Residential Recycling

Since 2014, the City of Detroit has offered free curbside recycling to all single-family homes and multifamily buildings with 1-4 units. Recycling is offered on an "opt-in" basis which requires residents to request a recycling cart and "opt-in" to the free program. Don't have a blue bin and want to start recycling? Sign up below!

Live in an apartment building with 5+ units and want to recycle? Take your recyclable items to Recycle Here!, the city’s free recycling drop-off site. Talk to your property manager about adding recycling services as an amenity to your building.

What can be Recycled Curbside?

The Detroit Recycles program accepts five categories of materials in the blue curbside recycling bins. Those materials include:

• CARDBOARD: Boxes, paper tubes, aseptic cartons, cereal boxes, etc. Flatten to save room.
• MIXED PAPER: Junk mail, newspaper, office paper, magazines, envelopes, paper cups.
• METAL: Beverage cans, canned food containers, clean aluminum foil.
• GLASS: Bottles, jars, food containers. All colors accepted.
• RIGID PLASTICS: Beverage bottles, detergent jugs, milk jugs, food containers, soap bottles.

Do not bag your recycling. Instead, place items loosely in your cart. Please ensure all items are empty, clean, and dry before placing in your cart.  Additional information about what can be recycled curbside can be found here.

Request a FREE Recycling Cart

1. Play the online Recycling Challenge Game. After completing the game, you will be directed to a form to request your free cart.

         OR

2. Call our recycling experts at Green Living Science (313) 871-4000 ext. 3 to sign up and attend a recycling workshop