Detroit Recycles

Join your neighbors - Protect the environment and Keep Detroit Clean by recycling!

Recycling at Home

Since 2014, the City of Detroit has offered free, weekly curbside recycling to all single-family homes and multifamily buildings with 1-4 units. Recycling services are 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 (5+ units) and want to start recycling? Take your recyclable items to Recycle Here!, the city’s free recycling drop-off site. Talk to your property manager about adding recycling services to your building.

 

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 Green Living Science (313) 871-4000 ext. 3 to attend a recycling workshop

 

Commercial + Multi-family Recycling

Since 2021, the Department of Public Works has offered weekly recycling pick-ups for commercial, nonprofit, and multifamily buildings with 5 or more units. Visit the Commercial Recycling page to learn more about how you can responsibly manage your waste.

 

What can I recycle?

The Detroit Recycles program accepts five categories of materials in the 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.
  • 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.

Other ways to get a blue recycling cart:


Chat with a recycling expert!

Contact our local non-profit education partner to learn about Detroit’s curbside recycling program and receive a free recycling cart.

Purchase a blue recycling cart

If you don’t want to play the Recycling Challenge game or attend a workshop, you can pay a one-time fee of $25 and request a blue recycling cart from your hauler:

  • If you live on the east side or in southwest Detroit south of I-94, contact Priority Waste: (855)927-8365
  • If you live on the west side north of I-94, contact Waste Management: (844)233-8764

 

Residential Recycling and Trash Pickup Schedule

Don't know when to set our your carts? Find your next collection day by using the Find Your Waste Pickup Schedule Tool and clicking on your address.

Want text reminders? Text your street address to (313) 800-7905, or enter your phone number in the Waste Pickup Schedule tool, to sign up for recycling, trash, yard and bulk waste text reminders.