Refuse Collection

City Refuse Workers are responsible for the collection of all refuse from residential dwellings in the City and commercial accounts as contracted. Residents in the corporation limits are mandated by City Ordinance to have their refuse picked up by the City. Commercial and industrial accounts are not mandated, and can contract with a vendor of their choice. Many residential and commercial units outside the City are also picked up by City Refuse Workers, but are not mandated.

Size Requirements

Refuse must be placed in plastic bags and tied closed. The plastic bags may be placed at the curb or put in a trash can. If using a trash can, trash must be able to be pulled out of the can easily by staff.  NO LOOSE TRASH OF ANY KIND WILL BE EMPTIED OR TOUCHED. Trash containers shall not exceed 32 gallon capacity and shall not exceed a maximum filled weight of 33 pounds. The maximum bag size is 33 gallon capacity with a maximum weight of 33 pounds. Any container or bag that exceeds these specifications will not be emptied or picked up. Additionally, if trash is overflowing in the container, it will not be picked up, e.g., the lid will not fit on the container.

Fees & Tags

All residential households within the City of St. Marys are charged a $9.95 base fee on their utility bill each month. In addition, a volume-based "tag fee" is required for every container or bag placed out for collection. Trash containers and bags should be placed at the curb no later than 7:00 am on the day of pick up. Refuse tags cost $1.00 each and can be purchased at the City Utility Office or at Certified Gas Stations, Kroger, Pantry Pride, SUNOCO Gas Station, Marathon, and Pump-n-Pack. Please place the tag around the neck of the tied bag or on the handle of the trash container in a manner where it can be easily torn off. The number of bags or containers permitted to be placed out for disposal is unlimited as long as they are properly tagged.

Corrugated cardboard can be picked up if it is boxed or bundled and tagged or it can be taken to the recycling center on the first or third Saturday of the month.

Refuse Workers do not pick up grass or leaves. A designated area for yard waste is located at the General Services Department located at 331 N Chestnut Street. Access is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

To find out the day for refuse collection in your area, please contact the Utility Office at 419-300-3142 or view the Collection Route Map (PDF). 

View the Holiday Refuse Schedule 2023 (PDF).