Detroit, Michigan Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule

This article provides an overview of trash and recycling collection services in Detroit, Michigan. We’ll cover the weekly pickup schedule, how to find your assigned collection day, accepted materials, and key guidelines for Detroit residents.

Collection Services Overview

The City of Detroit Department of Public Works provides trash and recycling collection for residential properties through contracted haulers:

• GFL Environmental USA
• Advanced Disposal, now Waste Management

Each household is assigned either GFL or Advanced Disposal based on your zone. Services include:

• Weekly trash collection
• Biweekly recycling collection
• Seasonal yard waste pickup
• Annual bulk item pickup

Collection services are provided weekly on your scheduled day.

Finding Your Pickup Day

Detroit is divided into collection zones, with each zone assigned a regular service day:

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday

To find your assigned pickup day:

1. Visit the Find Your Pickup Day lookup tool

2. Enter your address

3. View your collection schedule for trash, recycling, bulk items, and yard waste

You can also sign up for text reminders through the lookup tool.

Trash Collection

Trash is collected weekly on your scheduled day. Follow these guidelines:

• Place bins at curb by 7AM on collection day
• Use provided trash carts up to 96 gallons
• Extra trash must be in bags or cans marked as trash
• Do not overfill – lids should fully close

Retrieve bins promptly after collection. Do not leave at curb overnight.

Recycling Collection

Recycling is collected every other week on your designated pickup day. Follow these tips:

• Use provided recycling bins up to 96 gallons
• Keep recyclables loose – not bagged
• Rinse containers to remove residue
• Avoid non-accepted items like plastic bags, foam, and electronics

Check the recycling guide for a full list of accepted materials.

Yard Waste Collection

Seasonal yard waste pickup occurs in the spring and fall. Follow the guidelines for proper collection:

• Place leaves, branches, and brush in paper yard waste bags
• Bundle brush no longer than 4 feet and under 50 pounds
• Mark bags/bundles as “yard waste”
• Avoid use of plastic bags

Yard waste is banned from landfill disposal in Michigan. Sign up for text reminders for seasonal pickup weeks.

Bulk Item Collection

To dispose of large items like furniture and appliances:

• Contact your hauler to schedule pickup
• Fees apply for collection at curb
• Items must be manageable for 2 people to lift
• Limit bulk piles to 4 cubic yards

Alternatively, you can self-haul bulk items less than 1 cubic yard to a drop-off site at no charge. Get details on bulk and yard waste disposal.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Safely dispose of hazardous waste like chemicals, oils, batteries, and lightbulbs at the Detroit Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off:

12441 St. Aubin St.
Detroit, MI 48207

Open M-F 7am-2pm. Appointments required. Fees apply.

Do not mix hazardous waste with regular trash or recycling.

Missed Pickup

If your trash, recycling, or yard waste is missed on the scheduled collection day:

• Double check your pickup date using the online lookup
• Confirm bins were placed out properly by 7AM
• Contact your assigned hauler – GFL or Advanced Disposal/Waste Management
• Report the missed collection right away

Sign up for the text alerts to receive notifications if service is delayed for holidays or other factors. Contact the Department of Public Works with any persistent issues.

This covers the key details on trash and recycling collection services in Detroit, Michigan. Be sure to follow the guidelines for your scheduled pickup days and accepted materials.