🚫 Understanding Ohio’s disposal bans

What cannot go to a landfill — and where Cincinnati residents should turn

Hamilton County — Ohio’s landfills are protected by specific disposal bans enforced by the Ohio EPA. Whether you’re clearing out a basement or managing a construction project, certain items must never be thrown in the trash. For hassle-free Junk Removal that follows these rules, local haulers ensure banned items reach proper facilities. You can also check our GMB for quick reviews and drop‑off tips.

Yard waste

Grass, leaves, brush – banned from Ohio landfills since the 90s. They cause methane and take space.

Cincinnati: curbside compost or Rumpke yard waste

Whole tires

Tires trap methane, breed mosquitoes, and damage landfill liners. Must be recycled or shredded.

Hamilton Co. tire drop‑off events

Lead-acid batteries

Auto & marine batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid — hazardous. 98% are recyclable.

Auto parts stores accept free

Refrigerant appliances

Fridges, AC units, dehumidifiers – coolants damage ozone. EPA requires recovery.

Duke Energy / county appliance pickup

Why these bans exist

Ohio Revised Code 3734 and EPA rules target materials that either:

✨ produce harmful leachate or gases (tires, yard waste);
✨ contain toxics that pollute groundwater (lead, mercury, acids);
✨ release ozone-depleting substances (refrigerants).

Bans also preserve landfill capacity and encourage recycling. Cincinnati follows these through local ordinances — the Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District offers guidance.

Cincinnati‑area disposal channels

Yard waste — Rumpke yard waste drop‑off (Colerain Ave.) or municipal compost programs. Never in landfill trash.
Whole tires — Hamilton County hosts free tire collection days; many retailers accept them with new purchase.
Lead-acid batteries — Advance Auto, AutoZone, and most garages take them back. Some pay core deposit.
Refrigerant appliances — Duke Energy offers recycling for old fridges (sometimes incentives). Also Cohen Recycling.
Large item? Call Junk Removal pros — they sort & recycle banned items legally.

Always verify with your hauler. For a deeper look at preparing your home for a major cleanout, visit our vercel app — it includes a pre‑clean checklist tailored to Cincinnati.

Follow our GMB for seasonal disposal updates.