Trash, Recycling & Compost

Recycling

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​Curbside recycling​ guide​

​​Recycle Ann Arbor has an interactive A to Z recycling guide that offers a search function for what can be recycled and how to recycle it.

Below are some examples of what can and cannot be recycled in the carts: 

Yes​

  • Paper, such as ​newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, cardboard (must be flattened), frozen food boxes 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​​. Clean recyclables only. Do not bag.

No

  • Plastic bags or film​*
  • Styrofoam*
  • #3, 4, 6, and 7 plastics
  • Biodegradable plastics (marked “PLA” or “BPI”)
  • Batt​eries 
  • Electr​onics*​
  • 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 Stati​on. 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 (land newly obtained by the City of Ann Arbor).

  • ​$56 fee for the delivery of additional carts, return of unwanted carts, or cart exchanges. 

  • ​$24 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 based on number of residential units

  • Locations with 10+ units are required to use recycling dumpsters.​​

  • ​$126 for an extra emptying of 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. ​

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To report missed pickup or other problem, please use A2 Fix It. ​​​

Customer Service Center

Larcom City Hall, first floor 
8.00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (except holidays)

301 E. Huron St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Assistance by phone or email 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (except holidays)

734.794.6320​
[email protected]