Recycling Information

The City of Detroit is collecting recycling materials placed in the designated container at the curb every other week. The recycling program is voluntary, and residents must opt-in. The program is open to all residents residing in a single family home or in a house with up to 4 units, including those who did not previously recycle.

If you're not recycling, now is a great time to join thousands of Detroiters who are protecting the environment and creating less pollution by recycling.

How to get a recycling bin:

All residents will need to purchase the recycling bin for $25 from their contractor to participate in the recycling program.
Attend a recycling workshop (see details below) and get a Free recycling bin
Play the Online Recycling Challenge Educational Game and get a Free recycling bin

Option 1: Request your recycling container from your contractor ($25):

If you live on the east side or in southwest Detroit:
- Order your cart online at GFL Green For Life Detroit Residential Collection.

If you live on the west side:
- Sign up for a cart online at Advanced Disposal Detroit Residential Collection.

Option 2: Get a free recycling container by attending workshop

You can learn more about Detroit’s curbside recycling program and receive a free recycling cart by attending a curbside recycling workshop with Zero Waste Detroit or Green Living Science.

To schedule or attend a recycling workshop near you, call

Zero Waste Detroit

(313) 986-2990

Green Living Science workshops

(313) 871-4000 ext 3

Option 3: Get a free recycling container by playing the Online Recycling Challenge Educational Game

https://detroitmi.gov/webapp/recycling-challenge-educational-game

Recycling FAQ

How do I recycle in Detroit?

The City of Detroit is collecting recycling materials placed in the designated container at the curb every other week. The recycling program is voluntary, and residents must sign up. The program is open to ALL residents residing in a single family home or in a house with up to 4 units, including those who did not previously recycle.

If you're not recycling, now is a great time to join thousands of Detroiters who are protecting the environment and creating less pollution by recycling.

Learn how to get your recycling Cart delivered to your house

Click here to play the educational recycling game and sign up to get a FREE recycling cart

You can learn more about Detroit's curbside recycling program and receive a FREE recycling cart by attending a curbside recycling workshop with Zero Waste Detroit or Green Living Science.

To schedule or attend a recycling workshop near you, call Zero Waste Detroit at (313) 986-2990 or Green Living Science at (313) 871-4000, ext. 3.

Pay a one-time fee of $25 to get a recycling cart from your waste hauler:

If you live on the east side or in southwest Detroit, GFL Environmental USA, Inc. is your waste hauler. Order your cart online at http://gflusa.com/residential/detroit/ or contact GFL Customer Care at (844) GO.GFLUSA (844) 464-3587.
If you live on the west side, Advanced Disposal is your waste hauler. Sign up for a cart online at www.AdvancedDisposal.com/DetroitResidential or call (844) 2-DETROIT (233-8764).

What can I recycle?

What items should not go into my recycling container?

Unacceptable Items:

Paper milk and juice cartons
Plastic bags
Styrofoam containers and styrofoam packaging
Juice boxes
Garbage
Propane tanks
Paint cans
Medical waste
Flammable liquids
Household cleaners
Chemicals (dry or liquid)
Wood items
Yard waste: wood or trash
Batteries or light bulbs

When should I put the recycling container on the curb?

It is important to set out your cart no later than 7 AM, as it ensures your cart will be ready for collection when the driver arrives. Carts may be set out as early as the night prior to your collection day and should be returned to your property within a day after collection.

Curbside recycling is picked up every other week. View the Services Map (https://detroitmi.gov/DPW) to determine your recycling collection schedule and to sign up for free text message reminders.

Recycling do's and don'ts

What should I do with household hazardous waste?

Household hazardous waste can be brought to: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Receiving Facility
2000 E. Ferry Street (near the I-75 and I-94 freeways)
Every Thursday from 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
Every Fourth Saturday of the Month from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
This facility is open to Detroit residents ONLY! There is no charge!

Acceptable Items (Home Toxics/Electronics):

Paint & Paint Products
Aerosol Cans
Pesticides/Herbicides
Batteries – Alkaline, Auto
Fluorescent Tubes
Propane Cylinders
Mercury
Corrosives – Acids, Bases
Medical Sharps
Medicine - OTC
Furniture Polish
Floor Care Products
Gasoline
Lighter Fluid
Kerosene
Oil
Antifreeze
Fuel
Pool Chemicals
Oxidizers
Fire Extinguishers
Smoke Detectors
Computer Monitors
Keyboards
Microwave
Mouse
Computer Terminals
Laptop Computers
Printers
Fax Machines
Scanners
Cable Boxes
Cell Phones
Typewriters
Televisions
DVDs/VCRs
Gaming Units

Unacceptable Items:

No Commercial waste
Air Conditioning Units
Ammunition or Explosives
Appliances
Construction Materials
Construction Debris
Controlled Substances
No Lab Chemicals
Miscellaneous Car Parts
Non-Standard Gases
Radioactive Material
Shock-Sensitive Materials
Standard Household Trash
Yard Waste
Unknown/Unidentified Gases

Pharmaceuticals and Sharps

The disposal of unwanted or expired pharmaceuticals down a drain or toilet is damaging to the environment. Research has found that small amounts of pharmaceutical drugs collect in streams, lakes and rivers by entering through wastewater treatment plants that treat residential, commercial, and industrial wastewater. The majority of these pharmaceuticals enter the sewer system through disposal of unused or expired medications down the toilet or drain. Increased amounts of pharmaceuticals in surface water bodies have been shown to increase bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Empty all pills, caplets, etc. into a zip lock bag prior to placement in the container.
Take empty pill containers away for disposal in a home recycling bin.
Remove any and all personal information from container prior to placing it in the recycling bin.
Please only deposit needles, lancets, and similar items.

Please make sure these items are deposited in a rigid, sealed container. (HARD PLASTIC – e.g. laundry detergent containers).
For more info, you can call
Household Hazardous Waste
(313) 923-2240

What can I do with items not recyclable at the curb?

Bring them to Recycle Here!
http://www.recyclehere.net

Styrofoam
Aseptic (cartons)
Batteries
Plastic bags
Ink cartridges
Light bulbs
Cooking grease
Computers and electronics (City of Detroit Residents Only!)

Recycle Here! does not accept electronics from non-detroit residents or businesses.
Please check with your local municipal government office for collection options or contact: GEEP Michigan at 1-877-GEEP-4-YU (1-877-433-7498).

How to get a recycling bin:

Option 1: Request your recycling container from your contractor ($25):

Option 2: Get a free recycling container by attending workshop

Option 3: Get a free recycling container by playing the Online Recycling Challenge Educational Game

Related Links

Recycling FAQ