Detroit Recycles

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

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

Commercial + Multi-family Recycling

Since 2021, the Department of Public Works has offered recycling services for commercial, nonprofit, and multifamily buildings with 5 or more units. Join dozens of businesses who are responsibly managing their waste by completing the intake form on the Commercial Recycling page.

 

Other Recycling Resources

Need a recycling cart but don't want to play the Recycling Challenge game or attend a workshop? You can pay a $25 fee for a blue recycling cart by contacting your hauler directly. 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.

Don't know when to set out 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.