City of Columbus

National Take Back Day Occurs Annually in April & October National Take Back day events occur annually in April (4/22/23) and October (date TBD). Fortunately, Franklin County host's several permanent drug drop-off locations too; visit http://www.swaco.org/196/Pharmaceutical for year-round sites.  - learn more

Plan Your Own Litter Cleanup Want to plan your own neighborhood litter cleanup? For planning assistance and supplies, Columbus residents should contact:  Keep Columbus Beautiful at 614-645-8027. KCB can provide litter grabbers, safety vests, bags & other tools; they offer an Adopt-an-Area program and graffiti cleanup too. - learn more

Storm Drain Marker Program Summer & fall offer perfect weather for this volunteer opportunity to raise awareness that dumping waste into storm drains contributes to water pollution & endangers wildlife. Decals, adhesive & instruction is provided for volunteers to apply on curbs near storm drain inlets - perfect for individuals or groups. - learn more

Keep It Clean Prevent water pollution through everyday living with simple tips to keep our water clean. Simple steps you can take at home such as: disposal of household hazardous waste, yard waste (including pet waste) and cooking grease; making simple lawn care choices; reducing stormwater runoff; maintaining cars & driveways properly; litter clean-ups & more. - learn more

Participate in a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program These common materials used in the home can cause injury and are harmful if disposed of improperly. Never dump them into a storm drain, open waterway or ditch. Learn how to dispose of them properly - there are many permanent free drop-off locations and mobile collection events (May in Dublin; September in Grove City, October in Westerville). - learn more

Take the PUP Pledge Take the PUP Pledge - get a free pooch prize. Cleaning up after your dog is a simple, everyday thing you can do to help keep waterways free of harmful bacteria. Clean Water is the Goal. - learn more

Volunteers Are Needed Year-Round by Local Watersheds Local watershed groups plan year-round events and other ways to participate in keeping our waterways clean, including streambank litter cleanups, invasive plant removal & more. 

Start a Community Garden A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people. They provide fresh produce and plants as well as satisfying labor, exercise, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment.
- learn more

Put Rainwater to Use Rain gardens and rain barrels put rainfall to use, reducing the need for irrigation. Save money while protecting our water supply. Residents of the City of Columbus who have signed up as GreenSpot members are invited to buy a deeply discounted rain barrel, while supplies last. 
Join the GreenSpot Program; it's easy.
Learn more about this offer...

More About Put Rainwater to Use...  - learn more

Household Hazardous Waste Events Join a Household Hazardous Waste Event Saturday, April 22; open to central Ohio residents. Please check swaco.org for additional events, accepted items and the year-round collection site.   - learn more

Hoover Reservoir Litter Cleanup Volunteers are encouraged to participate in this annual fall litter cleanup Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Hoover Reservoir. If interested in volunteering, contact Watershed Management at 614-645-1721 or [email protected]. - learn more