Department of Public Works

Division of Refuse & Recycling

Mission Statement

The Division's mission is to provide an efficient and effective municipal solid waste program focused on customer satisfaction.

Residential Refuse Collection

The City of Lakewood Division of Refuse and Recycling provides once-per-week service to residents for the collection of household refuse, bulk items, blue bag recycle, newspaper, cardboard and mixed paper recycle and yard waste.

The City of Lakewood does not collect debris from work done by contractors. (Ord. 1783.23)

The City of Lakewood does not provide curbside collection of household hazardous waste, tires, paint and related products, or other liquids. Call the Division for disposal information.

Normal Collection Hours

Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. All debris intended for collection should be readily accessible, properly contained, and available for collection by 6:30 a.m. on the day of collection. Please do not place debris on the curb earlier than 6:00 p.m. the night before your day of collection. (Ord. 521.8)

Holiday Schedule

During weeks in which an observed holiday occurs, the Division of Refuse and Recycling provides the usual weekly collections, however five days worth of garbage and recyclables are collected within the four remaining workdays, utilizing overtime. We do not collect on Saturday or Sunday. If an observed holiday falls on a Saturday, there will be no collection on Friday, the day before the holiday; if an observed holiday falls on a Sunday, there will be no collection on Monday, the day following the holiday.

The Division of Refuse and Recycling does not collect refuse or recyclables on the following holidays. Please refer to the 2010 Holiday Collection Schedule listed below.

Holiday Day of Week Date
New Year's Day Friday January 1, 2010
Martin Luther King Monday January 18, 2010
President's Day Monday February 15, 2010
Good Friday Friday April 2, 2010
Memorial Day Monday May 31, 2010
Independence Day Monday July 5, 2010
Labor Day Monday September 6, 2010
Thanksgiving Day Thursday November 25, 2010
Christmas Day Friday December 24, 2010
  • When a holiday is observed on Monday:
    Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.
  • When a holiday is observed on Tuesday:
    Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Monday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday will have collection on Wednesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.
  • When a holiday is observed on Wednesday:
    Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday and Tuesday will have collection on their regular day. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Wednesday will have collection on Thursday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.
  • When a holiday is observed on Thursday:
    Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Monday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday and Wednesday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on the day before their regular day and it will be collected either on that day or their regular day. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Thursday will have collection on Wednesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.
  • When a holiday is observed on Friday:
    Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Monday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on the day before their regular day and it will be collected either on that day or their regular day. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Thursday.
Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative

The City of Lakewood is proud to introduce the Lakewood Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative, which automates the City's refuse collection system and mandates recycling at properties that receive municipal refuse collection. Automated refuse collection is the most efficient and cost effective system available today, and mandatory recycling participation will save tax dollars by reducing disposal costs and will conserve natural resources. We know that change isn't always easy, but these changes will provide efficient and cost-effective services while providing long-term economic and environmental benefits to the community.

Special collection will be provided to residents who are physically unable to move the cart to the curb and have no one to assist them. Contact the Division of Refuse and Recycling for more information about this service.

  • Automated Curbside Refuse Collection:
    Beginning in May 2009 a 96-gallon wheeled cart was delivered to each residential address at properties with one through four residential units. Carts are assigned and the cart serial number recorded to the delivery address. A Refuse and Recycling Guide, prepared to increase your understanding of the curbside automated waste collection system and the mandatory recycling program, was attached to each delivered cart.
  • Cart Placement:
    Place the cart on or immediately next to the driveway apron within 1-foot of the curb, with the serial number directed toward the street, and the handle toward the sidewalk. Multiple dwelling properties should line the carts up along the curb with 1-foot between each cart to access automated collection.

    The efficiency and cost-effective qualities of the automated system rely upon readily accessible carts at the curb. Cars parked in front of the carts, and debris placed on or around the carts, interfere with efficient collection. If possible, please park cars in the driveway on collection day, and keep carts clear of other debris, to provide ready access to the carts and assist the automated collection.
  • What to do with old garbage cans:
    Garbage cans in good condition can be stored and used for excess trash that won't fit in the wheeled cart. The City will collect unwanted garbage cans upon request.
  • Mandatory Recycling: Beginning July 1, 2009, all residential buildings that receive City of Lakewood municipal solid waste collection services are required to separate recyclable materials from their solid waste destined for disposal. Please review the recycling information section for a list of materials that must be removed from the solid waste.
Curbside Services

Once-per-week curbside collection of household garbage & trash that is contained in the City-provided wheeled refuse cart, bundled or bagged refuse that does not fit in the refuse cart, appliances, bulk trash items, paper and cardboard recycle, blue bag mixed recycle, and yard waste.

