March 22, 2023 branch and compost collection update:
In ongoing efforts to provide storm-related branch collection, the City of Ann Arbor is moving up regular curbside compost collection season by one week, beginning on Monday, March 27, and concluding on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Carts, paper yard bags and properly bundled branches may be placed at the curb for pickup one week earlier than originally scheduled.
In addition, residents (not private contractors or landscapers) can bring material to the city compost facility, 4170 Platt Road, free of charge through the close of business, Monday April 17, 2023. The standard 1 cubic yard per day for-free limit will be waived during this time. For this drop off, the facility will be open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. and on Saturday 7–11 a.m. After April 17, the free 1 cubic-yard limit will be reinstated.
The City of Ann Arbor has extended its contract with Davey Tree Expert Company for continued storm-related cleanup. Davey's team will be focusing their resources on removing large brush piles from the curbside areas. Storm-related collection will be done in two parts, with crews collecting bundled branches and chipping larger branches separately.
There will be only one storm-related sweep through the city. Once storm related bundles of small and large branches are collected, crews will not be returning to the location to perform this service. Small bundles of branches can be prepared and picked up per normal compost rules.
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Regular weekly compost pickups will begin on Monday, March 27, 2023, a week earlier than planned.
Yard trimmings at home Acceptable and unacceptable material Preparing compost & cart Yard trimmings drop-off & sales
Compost carts
The city offers single-family residential properties one free 64- or 96-gallon compost cart. Pick up is free or one can be delivered for $56, additional carts are available for a fee. To order a cart and arrange for pick up or delivery, please contact the customer service center at 734.994.7336 or via
[email protected].
Carts exceeding 112 pounds for the 32-gallon, 224 pounds for the 64-gallon, or 336 pounds for the 96-gallon size will not be serviced.
Acceptable compost materials
- Plate scrapings and food waste (including meat and bones)*
- Bamboo dinnerware*
- Grass clippings*
-
BPI certified compostable bags, containers, silverware, etc.
- Leaves and brush
- Branches less than 6 inches diameter (must fit in cart with lid closed)
- Unpainted, untreated lumber (must fit in cart with lid closed)
- Weeds
- Undecorated and cut up Christmas trees
- Garden pruning, garden surplus, crab apples, etc.
- Used, cool wood ashes make great garden and flower bed fertilizer. If you aren't able to use them there, then please place in compost cart.
*Items for compost carts only.
Unacceptable compost materials
- Plastic bags or containers
- Trash and recyclables
-
Dirt, rocks, stones or gravel
- Sawdust
- Branches over 6 inches in diameter or over 4 feet in length
- Painted or treated wood
- Animal waste or cat litter
- Tree stumps
- Diapers
Paper yard bags and bundled brush/tree limbs
Paper yard bags may be used for yard trimmings such as leaves, weeds and other vegetation (50 pound per bag weight limit). Bundled brush or tree limbs, 4 feet or less, can be tied with natural twine in bundles up to 18 inches in diameter, and left at the curb for pickup. Individual tree limbs must be less than 6 inches in diameter.
Participating residents must place their compostables at the curb before 7 a.m. on their weekly waste collection day — allowing at least 3 feet between each cart with clearance from any obstacles overhead. Carts should not be placed in lanes of travel, either roads or bike lanes, instead using yard extensions or buffer zones as directed.
Yard trimmings/waste must not be placed in parks because they may smother and kill plants they cover, disrupt normal decomposition processes, or introduce non-native plants to the area.
Dealing with fall leaves, compost, yard trimmings and organic material at home
Check out our tips page for suggestions on how to deal with yard material and ideas for those who want to explore alternatives to disposing of compost material at the curb.
Preparing compost and cart
Make sure to prepare your
compost and
compost cart properly for timely service and to avoid odors.
Compost facility: yard material, drop-off, sales and free compost
Ann Arbor's compost facility is located at 4170 Platt Road. The facility is operated by WeCare Denali, normally open weekdays 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. To drop-off or purchase, visitors must utilize the automated scale system, which includes weighing in and out.
Storm related drop-off: Residents (not private contractors or landscapers) can bring material to the city compost facility free of charge through the close of business, Monday April 17, 2023. The standard 1 cubic yard per day for-free limit will be waived during this time. For this drop off, the facility will be open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. and on Saturday 7–11 a.m. After April 17, the free 1 cubic-yard limit will be reinstated.
Using the new automated scale system
All material transactions (pickup and drop-off) require vehicle to drive onto the scale. Wait to enter the inbound scale until clear of all vehicles.
Approach scale kiosk and using the directions, scan your Driver's License . Remember to choose the type of material you are picking up or dropping off, drop off yard trimmings or drop off food waste. Take the printed QR code ticket before leaving, as it is required to exit the outbound scale.
Follow the signs and proceed to the compost facility to drop-off or pickup of materials. If purchasing material, please visit the compost office inside the Compost Center after using the scale.
To leave, weigh out via the outbound scale. Wait to enter the outbound scale until clear of all vehicles. All material transactions (pickup and drop-off ) require vehicle to exit via scale.
Approach kiosk and scan QR ticket provided in step 2 during scale entry. Follow kiosk instructions and complete transaction.
Acceptable drop-off materials include:
- Grass, leaves, other vegetation – must be clean and free of brush/wood
- Mixed yard trimmings/brush/pallets (no plywood or OSB)
- Wood chips – must be clean
- Food waste
- Branches up to 6 inches in diameter
Materials for sale include:
- Compost
- Natural wood mulch
- Pallet mulch
- Woodchips
Payments may be made by check or credit card only. Please visit WeCare Denali, for current fees and pricing. No cash accepted.
