Recycling Information
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Written by: City of Ann Arbor Solid Waste Unit
Ann Arbor is recognized by the U.S. EPA for being one of the top 20 recycling communities in North America. We need your help to sustain this honor!
Recycling Services
Free weekly trash and recycling collection are provided to all Ann Arbor residents by the City of Ann Arbor. To get free recycling storage bins and waste information delivered to your home, leave a phone message on the 24-hour line: 99-GREEN (994-7336) or pick up your bins from the ReUse Center located at 2420 S. Industrial or the Drop-Off Station (971-7400).
Recycle empty, rinsed items in the containers bin: metal cans, foil, metal lids, glass bottles, jars and broken ceramic dishes, milk cartons, juice boxes and plastic bottles marked with a #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE).
Recycle in the papers bin: newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books, paperback books, envelopes, junk mail, cereal-type boxes (empty & flattened), and flattened corrugated cardboard.
Pizza boxes and other corrugated cardboard are recyclable! Please empty and dispose of the box contents (old pizza slices, packing peanuts, etc.). Then flatten the boxes and cut or fold the boxes into 2’x3’ size and tape or tie into bundles. Or you may tightly stuff the flattened boxes into another box up to 18 inches deep. Put the flattened cardboard into the paper bin or place next to the bins or carts.
Dumpster Trash Collection
Large apartment buildings usually have dumpsters in the parking lot for trash. Recyclables are generally collected in large wheeled carts parked near the dumpster. Dumpster tips: Don’t block the dumpster with your car or trash. You can be ticketed and towed. Dispose of large items, such as sofas, with a pre-paid bulk collection (see below).
Curbside Collection
Special Bulky Item Collection
Instructions for bulky waste, including a list of contractors that can pick it up, is located here.
A Word About Litter
Ann Arbor enforces Clean Community standards. It is your responsibility to pick up all litter on your property, such as loose papers, beverage cups, trash bags broken apart by animals, litter exposed after snowmelt, and abandoned furniture. Trash cans cannot be left at the front of the building all week. A Minimum of $70 cleanup fees can be assessed if the City’s Clean Community notifications are ignored. Help us keep a clean community for all to enjoy.
Compost Collection
Weekly “Compostable” collection from April through November is provided to residents with curbside trash recycling. Please see the website www.a2gov.org/recycle for the latest detailes.
More Contacts & Services
City of Ann Arbor Public Services (734) 99-GREEN (994-7336) For 24-hour recorded information on department services and policies, such as on the Clean Community program, to request the delivery of free recycling bins, and to leave messages.
University of Michigan Recycling Information
Recycle Ann Arbor (734) 662-6288 This local nonprofit collects Ann Arbor’s residential recyclables and operates the DROP-OFF STATION at 2950 E. Ellsworth Road, 971-7400, which accepts trash, yard waste, scrap metals, automotive fluids and recyclables. Some fees apply. RAA’s ReUse Center at 2420 S. Industrial accepts and sells good used furniture, appliances, building materials, etc., at bargain rates.
Washtenaw County (734) 222-3950
The Division of Public Works provides regional trash and recycling information and has an on-line “Trash to Treasures” resource on how to get rid of/donate almost anything. The Home Toxics Center (734) 222-3950 coordinates free collection programs for household toxics, such as oil paint, photo chemicals, engine degreasers, pesticides, etc., and provides information on less toxic alternatives.