Curbside Set-out

Place household trash contained in City-provided wheeled refuse carts, bulk trash, recyclables, and yard waste, on the tree lawn after 6:00 p.m. the evening before the collection day, or by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day. Do not place anything on the curb after collection is complete on the street; save for the next collection day or bring to the Drop-Off Facility. If the City collects improperly placed refuse or debris from a tree lawn, the property owner will be charged a minimum $100.00 collection fee.

All collections begin at 6:30 a.m. – set all items out before 6:30 a.m. to assure collection, but set bulk items, excess trash, recyclables and yard waste apart from the wheeled cart, as these are separate collections.

Residents who miss their collection may bring their debris to the Division Drop-off Facility for disposal or save the debris for the next collection day. If the City collects improperly placed refuse or debris from a tree lawn (items placed on the curb after collection, or before 6:00 p.m. the night before collection) the property owner may be charged a minimum $100.00 collection fee.

Automated curbside refuse collection (City-provided wheeled refuse cart):

  • Use the refuse cart to contain all household garbage and trash that will fit in the cart with the lid closed.
  • Bag and tie household garbage before placing inside the refuse carts.
  • Keep the cart lid securely closed.
  • Limit the overall weight of the cart to 350-pounds.
  • Place the carts immediately next to the driveway apron, within 1-foot of the curb, with the serial number directed toward the street, and the handle toward the sidewalk.
  • Multiple dwelling properties should line the carts up along the curb with 1-foot between each cart to access automated collection.
  • Park cars in the driveway on collection day to provide access to the cart for automated collection.
  • Keep the cart clear of other debris, with nothing on top of, leaning against, or in front of the cart to provide access to the cart for automated collection.
  • Store carts at the rear of building until collection day; remove emptied carts the same day as collection.
  • Keep trash carts and recycling unburied from snow banks, clear of ice, and accessible to collectors. Place carts in a cleared driveway apron or shovel a level shelf into the snow bank, no higher than 6” from the ground for stability & safe lifting. Or, set the cart out the following week once the weather improves.
  • Contain hypodermic needles and syringes in a purchased “Sharps” container or a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container with a tight fitting lid, i.e. detergent or bleach bottle, 2-liter pop or juice bottle, or coffee can (tape lid closed.) Mark container “SHARPS” and place inside the refuse cart. Do not place loose sharps in the garbage.

Do not:

  • Misuse and/or defacing of City-owned refuse carts is prohibited. Discrete placement of removable decals to identify the cart is acceptable.
  • Do not use the cart to contain hazardous waste, paint, chemicals, motor oil, liquids, dead animals, hot ashes, tires, yard waste or recyclables. Small amounts of debris like plaster, dirt, drywall, are acceptable.
Bulk Trash

Large trash items that won’t fit in the refuse cart such as couches, chairs, tables, dressers, mattresses, bookcases, house doors, storm doors, storm windows (break the glass out; contain separately), carpet (taped or tied 4’ rolls), bicycles, basketball hoops (dismantled), televisions, extra bags and boxes, contained dirt, rocks, & sod, and bundled or contained construction debris emanating from work done by the resident or home owner. A 50-pound weight limit applies to all containers and bundles. Garbage cans should not exceed 32-gallon capacity. Contractors are responsible for their own disposal. NO tires, motor oil, liquids, paint, or contractor debris on the tree lawn. For disposal information call (216) 252-4322.

