Ruminants slaughtered in Bahir-Dar, northern Ethiopia, were studied to estimate the prevalence and types of foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum. Of the 400 cattle, 320 sheep, and 320 goats examined between November 2011 and May 2012, 41.8, 20.6 and 11.9 %, respectively, contained one or more types of foreign bodies. The prevalence of foreign bodies was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (i) in cattle than in sheep and goats, (ii) in cattle in poor body condition than those in good condition, and (iii) in the rumen than in the reticulum. The most commonly encountered materials were plastics, which resulted from the widespread use of plastic bags and improper waste disposal. Other materials found were cloth, rope, metal, and leather. The study demonstrated that ruminants in the area are ingesting various types of indigestible foreign bodies, which can hamper their health and productivity. To avert the problem, collaborative intervention schemes need to be applied involving professionals, policy makers, livestock keepers, and environmental activists.