Trash & Recycling.
The City of Hamilton provides each eligible residence one blue 96-gallon trash cart, which holds the equivalent of three standard garbage cans. Additional trash carts are available for lease from Rumpke for a nominal fee. Trash is collected weekly while collection of recyclables occurs every-other-week.
A 35-gallon trash cart is available for the elderly, handicapped, or for small households in which the smaller cart is more appropriate. Keep in mind that all trash must be fully contained in that trash cart.
Collection Frequency.
Rumpke provides residential and small commercial establishment refuse collection service once a week. Rumpke's trash collectors work 5 days each week except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. When those holidays fall during the week, refuse collection is delayed by one day for the holiday plus each day afterwards.
Transfer Station.
Rumpke Waste and Recycling also operates the Municipal Refuse Transfer Station at 1000 N. 3rd Street, just north of the Electric Power Plant. This facility provides a convenient in-town dumping site for residents and businesses. Please click here for fee schedules and hours of operation. Through 2024, each utility/refuse customer can request one voucher to use the transfer station at no cost. For more details please refer here or call the Transfer Station at 513-867-8661.
Curbside Recycling.
Curbside pickup of recyclables is provided the same day as regular trash collection, but every other week. Participation in the residential recycling program is voluntary, but the monthly fee is mandatory and included in the monthly refuse fee.
Collection Map.
View a map of Hamilton and the day that garbage is collected (PDF) in your neighborhood. You may also use this searchable online map to determine your day of collection and your team for recycling - gold or red. Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your trash according to the recycling calendars found here.
To request a cart, call 513-867-8661
To inquire about billing, call 513-785-7100
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my cart is stolen or missing?
To report a stolen or missing cart, call the Municipal Refuse Transfer Station at 513-867-8661 to obtain the serial number of your assigned cart. You will be mailed a form that must be returned to the Municipal Refuse Transfer Station (1000 N. 3rd Street Hamilton, Ohio 45011). Arrangements will then be made for a replacement cart to be delivered. There could be a replacement charge for the cart.
I am a new Hamilton resident – How do I request a trash/recycling cart?
Please contact City of Hamilton’s Customer Service at 513-785-7100. Trash/recycling carts stay with location address so you would need to verify that the carts were delivered by Rumpke to your address. Filling out a Missing Hamilton Trash/Recycling Cart form may be necessary which is handled by the Transfer Station at 513-867-8661. Additional recycling carts are available at no extra charge.
What day is my pickup for trash and recycling?
If you are unsure of your schedule collection day, please contact Municipal Refuse Transfer Station at 867-8661 or view the map found here. You may also use this searchable online map to determine your day of collection and your team for recycling - gold or red. Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your trash according to these calendars.
What should I do if my trash/recycling does not get picked up?
Please contact Municipal Refuse Transfer Station at 513-867-8661.
How do I exchange a trash/recycling cart for another size?
Please contact Municipal Refuse Transfer Station at 513-867-8661.
Who should I contact if a neighbor leaves a trash/recycling cart at the curb for a long time period?
If having a conversation with your neighbor does not resolve the issue, please contact City of Hamilton’s Resident Services Department at 785-7222.
What do I do if I have a large item pickup?
Residents can dispose of two large items, such as furniture and mattresses, each week. Residents must contact Municipal Refuse Transfer Station at 513-867-8661 at least 24-hours in advance to schedule collection and learn how to prepare materials for disposal. The City of Hamilton’s Transfer Station (1000 North Third St.) will also accept items Monday-Saturday for a fee.
What will Rumpke pick up / What can be recycled?
Pick up is for trash, recycling and yard waste collection. Trash must be confined in the trash carts.
The following items are acceptable items for the recycling program: cardboard, paper, cartons, aluminum/steel/metal cans, glass bottles/jars, plastic bottles/jugs/tubs and newspapers.
Yard waste is picked up with your trash on the same day, at no additional charge. Yard waste can be inside the blue trash carts if needed. Yard waste can also be placed in a 35 gallon can clearly marked “Yard Waste” or a paper yard waste bag for collection. If customers set out leaves or grass in plastic bags the drivers will think this is general trash and may not service them. Yard waste is limited to 6 yard waste containers per week.
Brush should be bundled in sizes no more than 4 feet in length and 2 feet in diameter. Limbs should not exceed 6 inches in diameter and must weigh less than 75 pounds. Brush is included with yard waste and should not include more than 6 container/bundles per week.
No construction materials are permitted.
General information regarding disposal of large or unusual items can be found here.
What are the rates for Rumpke Transfer Station?
Please contact Municipal Refuse Transfer Station at 513-867-8661.
Can I use my own trash cart?
Resident owned trash carts may be used as long as they have wheels, attached lids and a metal bar on the front for automated lift garbage collection service. If you have questions, contact the Municipal Refuse Transfer Station at 513-867-8661. Rumpke can lease or sell trash carts to residents who want a 2nd or 3rd trash cart.
When will our leaves be picked up?
Leaf collection will begin at the end of October / beginning of November each year. You can find the leaf collection schedule here. Prior to scheduled leaf pick-up dates, residents whose leaves are ready for pick up may call 513-785-7550 option 5 or utilize the Online 311 Service Request link to request early pick up.
If a recycling cart has trash in it, will Rumpke service the cart?
Rumpke will manage the contaminated recycling carts. The trash drivers communicate with our Hamilton route foreman when they see contaminated recycling carts. Rumpke will remove them from the curb and keep track of the serial number and address that they remove them from.
What holidays will Rumpke not collect trash/recycling?
Rumpke observes New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. If your service day falls on the actual holiday or on a weekday following the observed holiday, your collection will be delayed by one day that week.
How do I qualify for a lower rate for trash/recycling billing?
The City may provide a reduction in residential refuse fees for households with annual incomes at or below 50% of the City's median household income (as determined by the US Census Bureau). If you believe you qualify, download form here or contact the City of Hamilton Resident Services Department at 513-785-7222 and ask for an application.
Will Rumpke pick up Christmas trees?
Yes! Please place discarded trees alongside your trash for removal by Rumpke with the regular trash pick-up within the first two weeks of January. For trees larger than 6 feet, please cut them in half.