Bulk Trash Preparation:

  • Fill the City-provided cart first before using additional garbage cans or placing bags of garbage on the tree lawn.
  • Place excess trash, bulk items, recyclables, and yard waste apart from the wheeled cart to provide access to the cart for automated collection.
  • Comply with 50# weight limitations, which are established in the interest of employee safety, and are strictly enforced.
  • Garbage cans and other containers cannot exceed 32-gallon capacity or 50-pounds in weight.
  • Contain all loose debris in garbage cans, or strong plastic bags.
  • Cut lumber to 4' lengths, hammer nails over or remove, tie bundles securely at both ends, and limit weight of each bundle to 50# or less.
  • Cut plywood, drywall, wood fencing, and other similar construction debris to no larger than 4' x 4' sections, and stack neatly.
  • Break drywall into pieces and contain in strong boxes, plastic bags, or garbage cans, limit weight of each container to 50# or less. Sheets of drywall disintegrate and cause litter.
  • Concrete and bricks must be broken up and contained for collection. Up to five containers per week is acceptable; limit each container to 50-pounds.
  • Cut pipes to 4' lengths.
  • Cut carpet and padding into 4' widths, roll and tie or tape securely. Break tackless wood strips and box separately.
  • Contain dirt, rocks, and sod, as refuse, in small boxes, garbage cans, or strong plastic bags, limit weight of each container to 50 lbs or less.
  • Only place items on the tree lawn after 6:00 p.m. the night before your collection day, or by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day.

Do not:

  • Do not pile loose debris on the tree lawn - all loose debris must be contained.
  • Do not contain long debris such as lath, branches, and curtain rods, in containers where the debris extends past the opening of the container, as this is a hazard to the collector.
  • Do not place debris from work done by contractors on the curb for collection. The City of Lakewood does not collect debris left by or for contractors. (Ord. 1783.23)
Yard Waste

Yard Waste includes grass clippings, trimmings, leaves, plants, bushes, branches and other yard debris. (Dirt, sod and rocks are collected as garbage; please contain separately.) Yard waste should be placed on the tree lawn by 6:30 a.m. on your regular collection day (or after 6:00 p.m. the night before). The Division of Refuse and Recycling does not collect leaves or other yard debris that is not contained or bundled properly. Size and weight limitations are established in the interest of employee safety, and are strictly enforced.

Do:

  • Limit the weight of each bundle or container to 50# or less.
  • Contain all loose yard debris in paper yard waste bags or cardboard boxes no larger than 3' x 3'.
  • Cut branches into 4' lengths and bundle by tying securely at both ends with strong twine or rope.
  • Cut stumps, logs, and large tree limbs into fireplace size pieces, no more than 18" x 6", and stack neatly on tree lawn.
  • Cut bushes into 4' lengths and bundle by tying securely at both ends with strong twine or rope.
  • Break any dirt off roots and contain separately as garbage. Cut the remaining pieces into sections weighing no more than 50# each piece.
  • Only place yard waste on the tree lawn after 6:00 p.m. the night before your collection day, or by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day.

Do not:

  • Do not use garbage cans to contain yard waste.
  • Do not use plastic bags to contain yard debris, as they are not accepted at the recycling facility.
  • Do not use metal fasteners or tape.
  • Do not mix garbage and yard waste together.
  • Do not place overweight containers on the curb for collection.
  • Do not place uncut, untied branches on the curb for collection.
  • Do not place debris from work done by contractors on the curb for collection. The City of Lakewood does not collect debris left by or for contractors. (Ord. 1783.23)In the interest of employee safety, the Division of Refuse and Recycling does not collect overweight containers, uncut or untied branches, or other debris that is not properly contained.

Back-Yard Composting is a great way to keep organic material out of landfills. It is a good environmental practice and an inexpensive way of adding nutrients back into the soil. Applying compost to soil improves its texture, structure, aeration ability and water holding capacity. It adds-up to improved soil fertility and root development. Trees, flowers or vegetables will grow healthier with less chemicals or fertilizers. Access the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District’s PDF of their Backyard Composting Guide »

Please refer to the Division of Streets and Forestry information regarding the annual fall collections of loose leaves raked to the tree lawn and the collection of Christmas trees.

Mandatory Recycling:

The following recyclable materials must be removed from residential solid waste:

  • Glass bottles and jars, metal food and beverage containers, plastics numbers 1-7 (not Styrofoam), and recyclable paper products.

Please note: The Division of Refuse and Recycling may change the recycling collection method periodically to maintain economical and efficient collection. Two methods of collection that could be used are “Single Stream” where paper recycle and blue bag recycle are collected in the same truck and disposed of at the same processing facility, and “Dual Stream” where paper products and blue bag recycle are collected and disposed of separately. Regardless of the method of collection, paper products and blue bag materials must still be separately and securely bundled and bagged to assist the efficiency of the collection and to control the cost of processing.

