Junk disposal in Columbus, OH: mattresses, couches, furniture, appliances, TVs & electronics, paint & hazardous waste
Here's how to legally get rid of bulky junk in Columbus, item by item. Every option links to the official city or county page we checked. Where we couldn't verify something, we say so. Check the linked page or call your city's service line.
Quick answer by item
| Item | Best verified option |
|---|---|
| Mattress | Free city bulk pickup (schedule via 311) or free drop-off |
| Couch / furniture | Free city bulk pickup (schedule via 311) |
| Fridge / AC (freon) | Not taken by city bulk; SWACO drop-off sites accept freon appliances |
| TV / computer | SWACO Recycling Convenience Center (fees for TVs/CRTs) |
| Paint / chemicals | Free at SWACO HHW facility (latex paint is fee-based) |
Mattresses and box springs
Mattress short answer: If you live in the City of Columbus, the city will pick up a mattress for free, but only if you schedule it first through 311 at (614) 645-3111 or online at 311.columbus.gov. If you can haul it yourself, you can also drop it off for free at one of two city convenience centers (Tuesday to Saturday, 9 to 5).
Mattress options at a glance
City of Columbus bulk collection (scheduled pickup)
Cost: Free for City of Columbus residents · Type: City pickup
Must be scheduled via 311 at (614) 645-3111 or 311.columbus.gov; nothing is collected unless scheduled. Put it out on your scheduled day: at the curb in front of your home, or at the alley line if your trash is collected in the alley. source
Alum Creek Waste and Reuse Convenience Center
Cost: Free for residents · Type: Drop-off
2100 Alum Creek Drive. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Accepts bulk items. Check the city's accepted-items list before you go. source
Georgesville Waste and Reuse Convenience Center
Cost: Free for residents · Type: Drop-off
1550 Georgesville Rd. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. source
Step by step: free city pickup
- Call 311 / (614) 645-3111 or book online at 311.columbus.gov. The city says nothing is collected without a booking.
- On your scheduled day only, put the mattress in front of your home, clear of obstructions. If your trash is collected in the alley, put it at the alley line instead.
- Bags, boxes, and tubs of loose stuff don't count as bulk. Those go in your regular trash container.
What the city won't take with bulk pickup
Refrigerated appliances (fridges, freezers, dehumidifiers, AC units), furnaces, pianos, hot tubs and spas, pool tables, tires and auto parts, building materials, and hazardous materials. The city also won't collect items from an eviction, set-out, or foreclosure. For household hazardous waste, contact SWACO at (614) 871-5100.
Live outside city limits?
Suburbs and townships around Columbus run their own trash contracts, so check your own city or township's waste page. (Suburb-by-suburb section: to be researched.)
Need it gone today?
If you can't wait for a scheduled pickup, a paid junk removal service is the fallback. (Paid options will be added once they're verified.)
Reporting illegal dumping
Report it through 311, or call the Franklin County Environmental Justice Program at (614) 871-5322.
Source: City of Columbus Division of Refuse Collection pages, checked 2026-10-11. Rules change, so confirm with 311 before you set anything out.
Couches and furniture
The City's free scheduled bulk collection takes furniture (leave it assembled; tape any glass). Schedule through 311 / (614) 645-3111 or 311.columbus.gov. Nothing is collected unless it's scheduled. You can also drop furniture free at the Alum Creek or Georgesville Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers (Tue–Sat, 9–5). (Columbus Bulk Collection)
Appliances (fridges, freezers, AC: freon)
City bulk pickup takes non-refrigerant appliances (e.g. dishwashers, washing machines). It does not take refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, water coolers, air conditioners), furnaces, pianos, spas or hot tubs. (Columbus Bulk Collection)
For freon appliances, SWACO (the county solid waste authority) says its Recycling Convenience Center (2566 Jackson Pike) accepts freon-containing appliances such as refrigerators, AC units and dehumidifiers. Its HHW Facility (645 E. 8th Ave.) also accepts scrap metal and appliances, including appliances with freon. Franklin County residents only. Check SWACO for any fees. (SWACO Recycling Convenience Center)
TVs, computers and electronics (e-waste)
SWACO's Recycling Convenience Center, 2566 Jackson Pike (Mon–Fri 9:30–5, Sat 9–4), accepts household electronics, flat and CRT monitors, and TVs for Franklin County residents. SWACO lists fees for some items: LCD TV $15; CRTs $25 (under 20"), $35 (under 35"), $45 (over 35"), with the note "fees subject to change". Credit, debit or check only. (SWACO Recycling Convenience Center)
Paint and household hazardous waste
SWACO's Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 645 E. 8th Ave. (Mon–Fri 9–5, first Saturday 9–2; 614-294-1300) takes most HHW free for Franklin County residents: oil-based paint, spray paint, stains, thinners, cleaners, pesticides, auto fluids, batteries, propane tanks, CFLs and more. Latex and other water-based paints are not part of the free program. SWACO says they can be disposed of for a fee through EEI, or hardened (paint hardener, cat litter or sawdust) and thrown in regular trash once dry. SWACO's Recycling Convenience Center also lists latex, oil-based and spray paint among accepted items. (SWACO HHW)
Rules, hours and fees change. Confirm on the linked official page before you set anything out or drive anywhere.
Last verified: 2026-10-12