metroKEY App Guidance

The metroKEY smartphone app is used to unlock Ann Arbor’s Food Scrap Drop-Off Bins.

Already approved for the Food Scrap Drop-Off Program? Use the resources on this page to download the app, create your account, and learn more about using metroKEY.

 

If you have not yet applied for the program, please complete the Food Scrap Drop-Off Program Application and wait for approval before setting up your metroKEY account. 

 

Page Shortcuts:

Download the App

Viewing from a smartphone?

Download from App Store (Apple) Download from Google Play (Android)

Viewing from a computer?

The app is only compatible with smartphones. Please use your smartphone's app store to search for "metroKEY" and download it.

Download the App

Viewing from a smartphone?

Download from App Store (Apple) Download from Google Play (Android)

Viewing from a computer?

The app is only compatible with smartphones. Please use your smartphone's app store to search for "metroKEY" and download it.

How to Create a metroKEY Account

Screenshot of the metroKEY app opening page.

Step 1

Open the metroKEY app on your phone.

Screenshot of the metroKEY login screen with a "Register" option at the bottom for those who do not have an account.

Step 2

Click “Register” at the bottom.

Screenshot of the "Create an Account" screen with fields for first name, last name, email address, and optional phone number.

Step 3

Fill in your name and email address. Be sure to use the same email address as you did in your initial application with the city.

Screenshot of the "Create an Account" screen showing the fields filled out, the Terms & Conditions box checked, and the "Submit" button.

Step 4

Read the Terms & Conditions, check the box to agree, and click “Submit”.

Screenshot of the "Check your Email" screen instructing you to verify your email address using the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

Step 5

Check your email for a verification message from metroKEY. If you’re having trouble finding it, check your spam/junk folder!

Screenshot of a verification email from metroKEY showing a "Verify Your Email" button.

Step 6

Open the email from metroKEY and click “Verify Your Email”.

Screenshot of a phone screen switching from the "Email Verified" confirmation screen back to the metroKEY app.

Step 7

Head back to the app and you’ll be prompted to create a password.

Screenshot of the “Create Password” screen with fields for entering and confirming a password and a “Submit” button.

Step 8

Follow instructions for creating a password and click “Submit”.

Screenshot of the "Select Organization" screen with "Michigan" selected in the "State/Province" field.

Step 9

For “State/Province”, select “Michigan” from the list.

Screenshot of the "Select Organization" screen with "Ann Arbor" selected in the "Org Location" field.

Step 10

For “Org Location”, select “Ann Arbor” from the list.

Screenshot of the "Select Organization" screen with "City of Ann Arbor" selected in the "Organization List" field.

Step 11

For “Organization List”, select “City of Ann Arbor” and click “Submit”.

Screenshot of the location permission prompt from metroKEY with options to "Allow Once", "Allow While Using App", or "Don't Allow".

Step 12

You will be asked to allow the app to use your location. Select “Allow Once” or “Allow While Using App”.

Step 13

You will also be asked to allow the app to find Bluetooth devices. You must click “Allow” to use the app.

You’re all set! Once you can see the home screen and bin locations, you should be ready to use the app.

Troubleshooting Tips for Creating an Account

Are you seeing an "Organization Approval" message? This either means:

  • You have not yet applied with the City of Ann Arbor. Please apply at a2gov.org/foodscraps before attempting to use the app.
  • Your application is still pending approval. Please allow up to 3 business days for a response. If more than 3 business days have passed, contact compost@a2gov.org.
  • The email address used to create your metroKEY account does not match the email address used in your City application. Please contact compost@a2gov.org and include both email addresses used so we can assist you.

Are you struck trying to verify your account because you can't find the email?

  • Check your Spam or Junk folders!
  • Search for an email from "support@metrokey.app"

If you need further assistance, please reach out to compost@a2gov.org.

 

How to Unlock Bins Using metroKEY

Screenshot of the metroKEY homepage showing a map of all bin locations and a list of bins below.

Step 1

The app’s home screen shows both a map and list of all bin locations. “See All” allows you to see the full list.

Screenshot of the metroKEY homepage showing a green pin centered on the map and a “Nearby” label above the first bin in the list.

Step 2

When you’re near a bin location, it will be marked as “Nearby” in the list, and the map pin will turn green. There are two ways you can select a bin to unlock:

  1. Select the icon from the list at the bottom.
  2. Select the green pin on the map and then the arrow that appears next to it.
Screenshot of the bin details screen for the Traverwood Library site showing an orange “Unlock Unit” button.

Step 3

Click “Unlock Unit”

Screenshot of the “What can go in this bin?” screen showing photos of accepted and unaccepted items for disposal, with either a check or an “x” below it.

Step 4

Review what is and isn’t accepted in the bin, check the box to confirm your understanding, and then click “Submit”.

Screenshot showing the bin unlocked with a countdown indicating the remaining time to open the lid.

Step 5

The lid will now unlock and stay unlocked for 30 seconds. Open the lid from the top handle or by pressing down on the foot pedal. If you don’t open the lid within this timeframe, you will need to unlock it again.

Step 6

Once finished, please ensure the lid fully closes and it will re-lock automatically. You’re all set!

Tip: The foot pedal located at the bottom-left corner of the bin can help keep the lid open while you dump your scraps.

How to Report Issues Using metroKEY

For issues specific to an individual bin location, follow these steps:

Screenshot of the metroKEY homepage showing a map of all bin locations and a list of bins below.

Step 1

Select the bin location that you’re observing an issue with from the list or map. Please note, you must be within close proximity of the bin to use this feature.

Screenshot of the bin details screen for the Traverwood Library site showing an “Unlock Unit” button and a “Report a Problem” button.

Step 2

Click “Report a Problem”. You may need to scroll down to reveal this button.

Screenshot of the “Report a Problem” screen with a multi-choice list of issues and an empty text field for additional details.

Step 3

Select the relevant issue and provide additional details, as needed.

Screenshot of the “Report a Problem” screen with a pop-up message at the bottom that says, “Report submitted successfully”.

Step 4

Click “Submit” . A brief message will appear the bottom the screen that says, “Report submitted successfully”.

For general issues or questions, follow these steps:

Screenshot of the metroKEY homepage showing a menu symbol in the top-left corner.

Step 1

Click the menu symbol from the top-left corner of the homepage.

Screenshot of the menu options with “Help” at the top of the list.

Step 2

Click “Send us an email”.

Screenshot of a blank email message addressed to compost@a2gov.org.

Step 3

A new blank message will appear that is addressed to compost@a2gov.org. Type your message and click send. Any responses to your message will be found in your email inbox.