Toledo to begin weekly bulk garbage pickup in January

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) — Weekly bulk garbage pickup will begin in Toledo on January 5, eliminating the need for residents to call in reservations for the service.

Republic Services will offer bulk pickup on regular garbage collection days as the city prepares for potential changes to garbage services in 2026. The company is implementing the service even before a decision is made on the next garbage contract.

Bulk garbage loads currently sit for weeks when owners fail to call and make reservations for pickup, creating eyesores throughout the city.

“We heard bulk really needed some changes,” said Megan Robson, director of public utilities.

Starting January 5, Republic Services will collect no more than five items, each weighing less than 40 pounds, on regular garbage days. Items like branches or wood must be bundled and mattresses must be bagged.

Republic will not collect piles with nails sticking out and loose paint cans. Residents will receive a sticker detailing problems and a number to call for pickup details.

If residents ignore the sticker and the pile remains, the city will remove it but may charge the homeowner.

“If the pile is not picked up and our blight team has to come in and pick it up with the equipment we have, for example, that resident could be charged for that service,” Robson said.

Republic is one of two companies competing for Toledo’s garbage contract that ends in 2026. Priority out of Michigan is the other company.

Republic has held the Toledo contract for about 10 years and this is the first time they have offered bulk pickup service. Rick Rolf, general manager for Republic Services, said he could not explain why the service is starting now.

“I can’t answer that question. I’m newer to this market. I can’t speak to what happened in the past,” Rolf said.

Both Republic and Priority have pledged to provide weekly bulk pickup in the next contract, meaning the service appears to be permanent regardless of which company wins.

Republic said if they cannot collect compliant bulk loads on the assigned pickup date, they will return the next day.

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