Refuse & Recycling

WASTE MATERIALS including recyclables, garbage, and refuse will be collected from 1 & 2 family dwellings on City streets once a week at the curb.  Refuse/recycling collection is on a four day collection schedule.  See the Refuse/Recycling map for your collection day.

Be sure to watch the local media for special item collection and for any changes in the pickup schedule that may occur due to holidays or inclement weather.

RECYCLE COACH

Want reminders about refuse/recycling collection schedule changes?  Curious what can and cannot be recycled?  Recycle Coach is your answer!  Download our FREE app for custom calendars, reminders, a “What Goes Where?” search tool, and more!  Also available on our website: Recycle Coach

Click here for the Holiday & Special Collection Calendar.

All items you wish to dispose of/recycle must be placed inside the containers with the lids close.  Items placed next to the containers or overflowing containers will not be collected.

CONTAINER GUIDELINES:

  • Refuse and Recycling collected by the City shall only be placed in a City provided refuse/recycling container.
  • Containers should be placed curbside no sooner than 5pm the evening before collection and no later than 7am the day of collection.  Note: The City cannot guarantee collection for containers placed curbside after 7:00 am.
  • Containers must be a minimum of 5 feet apart with the lids closed and facing the street or they may not be collected.
  • All containers must be removed from the City right of way by 7am the day following collection.  Note: Failure to do so may result in a citation.
  • Container Storage: On non-collection days all refuse containers shall be stored within an enclosed area, screened from the street, or in the side or rear yard with the lid closed.  Note: Failure to do so may result in a citation.

KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOODS CLEAN!

  • Please do not fill above the top of the trash or recycling container.  Lid Must be CLOSED!
  • Do not place trash in the recycling container!
  • Do not bag your recycling!  Place all recyclables in the container loose.
  • Do not place brush or yard waste in either container.
  • Do not place refuse beside the containers.  It will not be collected.

Failure to comply may result in a citation or loss of City refuse collection.

Click here for the Refuse & Recycling Collection Guidelines brochure.

Click here for Refuse Collection Regulations & Fee Information.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:

For locations served by city refuse collection per city ordinance, special collections for leaves, brush, large items, and Christmas Trees are available.

Details can be found at the links provided below:

QUICK LINKS TO HELPFUL INFORMATION:

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why was my refuse and recycling container not collected?

Most likely it was due to one of the following reasons:

  • The containers were put out too late.  Please have containers at the curb by 7am of your collection day.
  • The containers were placed too close to each other or another object.  Allow 5 feet of open space around containers.
  • Perhaps a parked car was too close.  Please call the  Public Works Department at 419-354-6227 for further assistance.
  • Lid was open or the container was overfilled.

The wind blew over my container(s) and my refuse/recycling was not picked up. What do I do?

We are sorry that happened!  Please return all items back to the appropriate container so they do not become litter.  Then call the Public Works Department at 419-354-6227 and we will schedule a truck to come back to your location as soon as they are able.

What if no one from my household can transport containers to/from the curb?

The City offers eligible households carry out/back service.  To learn if you may be eligible, call 419-354-6227.

What if my container is missing?

Call Public Works at 419-354-6227.

Can I get another container?

Residents may purchase additional containers or switch out existing containers for smaller/larger sizes.  The City also offers small dumpster containers to eligible properties for a fee.  Call Public Works at 419-354-6227 for more information.

What items are accepted in the curbside recycling container?

Please visit the AUTOMATED CURBSIDE RECYCLING page for recycling guidelines.

Why isn't glass accepted in my curbside recycling container?

The mixed recycling collected curbside is processed on a sort line operated by the Bowling Green Recycling Center.  Broken glass is a safety hazard to the employees working on this line.  Please take your glass to the 24 Hour Drop Recycling Drop Off located at 1040 N. College Drive.

When is my trash/recycling day?

Generally, the City operates a 4 day, Monday-Thursday collection route.  Please view the Four Day Collection Refuse Map for your assigned day.

Are there items that are prohibited?

  1. THE FOLLOWING MATERIAL WILL NOT BE COLLECTED: Dead animals, grass,sod, and related yard waste, hot ashes or burning embers, rocks or large stones; construction and/or demolition materials; flammable liquids; paint; poisonous or explosive substances other than garbage, refuse, and rubbish. Brush, leaves and Christmas Trees should not be placed into the containers.
  2. Old paint must be dried up before collection. You can either mix it with kitty litter until solidified or you can brush residual out on a plywood board.
  3. Environmental Recycling, located at 527 E. Woodland Circle, Bowling Green, will accept latex and non-latex, old and new paint for proper disposal. This business charges a fee for disposal, so you may want to call first for rates. The contact number is 800-284-9107.
  4. NOTE: The City cannot pickup any appliance that contains refrigerants! These items include refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners. Please call 419-354-6227 for a list of local dealers who are certified to provide this service.
  5. GARDEN/YARD WASTE will NOT be picked up curbside. You may take these items to the Wood County Landfill for a fee. The Wood County Landfill phone number is (419)-352-0180.
  6. GRASS CLIPPINGS are prohibited from being dumped into the Wood County Landfill. However, the Landfill does have a process to recycle the grass clippings, therefore it is accepted at the Landfill for a fee. Grass will NOT be picked up by City crews. The City encourages residents to either mulch, compost, or leave grass clippings on the lawn.

Garden/Yard Waste/Grass/Leaves can be taken to the City Yard Waste drop-off site for those who are eligible to receive City refuse collection. It is open daily from 8am -8pm. The site is located behind the Public Works garage on Tarragon Drive (off of E. Poe Road). The area is under video surveillance and illegal dumping may result in a fine. This site does NOT accept brush (anything with a bark covering).

Does the City offer special collections?

The City offers four special collections to resident:

  1. Large Item
  2. Brush
  3. Leaf
  4. Christmas Tree