Loan-A-Receptacle Program

Keep Akron Beautiful provides 50-gallon litter and recycling receptacles to support public space events and help reduce waste throughout the city. These wax-coated cardboard containers are borrowed free of charge and commonly used at downtown festivals, Lock 3 concerts, park events, the Soap Box Derby, Stan Hywet Hall  & Gardens events, and more. Each receptacle includes a starter bag.

This program is generously funded by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, WM, and PepsiCo.

To reserve, please fill out the form below! 

Loan-A-Receptacle Program Stipulations

To ensure fairness, safety, and availability for all users, the following conditions apply:

  • The event must take place on public property (vacant lots are not eligible).
  • Borrowed trash and recycling containers must be returned in the best possible condition within two business days after the event.
  • Do not write directly on the bins.
  • Containers must be reserved at least one week in advance but no more than one month prior to your event.
  • Pickup and drop-off must occur Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (no weekends or holidays unless pre-arranged).
  • Users must load and unload their own vehicles.
  • All event garbage must be tied and disposed of properly:
    • Place tied bags in the venue site dumpster for City pickup or
    • Take bags home and place them in your Akron Smart Cart on your scheduled trash day.
  • Recycling must be placed in your Akron Smart Cart or taken to any City of Akron Fire Station for placement in their recycling toter.
    • Keep Akron Beautiful encourages separating aluminum cans to support the Akron Fire Department’s fundraising for the Akron Children’s Burn Unit.

To Reserve Receptacles

  • Fill out the reservation form above.
  • For questions, call 330-375-2116 or email us.
  • KAB will confirm your reservation.
  • Your order will be prepared for pickup in the lobby, labeled with your name.
  • Pickup location:
    • City Central Services Building
      850 E. Market St., Akron, OH
      White brick building on the right when traveling east on E. Market, just before Arlington Road. (Police vehicles are serviced in the rear garage.)
  • Enter through the glass doors under the awning with the Keep Akron Beautiful logo.
  • To return boxes, leave them in the lobby cubby (to the left as you enter).
  • Notify KAB when receptacles have been returned.

Event tips

  • Place litter and recycling containers near food vendors, at entrances/exits, and throughout the event so guests can easily dispose of waste.
  • If you need additional bags, look for sizes 40×45 or larger.
  • Suggested retailers:
    • GFS (620 West Ave, Tallmadge; 330-634-9754)
    • Walmart
    • Sam’s Club
    • D-A Specialty Co. (589 Wolf Ledges Pkwy., Akron; 330-434-4531; offers 43×47 liners)
  • For large events:
    • Double-line containers with two bags. When the first bag is full, tie and remove it—the second bag is already in place and ready to use.
  • If collecting recycling, ensure your team knows what is and isn’t recyclable.
    • Items such as plastic cups, paper cups, utensils, food wrappers, and napkins must go in the trash.
    • Follow the same recycling guidelines used by the City of Akron Recycling Division.
  • Make recycling easy and visible by placing recycling bins next to trash bins, clearly labeling them with words and images.
    • Remove all signs before returning bins.
    • Do not write directly on recycling bins.