A Homeowner’s Guide to Bulk Waste Collection in Hamilton and Butler Counties

Municipal Bulk Pickup • Private Junk Removal • Size Limits • Scheduling • Local Rules

Two Different Services, One Clear Goal
49

Municipalities in Hamilton Co.

13

Townships in Butler Co.

2-4

Bulk pickups per year (most cities)

24/7

Private junk removal availability

🏛️ Southwest Ohio homeowners have two distinct pathways for removing large items: municipal bulk pickup and private junk removal.

Understanding the difference saves you money, prevents missed pickups, and ensures compliance with local ordinances. This guide explains how each system works, their common restrictions, and how to navigate the rules in Hamilton and Butler Counties.

📋 Municipal vs. Private: Key Differences

Municipal Bulk Pickup
  • Cost: Included in trash bill / free (limited)
  • Scheduling: Fixed dates (1-4x/year) or call-in
  • Volume limit: 2-6 cubic yards typical
  • Item limits: 2-4 items per pickup
  • Restrictions: No electronics, paint, tires, yard waste
  • Lead time: Days to weeks
✅ Included in taxes 📅 Scheduled dates
Private Junk Removal
  • Cost: By volume / per-item (market rate)
  • Scheduling: On-demand, same-day available
  • Volume limit: No limit – any amount
  • Item limits: Unlimited
  • Restrictions: Hazardous waste only (HHW)
  • Lead time: Hours to 1 day
⚡ Same-day service 📏 Pay by volume

📍 Hamilton & Butler County: Know Your Jurisdiction

🏛️ Hamilton County

Cincinnati: 2 bulk pickups/year • (513) 591-6000

Norwood: Call-in bulk • (513) 458-4500

Forest Park: Quarterly bulk • (513) 595-5210

Sharonville: Monthly bulk • (513) 563-1144

Maderia: Bulk by appointment • (513) 561-7220

Unincorporated: Rumpke contract • (513) 851-0122

🏛️ Butler County

Hamilton: 4 bulk pickups/year • (513) 785-7200

Middletown: 2 bulk pickups/year • (513) 425-1800

Fairfield: Bulk by appointment • (513) 867-5300

Oxford: Monthly bulk (Sept-May) • (513) 523-7521

West Chester: Rumpke contract • (513) 777-4233

Liberty Township: Rumpke contract • (513) 759-7500

Villages and townships: Rules vary significantly. Unincorporated areas often have different haulers and schedules. Always confirm with your specific jurisdiction.

🚫 Common Bulk Pickup Restrictions

Weight & Size Limits
50-75 lbs

Maximum weight per item (most cities). No items over 6 ft length.

Electronics & Appliances
❌ Often Excluded

TVs, computers, monitors – require e-waste recycling. Freon appliances must be tagged.

Hazardous Waste
❌ Never Accepted

Paint, chemicals, oil, batteries – HHW facilities only.

Yard Waste
❌ Separate Collection

Branches, leaves, grass – must be bagged or bundled per city rules.

📋 How to Verify Your City's Rules

🔍 Step 1: Identify Your Jurisdiction

  • • Check tax bill for city/village name
  • • Use Hamilton County Auditor website
  • • Use Butler County Auditor website

📞 Step 2: Contact Public Works

  • • Ask: "Bulk pickup schedule?"
  • • "Item limits?"
  • • "Do I need to call in?"

🌐 Step 3: Check Website

  • • "Public Works" or "Sanitation" page
  • • "Bulk Waste" or "Large Item Pickup"
  • • Calendar or PDF guide

✅ When to Choose Private Junk Removal

⚡ Immediate need

You need it gone today or tomorrow.

📦 Large volume

More than 4-6 items or full house/garage cleanout.

🛋️ Heavy items

Hot tubs, sheds, large appliances, fencing.

♻️ Donation coordination

Private services often handle donation pickups and tax receipts.

💰 Cost Comparison: Hamilton & Butler Counties

🏛️ Municipal Bulk

Cost: $0 – $25 (included in trash fees)

Typical volume: 2-4 items / 3 cubic yards

Extra items: $10-25 each

⚠️ Limited dates, long wait

🚚 Private Junk Removal

Cost: $95 – $600+ (by volume)

Typical volume: Any amount

Pricing: 1/8 truck, 1/4 truck, 1/2 truck, full truck

⚡ Same-day, any items

📋 Prohibited Items (Both Services)

❌ Paint & Chemicals

❌ Tires

❌ Batteries

❌ Asbestos

❌ Medical Waste

❌ Explosives

Hamilton County HHW: (513) 946-7700 • Butler County HHW: (513) 887-3677

When Bulk Pickup Isn't Enough

Blue Koi Hauling and Junk Removal serves West Chester, Cincinnati, and all of Southwest Ohio with on-demand, professional junk removal. No size limits, no waiting weeks—just fast, reliable service.

Junk Removal OH business
Southwest Ohio tip: Cincinnati residents get two free bulk pickups per year. Call 513-591-6000 to schedule. For items beyond the limit—or when you need it faster—Blue Koi offers same-day service starting at $95.