Item: Furniture, mattresses, carpet, and other bulky household items Jurisdiction: Columbus city limits, Ohio Official source: City of Columbus Bulk Collection Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Columbus offers free scheduled curbside bulk pickup for furniture and accepted bulky items. Call 311 at 614-645-3111 or go to 311.columbus.gov to schedule a pickup. Place items at the curb (curbside service) or alley edge (alley pickup) on your scheduled collection day. Leave furniture assembled. Tape any glass surfaces. Carpet must be rolled into a bundle 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter and tied with rope. Items NOT accepted: tires, auto parts, hazardous materials, refrigerated appliances, construction debris, pianos, spas, pool tables, and items from evictions or foreclosures. Drop-off at Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers is also free — Alum Creek (2100 Alum Creek Dr) and Georgesville (1550 Georgesville Rd), Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM–5 PM.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Schedule pickup | Call 311 / 614-645-3111 or visit 311.columbus.gov |
| Cost | Free for Columbus residents |
| Curbside placement | Curb (curbside service) or alley edge (alley pickup) on scheduled day |
| Preparation | Leave furniture assembled; tape glass; roll carpet to 4ft x 2ft bundle tied with rope |
| Convenience centers | Alum Creek (2100 Alum Creek Dr) and Georgesville (1550 Georgesville Rd) — Tue–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, free drop-off |
| Not accepted | Tires, auto parts, hazardous/flammable materials, refrigerated appliances, construction debris, furnaces, pianos, spas, hot tubs, pool tables, eviction/foreclosure items |
| Proof of residency | Likely required (driver's license or utility bill showing Columbus address) |
| Apartment eligibility | If your trash is picked up at curb/alley, you may qualify — call 311 to confirm |
| Commercial | Not available to commercial businesses or landscape companies |
| SWACO alternative | SWACO Recycling Convenience Center (2566 Jackson Pike) accepts some bulk items for Franklin County residents (fees may apply) |
Does Columbus Offer Curbside Bulk Pickup?
Yes. Columbus provides free scheduled curbside bulk pickup for furniture and accepted bulky items to residents whose regular trash is collected by the city.
The process is straightforward:
- Schedule — call 311 at 614-645-3111 or submit online at 311.columbus.gov
- Prepare — leave furniture assembled, tape glass, roll carpet to 4ft x 2ft tied with rope
- Place at curb/alley — on your scheduled collection day, put items at the curb or alley edge
- Collection — the city picks them up on that day
Important: Bulk pickup must be scheduled. You cannot simply leave items at the curb on a regular trash day and expect them to be taken. The scheduling window (how far in advance to book) and per-pickup item limits are not confirmed from available sources — ask 311 when you schedule.
How to Schedule Bulk Pickup
By Phone
Call 311 or (614) 645-3111. Tell the operator:
- Your address
- What items you want picked up
- What day you would like collection (if you have a preference)
Online
Visit 311.columbus.gov to submit a request. You will need:
- Your address
- A description of the items
- Contact information
What to Ask When Scheduling
- "How far in advance do I need to schedule?"
- "Is there a limit on how many items I can put out?"
- "Does my address qualify for city bulk pickup?" (especially important for apartment residents)
- "Are there specific rules for mattress disposal?"
How to Prepare Furniture for Pickup
Proper preparation ensures your items are collected and keeps sanitation workers safe.
General Rules
| Item | Preparation Required |
|---|---|
| Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, dressers) | Leave ASSEMBLED — do not disassemble |
| Glass surfaces (table tops, doors) | Tape securely with packing tape or duct tape |
| Carpet | Roll into a bundle 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter, tied with rope |
| Mattresses | Accepted — ask 311 if bagging or tagging is required |
| Plastic/metal trash cans | Must be empty or they will be discarded |
| Metal items | No special prep needed |
Placement Rules
- Curbside service: Place items at the curb
- Alley pickup: Place items at the alley edge
- Do not block sidewalks, driveways, or roadways
- Do not put items out before your scheduled collection day — may result in a code violation
What NOT to Put Out with Bulk
- Bags, boxes, storage tubs, luggage, or open containers of trash — these must go in your regular trash container, not in bulk
- Plastic/metal trash cans that are not empty — they will be discarded if placed out with bulk items
Accepted and Unacceptable Items
Accepted for Bulk Pickup
- Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, bookshelves, etc.)
- Carpet (rolled and tied to 4ft x 2ft)
- Mattresses
- Non-refrigerant appliances (washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers)
- Other bulky household items
NOT Accepted for Bulk Pickup
- Hazardous, flammable, or explosive materials
- Auto parts and tires
- Construction and building materials (lumber, drywall, concrete, roofing)
- Refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, water coolers, air conditioners)
- Furnaces
- Pianos
- Spas and hot tubs
- Pool tables
- Items from evictions, set-outs, or foreclosures
What to Do with Excluded Items
If you have an item not accepted in bulk pickup, call 311 for guidance. The SWACO Recycling Convenience Center at 2566 Jackson Pike accepts some bulk items (fees may apply for certain categories). You may also need a private disposal service for items like refrigerated appliances or construction debris.
Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers — Free Drop-Off
If curbside pickup is not available or you prefer to handle it yourself, both City of Columbus Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers offer free drop-off for furniture and bulky items.
Locations and Hours
| Facility | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Alum Creek | 2100 Alum Creek Dr, Columbus | Tue–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Georgesville | 1550 Georgesville Rd, Columbus | Tue–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM |
What to Know
- Free for Columbus residents
- Drive-up, self-service — you unload your own items
- No appointment needed
- Bring proof of Columbus residency (driver's license or utility bill)
- Not available to commercial businesses or landscape companies
Accepted at Convenience Centers
Furniture, scrap metal, electronics, mattresses, and other bulk items — same general categories as curbside pickup.
NOT Accepted at Convenience Centers
Hazardous materials, auto parts, tires, motor oil — same exclusions as curbside.
SWACO Recycling Convenience Center — Alternative
For items not accepted through city services, the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center at 2566 Jackson Pike, Columbus, OH 43223 accepts some bulk items. It serves Franklin County residents (which includes Columbus). Hours: Monday–Friday 9:30 AM–5 PM, Saturday 9 AM–4 PM. Fees may apply for certain items — call SWACO at 614-871-5100 to confirm fees and accepted item types before hauling.
Donation and Charity Alternatives
If your furniture is still in usable condition, the City of Columbus website references two potential donation options:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — accepts gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials
- Furniture Bank of Central Ohio — provides furniture to families in need
These are not city-run programs. Contact them directly to confirm what they accept, whether they offer pickup, and what condition items must be in. Do not assume free pickup is available.
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
Apartment resident with curbside/alley trash service
The city page states: "If your regular trash is picked up at the curb/alley, you may arrange for a bulk pickup." This suggests that some multi-unit residences with city curbside service qualify. Call 311 to confirm your specific address is eligible.
Apartment with a private hauler (dumpster service)
If your building uses a private waste hauler (dumpster in the parking lot), city bulk pickup may not be available. In this case:
- Take items to a Waste and Reuse Convenience Center if you have a vehicle
- Check with your property manager — they may coordinate bulk disposal periodically
- Consider donation if items are reusable
Renter with no vehicle
If your rental has curb trash service, schedule bulk pickup via 311. If not:
- Ask a neighbour or friend with a vehicle for help
- Coordinate with your property manager who manages building trash services
- Some charities may offer pickup for donations — call to confirm availability
Business and Commercial Exclusion
City bulk pickup and Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers are for residential use only. Commercial businesses and landscape companies are not eligible. If you need to dispose of furniture or bulky items from a business:
- Contact a licensed waste hauler
- Check with SWACO for commercial disposal options
- Call 311 for guidance on commercial waste disposal
Safety Caveats
- Do not block sidewalks or roadways with bulk items — creates hazards for pedestrians and vehicles
- Do not place items before the scheduled day — may result in a code violation or fine
- Tape glass surfaces — broken glass during collection can injure sanitation workers
- Heavy furniture may require two-person handling — do not lift beyond your ability
- Keep items away from power lines and low-hanging branches — collection trucks need clearance
Official Verification Checklist
Before scheduling and setting out bulk items:
- Call 311 / 614-645-3111 — schedule pickup and confirm accepted items at your address.
- Confirm scheduling window — ask how far in advance to schedule and how soon the pickup will be.
- Ask about item limits per pickup — confirm how many items can be scheduled per appointment.
- Confirm apartment eligibility — if renting, confirm whether your address qualifies for city bulk.
- Ask about mattress prep — ask if mattresses require bagging, tagging, or other preparation.
- Prepare items as instructed — leave assembled, tape glass, roll carpet 4ft x 2ft.
- Place at curb/alley on scheduled day — not before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bulk pickup free in Columbus? Yes. Curbside bulk pickup and Waste and Reuse Convenience Center drop-off are both free for Columbus residents.
Do I need to disassemble furniture for bulk pickup? No. Leave furniture assembled. The city specifically says not to disassemble.
How far in advance do I need to schedule bulk pickup? This is not stated on the city page. Ask 311 when you call.
How many items can I put out per pickup? Not stated on available sources. Ask 311 when scheduling.
Can I put construction debris (lumber, drywall) out for bulk? No. Construction and building materials are not accepted in bulk pickup.
What about appliances? Non-refrigerant appliances (washers, dryers, stoves) are accepted. Refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners) are not.
Can I donate furniture instead? Yes. Habitat for Humanity and Furniture Bank of Central Ohio may accept usable items. Contact them directly.
Sources
- City of Columbus Bulk Collection Page — Official hub with accepted items, preparation rules, and scheduling instructions.
- Other Recycling Options — Alternative disposal routes for items not accepted in bulk.
- Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers — Locations, hours, and accepted items for drop-off.
- Columbus 311 — 614-645-3111 or 311.columbus.gov — Primary contact for scheduling bulk pickup.
- SWACO — 614-871-5100 — For Recycling Convenience Center information and fees.
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Fees, policies, and hours change. Always call 311 or check 311.columbus.gov to verify current information before scheduling or hauling bulky items.