Recycling changes and new cart stickers
The City of Ann Arbor is issuing updated cart stickers to reflect new recycling standards. The new stickers focus on recycling changes,
specifically that scrap metal and shredded paper are NO longer accepted in curbside carts but may be recycled at the Drop-Off-Station. The only plastics now accepted curbside are rinsed and dry plastic bottles, tubs and containers, specifically #1, #2 and #5 plastics.
A video is available to guide those who receive a new sticker in the mail.
Curbside recycling guide
Recycle Ann Arbor has an interactive A to Z recycling guide with a keyword search ability.
Yes
- Paper, such as newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, cardboard, frozen food and cereal-type boxes
- Metal cans
- Glass bottles and jars, remove tops
- Cleaned plastic bottles, containers and tubs (screw on caps: keep on, flat plastic lids: throw away)
- "Aseptic" and "Tetrapak" cartons. These are typically used for milk, juice, soymilk, chicken broth, almond milk, etc.
*Keep caps on plastic, remove from glass
No
- Plastic bags or film*
- Styrofoam*
- #3, 4, 6, and 7 plastics
- Biodegradable plastics (marked “PLA” or “BPI”)
- Batteries
- Electronics*
- Light bulbs*
- Toxic materials such as motor oil
- Medical waste, syringes
- Scrap metal (auto parts, pieces of equipment)*
- Hardcover books*
- Ceramics or pyrex dishes
- Textiles*
- Wood or construction debris*
- Paper cups
- Yard trimmings or plate scrapings
- Shredded paper*
*These items can be taken to the
Drop-Off Station. See their website for restrictions and additional recycling details.
Carts must not exceed 112 pounds for the 32-gallon, 224 pounds for the 64-gallon or 336 pounds for the 96-gallon size. Carts over the limit will not be serviced.
Carts
Recycling carts are required unless location is using an approved recycling dumpster for materials. All recycling carts are managed by the city.
Single family/duplex
The first 32- or 64-gallon recycling cart is free to new construction or newly annexed properties.
$56 fee for the delivery of additional carts, return of unwanted carts, or cart exchanges.
$24 can be assessed to power wash overly dirty or foul smelling returned carts.
$70 to return to service each cart not set out on time.
Multi-family and apartments
96-gallon recycle carts are provided at a pro-rated level based on number of residential units
Locations with 10+ units are required to use recycling dumpsters.
$126 for extra tips for recycle dumpsters serviced by the city.
*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.
Business recycling
The city can assist your businesses recycling program by,
Performing a recycling analysis to determine how to set up a recycling program
Providing posters, decals and signs
Setting up a recycling program, including placement of bins and signage
Presentations to staff on how and what can be recycled
For more information on this service, please contact Customer Service.
Reuse and bulky item disposal
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! The biggest savings to the environment in terms of resource use, energy savings, and pollution reduction come from reduced purchasing, thrifty purchasing (avoiding consumer waste) and reusing/repairing items before recycling.
