About Weekly Toter Collection

The City of Columbus utilizes an automated toter collection program for trash and recycling. The introduction of this program allows for residential growth and prevents employees from physically dumping the refuse cans, preventing injuries. All services (trash, recycling, yard waste, brush) are collected on the same day as your trash day.

Collection Guidelines:

• Trash and yard waste is collected once per week. Recycling is collected every other week. Find your recycle week.
• All toters must be set out by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day, and not prior to 24 hours before pickup. Toters must be moved back up to the residence within 24 hours of collection.
• All toters must be placed with the lid opening toward the street. Please avoid placing the toters around any obstructions such as mailboxes, fences, or low-hanging limbs, and avoid parking in front of your toters on collection day.
• Multiple toters should be spaced at least 2′ apart from each other at the curb to allow room for the automated truck arm.
• All trash needs to be bagged and placed in your trash toter for pickup. Trash left outside of the toter will not be collected. Items that do not fit in your toter will need a special pick-up request.
• Trash will only be picked up in the proper toter. Yard waste toters or recycling toters cannot be used as trash toters and will not be collected if contaminated with trash.
• Toter collection areas must be kept clean at all times. Failure to do so may result in a sanitation letter with a possible fine.
• An armful of tree limbs or small branches may be disposed of in your trash toter each week.

Restricted Wastes:

• Cold ashes and sawdust must be bagged and tied off for collection by the Sanitation Crew. Never place hot ashes in toters.
• Hypodermic needles must be in a rigid container with a lid (soap bottle/milk jug) before it is placed in the trash toter.
• Water-based paint cans must have the lids off and paint dried out before putting them in your trash toter. No oil-based paint.

Prohibited Wastes:

The following wastes will not be collected by the Sanitation Crew at any time:

• Lead acid batteries
• Propane gas tanks
• House move-out or clean-out trash, i.e. more than 20 bags or boxes
• Motor oil
• Tires
• Containers of wet paint
• Hazardous or infectious wastes
• Construction debris, concrete, or roofing and carpeting

For more information on disposal of Hazardous Household Wastes, please visit the Bartholomew County Recycling Center’s website.