, what do I do with my old garbage cans?

They can be stored away or used for bulk and yard waste.

274. I am on the new collection program. Can I get additional carts?

Requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Recyclables should be placed in the blue cart, allowing more room in the (black or gray) waste cart for garbage. A fee may be assessed for any additional containers per household. Call 216-664-3717 for more information.

275. What if my cart is stolen or damaged?

The homeowner/resident is responsible for each cart- call the City immediately at 216.664.3717.

276. If the garbage truck damages the automated waste collection container, am I held responsible?

No, the City will replace it free of charge.

277. Can I take my cart with me if I move?

No, all carts are registered by address, not by resident. If you move during the pilot program, please leave the carts at the current address and call 216.664.3717.

278. If I get automated waste collection, must I place both carts out every collection day?

No, only when your containers are full, using your judgment.

279. Are automated waste collection containers supposed to be set out on the tree lawn or the curb?

It's preferable that they go on the tree lawn, approximately 3 feet apart to reduce obstruction.

280. I received a notice that we will get the new automated waste collection program at my house. Does that change our pick-up day?

No, your collection day will remain the same day for the new program.