Blue Bag Recycle - Curbside Collection Instructions
  • Recycle the following items together in the same blue or clear plastic bag:

    • GLASS BOTTLES AND JARS (No broken glass, light bulbs, drinking glasses, window glass, or ceramics, etc.)
    • METAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS
      (aluminum, tin, and steel cans; aluminum foil and trays)
    • PLASTIC BOTTLES, FOOD CONTAINERS, TUBS, AND TRAYS
    • ALL PLASTICS WITH THE RECYCLING SYMBOL AND THE NUMBERS #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 (Including bottles, food containers, tubs, and trays (i.e. margarine, yogurt, cool whip, and fresh produce plastic containers)
      No Styrofoam cups, plates, or packaging.
    • Blue Bag Recycle now includes all plastics #1-7 and plastic shopping bags.
      Click here for more information.
  • Empty and wash out all bottles, cans, containers and trays
  • Limit bag size to 13 to 30 gallon capacity – if using plastic grocery bags to contain recyclables please tie several together for ease of collection
  • Limit weight to 30 pounds
  • Be careful not to overfill
  • Flatten metal and plastic containers to save storage space in the home
  • Tie top of bag securely with built-in handles. Do NOT use twist ties.
  • Do NOT use garbage cans or recycling bins to contain recyclables. They slow collection.
Newspaper, Cardboard and Mixed Paper Recycle - Curbside Collection Instructions:
  • Books – hardbound and paperback
  • Boxboard (food, detergent, tissue)
  • Cancelled Checks
  • Catalogs
  • Corrugated Cardboard
  • Gift and toy boxes
  • Greeting cards
  • Junk mail
  • Magazines
  • Newspaper and glossy inserts
  • Office, computer, school paper
  • Paper egg cartons (no Styrofoam)
  • Paper gift wrap (no foil)
  • Pizza boxes (no food residue)
  • Pop & beer cartons (no foil lined)
  • Shredded paper
  • Telephone books

Do:

  • Pack tightly in paper grocery bags so nothing will fall out.
  • Pack tightly in small cardboard boxes (no larger than 2' x 2') and close lid securely.
  • Mark "Paper Recycle" on outside of closed boxes, or other unmarked containers.
  • Tie string around openings of bags or boxes to prevent paper from blowing out.
  • Tie newspaper, junk mail, magazines, flattened cardboard, and other recyclable paper together into manageable bundles with string (no tape or wire).
  • It is okay to mix paper products together in manageable bundles!
  • Flatten cardboard boxes and bundle securely with string (no larger than 2' x 3' x 1') or use boxes to contain flattened cardboard or other paper recycle. Pack tightly to prevent litter.
  • Maximum weight for boxed or bundled material is 30-pounds.
  • Place recyclables on the curb NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY APRON after 6:00 p.m. the night before your collection day or by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day.
  • Remove & discard these contaminants from cardboard boxes & paper products before recycling:
    • Food soiled paper
    • Metal & foil
    • Plastics such as bindings, handles, etc.
    • Spiral notebook bindings
    • Styrofoam
    • Waxed paper & bags

Do not place the following in paper recycle:

  • Dishwasher detergent boxes
  • Foil & plastic lined products
  • Frozen food packaging
  • Juice boxes or frozen juice cans

Do Not Use Garbage Cans or Recycling Bins to contain recyclables. They slow collection.

It is okay if cardboard and papers get wet!

It is very important to package material securely so that it does not get loose and create a litter problem. It is equally important to package material properly, keeping in mind size and weight limitations, to allow for efficient, economical collection.

Division of Refuse and Recycling Drop-Off Facility

Facility Operating Hours

Drop-off Facility Hours:

  • 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday
  • 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday

Please note: Saturday hours, are restricted to Lakewood residents and business owners using their personal vehicles.

Residents of the City and owners of businesses situated in the City may bring refuse, yard waste and other waste materials arising out of the use of their place of residence or business to the Division of Refuse and Recycling Facility in their own personal vehicle without charge.

