Garbage & Recycling

Curbside Household Garbage/Recycling Collection

Residential Household Garbage & Recycling Routes

City of Columbus Garbage and Recycling Information Flyer

The City of Columbus utilizes a vendor, Columbia County Solid Waste for weekly household trash and curbside recycling pick-up for residential properties of 4 or less units. Household solid waste can be placed on the tree border as early as dusk the night before scheduled pickup. Household solid waste must be placed in approved containers. Recyclables will be picked up on the same day as regular trash is picked up. *Note - If a holiday falls on Monday, pickup will be moved to the next business day for each route. 

• Columbia County Solid Waste and Recycling, the City’s garbage and recycling contractor, offers a spring annual bulk pickup.  

When: Week of May 9th – 13th for one week only. All additional items set out will be collected on your same collection day as normal garbage & recycling pickup. Each neighborhood will be picked up once during the large item pick up. All items for large item pickup must be put by the curb in an orderly manner and if necessary contained in a container. Items will not be picked up if they are dumped in the street. 

Download and view the full item list of what is accepted and what isn't.

If you have any questions regarding the curbside pick-up programs please call:

If needing an outside vendor to place a large dumpster in the street for a remodeling/construction project, a Dumpster Permit will be needed. 


Appliance and Electronic Recycling Events

3 - Events: April 30, July 30, and Oct. 15, 2022
8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Appliance and Electronic Recycling Event Flyer

City of Columbus residents are welcome to recycle their electronics and appliances at the Landscape Recycling Center on the dates/time listed above. A variety of electronics and appliances can be recycled for free or with a small fee. Residents recycling an item that has a fee will need to stop at DPW during normal business hours and pay for a prepaid recycling sticker PRIOR to the scheduled recycling event. Landscape Recycling Center season pass is required for entry to dispose of electronics/appliances. See below for a list of acceptable items.

FREE appliances: 

  • Dishwashers, stoves, washers, car batteries, dryers, range tops, wall ovens, and water heaters

FREE electronics: 

  • Laptop and desktop computers, cell phones, cameras, all wiring/cords

Electronics/Freon Appliances with a PREPAID FEE:

  • TV’s, Projectors are $35 each
  • Computer monitors, All-in-one monitors are $10 each
  • Microwaves, All Freon appliances are $35 each

Acceptable items are limited to what is listed above. NO broken or disassembled materials will be accepted!!


Bulk Item Drop Off Program

The City of Columbus Department of Public Works (DPW) is offering a larger/bulk item drop off and curbside collection program in the City of Columbus, open to City residents only.

Drop Off Process

Residents who have items eligible for drop off can bring them to the DPW office at 229 East School Street where there is a 30-yard dumpster. Payment for the items is required before dropping into the dumpster. Please alert DPW personnel of your arrival by visiting the office window, and someone will review the items prior to disposal. Proof of residency is required.

NOTE: The DPW and City of Columbus reserves the right to refuse dumping, or close the dumpster drop-off program for any reason.

Bulk Item Curbside Pickup Collection

Residents who have eligible large/bulk items, and are unable to bring their items to the DPW dumpster site, can request DPW collect their item at the curb. Items eligible for collection are the same as those accepted at the drop off-site.

Payment for curbside collection:  residents need to call the DPW office at (920) 623-5908, email columbusdpw@columbuswi.us or stop in person at the DPW office at 229 East School Street and register their request.  DPW will then come to the stated address and review whether the items are eligible for collection. Payment arrangements must be made prior to pick up.

Eligible Drop Off/Collection Materials Accepted

$15 per item for drop off / $30 per item for curbside collection (pricing subject to change at the discretion of DPW staff):

  • furniture (chairs, couches, mattresses, tables, desks)
  • interior household shelving
  • larger children’s toys/furniture
  • any other items deemed acceptable at the discretion of DPW

Items NOT Eligible for Drop Off:

  • electronics (computers, televisions)
  • appliances (freon appliances, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, etc.)
  • microwaves
  • LP tanks
  • chemicals, paint/stain-call 
  • clothing
  • yard waste
  • everyday household trash

Metal Items Accepted at NO Charge:

  • Bicycles, washers, dryers, ovens, dishwashers, water heaters, and other miscellaneous metals

DPW Drop Off Hours:  7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Monday thru Friday      
Curbside Collection Hours:  made by appointment 


Other Recycling Resources - Columbia County Solid Waste 

The Columbia County Recycling and Waste Processing Facility, W7465 State Highway 16, Pardeeville, WI 53954, has a recycling processing facility that collects many household materials. For hours of operation, prices and payments, please call Columbia County Solid Waste directly at (608) 742-6651 or visit their website at https://www.co.columbia.wi.us/columbiacounty/solidwaste/RecyclingHomePage/tabid/489/Default.aspx . 


If you have any questions please call the Department of Public Works at (920) 623-5908.