Refuse Preparation
The City provides once a week curbside refuse collection to all single-family and duplex residential locations in Ann Arbor.
Acceptable Curbside Refuse Containers
All Ann Arbor residents with curbside collection must use A2 Carts for refuse storage. The A2 Carts must be wheeled to the curb before 7 a.m. on the day of collection--no more than 24 hours before pickup, and removed by noon the next day.
Unacceptable Refuse Containers
Paper boxes and paper bags are not accepted as refuse containers. These items are to be prepared as described in the recycling guide. Trashcans other than the city-provided A2 Carts are not allowed.
Acceptable Refuse Materials
Building materials and other refuse items that fit into the A2 Carts by size and cart limits for weight are accepted. Additional quantities of building materials require scheduling a Special Bulk Collection or should be taken to the Drop-Off Station (fees will be assessed for both of these services). See list of prohibited items.
For information on getting rid of paint, household toxic materials, medical waste, animal waste, and pane glass, please refer to Special Refuse Materials Preparation.
Set Out Rules
Residential refuse, recycling, and compost containers must be placed at the curb or designated collection site by 7 a.m. on the weekly collection day.
Please leave at least 3 feet between each category of materials set out for recycling, refuse and compostable collection, if possible. Disabled residents may request side door refuse and recycling collection service by contacting the Customer Service Center at 994-2807.
Solid waste containers must be stored at the side or rear of the dwelling and not placed at the curb more than 24 hours ahead of time. Empty containers must be removed from the curb within 12 hours of service.
It is the owners’ responsibility to maintain a clean refuse storage area and to pick up loose debris.
Special Refuse Materials Preparation
Residents are expected to separate their recyclables and compostables from refuse before placing out for collection. The following materials are to be prepared as specified in order to protect public health, worker safety and the environment:
Paint disposal
There are three options for safe paint disposal. Liquids are banned from Michigan landfills, so water-based paints MUST be solidified before disposal. Oil-based paints contain toxics and should be taken to the Home Toxic's Center:
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Recycle empty paint cans (with only a thin film of dried paint and lids removed) in the recycling bin.
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Solidify partially-full, water-based (latex) paint cans with kitty litter, sand or some other absorbent. Place the solidified cans, replace lids tightly and place solidified paint cans inside the A2 Cart.
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Deliver oil-based paints to the County’s Home Toxics Collection Center for safe disposal (call 222-3950 for 24 hour assistance).
Pane Glass/Light Bulbs/Mirrors
Place broken window glass, mirrors and flourescent light bulbs inside the A2 Carts. Small quantities of broken glass bottles and ceramics are accepted in the recycling bins per week.
Animal Waste, Diapers, Packing Peanuts, Sawdust & Cold Ashes
Double-bag in plastic all animal droppings, kitty litter, and diapers for refuse collection. Place 'packing peanuts," sawdust and cold ashes in a plastic bag before placing inside the A2 Carts to prevent wind-carried debris. Please note: many mailing shops accept packing peanuts for reuse.
Acceptable/Unacceptable Dumpster Maintenance (for both residential and commercial locations)
The local site management company is responsible for keeping a dumpster in safe working condition and accessible to solid waste collection vehicles (addressing road width and turning requirements, overhead wires.) The area around the dumpster must be clear of debris and unobstructed from materials, such as furniture, cars or snow.
Certain materials may not be placed in a dumpster (see the list of prohibited materials). It is the site manager’s responsibility to properly dispose of compostable materials through contracted landscaping service, or other appropriate methods. Prohibited materials must be removed from a dumpster before it can be emptied. More frequent, pre-paid emptying of dumpsters may be arranged by contacting the Customer Service Center at 994-2807.