Identification showing proof of residence of Lakewood and corresponding vehicle registration with proof of vehicle ownership is required.

A charge shall be made for all refuse and other waste materials brought in a vehicle that is not registered to the owner or resident of the property from which the debris emanates, dump trucks, trucks larger than a pick-up truck, and trailers.

The City of Lakewood reserves the right to establish limits on both the quality and the quantity of refuse and other materials brought to the Division of Refuse and Recycling facility. (Ord. 911.02)

The following recyclable materials, emanating from residences within the City of Lakewood, may be brought to the Division of Refuse and Recycling Drop-off Facility during regular business hours:

  • Antifreeze
  • Blue Bag Recycle
  • Car batteries
  • Car motor oil
  • Clothing (Clean, Usable)
  • Computers **
  • Fluorescent Light Tubes
  • Paper Recycle
  • Tires, off the rim **

** The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District conducts these special waste collection programs free of charge. (216) 443-3749. The County's web site contains a wide variety of valuable information at www.cuyahogaswd.org

Household Hazardous Waste

The facility offers year-round drop-off of computers, Fluorescent tubes, Household Hazardous Waste, and tires (off the rim), to Lakewood households only, in cooperation with the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District. Hazardous wastes that would not typically be found or used in a household are not accepted. Please contact the Division of Refuse and Recycling office for information.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)

CFL's are not accepted in the Division of Refuse and Recycling or the Cuyahoga county Solid Waste District Household Hazardous Waste collections.

The Home Depot recently announced a national compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) recycling program. At each Home Depot store, customers can simply bring in any expired, unbroken CFL bulbs, and give them to the store associate behind the returns desk.

Latex Paint

Since latex paint is not hazardous and is comprised mostly of water, the City of Lakewood asks residents to solidify latex paint so that it can be collected by the Division of Refuse and Recycling.

To solidify latex paint:

  • Allow the paint to dry by removing the lid and allowing liquids to evaporate over several days. This works well for small amounts (an inch or two in the bottom of the can).
  • Mix liquid paints with an equal amount of an absorbent material in the paint can or in a cardboard box lined with plastic. Leave open to the air to dry. Use cat litter, oil dry, floor absorbent, Fullers Earth, vermiculite or similar drying agent. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time until all paint has hardened.
  • When thoroughly dry, place the paint can or box on the curb the night before your regular collection day. Leave the lids off so the waste collector can see the paint is hardened.

DO NOT dump the paint on the ground or down storm drains where it will travel directly to surface and/or ground waters.

DO NOT pour it down the drain. While small amounts of latex paint can safely be washed down the drain, this practice should be kept to a minimum. Limit this to brush cleaning and clean-up.

DO NOT throw liquids in the trash. It may be released from the can when trash is compacted and may seep out of a waste collection vehicle onto your street.

Non-Residential Refuse and Recycling Regulations

Carts will not be delivered to non-residential properties. Non-residential properties that the Division of Refuse and Recycling currently collect may continue to place their refuse and recyclables on the curb for collection until further notice. Official “Refuse Permit Stickers” are not currently necessary for collection.

  • Refuse collection at each non-residential property is limited to eight (8) plastic bags per week, each bag not to exceed 33 gallon capacity or 30 pounds in weight (bags must be strong enough to hold content without breaking when lifted).
  • Collection hours are 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Place refuse and recyclables on the curb after 6:00 p.m. the night before collection or by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day. Non-residential properties that miss their collection may bring their refuse and recyclables to the Division Drop-Off Center for disposal.
  • Refuse collection is limited to one pick up per week. In the event of a holiday, collection day may be subject to temporary change.
  • Owners or tenants of non-residential properties may dispose of refuse and recyclables at the Division of Refuse and Recycling facility, 12920 Berea Road, between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday using their personal vehicle at no charge (other types of vehicles are charged according to Ordinance.) Identification and corresponding vehicle registration are required.
  • The following materials will not be collected from and cannot be brought to the Berea Road facility by non-residential properties: toxic or hazardous material, tires, paint or solvents, and solid or liquid refuse that is not capable of being reduced in a compactor truck.
  • Recycling can reduce the amount of refuse a business generates. The City of Lakewood provides the curbside collection of blue bag recycle and recyclable paper products to businesses at no charge.