I'm new to the Township. When is my scheduled collection day?
Please visit the Maps page of the website to view a map of the Township's collection days. Your trash, recycle and compost (if in season) will be collected on the same day.
What time do I need to have my trash, recycle and compost to the curb?
All items that you wish to have collected must be to the curb by 7:00 am on your scheduled collection day. Items can be put to the curb as early as 6:00 pm on the evening prior to your scheduled collection day. We cannot guarantee collection unless items are placed curbside by 7:00 am
Why does the time the trucks collect my trash change from week to week?
Collection times vary based on the amounts of trash, recycle or compost that is put out. These volumes change randomly from week to week for each household.
On which holidays will my regular rubbish collection be delayed one day?
The solid waste contractor of the Township does not provide service on the following major holidays:
| New Year’s Day |
Labor Day |
| Memorial Day |
Thanksgiving Day |
| Independence Day |
Christmas Day |
If a holiday falls on a weekday (Monday thru Friday) and your collection day falls on or after a holiday, your collection day will be delayed by one day that week to include Saturday. Holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday will not affect your collection day.
Can I place yard waste out for pickup all year round?
No. Curbside yard waste collection is seasonal. There is no curbside yard waste collection during the last 2 weeks of January, February and March. During this time, you must keep/store any yard waste you generate on your property.
Where can I get a yard waste sticker?
Stickers are available in the Clerk’s and Treasurer’s Offices and the Division of Public Services.
Why won't the collection workers empty my new garbage can?
In October of 2000, the Township’s waste hauler began enforcing a 35-gallon or less container size for all residents in the Township. Increased use of the larger sized containers over the previous years led to increases in the number of injuries to workers and, as a result, waste haulers throughout SE Michigan have stopped collecting the larger size cans.
Is there a weight limit on my garbage and compost?
Yes, there is a weight limit of 50 pounds. If your cans or bags weigh over 50 pounds the hauler will not lift the container.
Do I need to request a special pick up for large items?
No. Many larger items are accommodated by our hauler on your regular collection day. Examples of these items include sofas, loveseats, chairs, tables, bed frames, mattresses/box springs, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, air conditioners, stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, hot water heaters, washers and dryers. Carpeting will be collected in three foot rolls, tied and less than 50 pounds. Refrigerators must have the doors removed before placing at the curb.
Does the waste hauler collect construction materials curbside?
Yes, but only a small amount. These items include drywall, paneling, lumber, etc. cut to 3 foot or less lengths, nails pounded down and bundled; bundles weighing 50 pounds or less. Cement, concrete and bricks will NOT be accepted,
What can I do with materials not normally collected?
Here are a couple options:
- You may take your waste to a licensed sanitary landfill. The closest facility is GFL- Arbor Hills facility located on Six Mile and Napier Roads in Salem Township. Please call first for directions and costs: (248) 793-5610.
- There a few business that will accept some items for a fee. This list can be found on the Solid Waste page.
What materials will be accepted at the Township household hazardous waste collection event?
Click here for a complete list of acceptable and non-acceptable items.
How do I know if what I have is considered to be a hazardous waste?
A good rule of thumb is that if the product has warnings such as, "warning" or "caution" or "danger" or "poison" consider it hazardous and do not dispose of in your regular trash, down the drain, or into a storm sewer. If you still are unsure please feel free to call the Solid Waste Department to find a definite answer or Click here to visit the Household Hazardous Waste page of our website.
Household hazardous waste collection day is not for 6 months and I want to dispose of my wastes now. Are there places where I can dispose of my hazardous wastes responsibly throughout the year?
Yes. Please visit the Solid Waste page for information regarding Household Hazardous waste events.
My condominiums/apartments/mobile home park does not use the Township sponsored waste collection program and our waste hauler does not offer a recycling program where can I recycle?
Residences that use separate waste hauler services are also offered recycling options through the Township. Please call the Solid Waste Department for more information.
I would like to start a recycle program at my workplace in Plymouth Township. Where do I begin?
The Charter Township of Plymouth does not coordinate the collection of commercial or industrial waste or recycling; Please contact your commercial hauler for more information.
Other sources to assist you in your recycling efforts are listed below.
Michigan Recycling Coalition
www.michiganrecycles.org
What can I put in the recycling bin?
Plymouth Township offers an expanded curbside recycle program. To view a full list of accepted materials
click here.
Why is compost collection seasonal?
All yard waste that is collected from Plymouth Township residents is taken to a compost facility, not a sanitary landfill. During the winter months, generation of compostable material decreases significantly and our compost facility closes its scales due to lack of business. While some residents may generate small amounts of compost, it would not be cost effective to run the compost route for the full year.
Why can't the regular trash truck take the compost?
In March of 1995, the State of Michigan ruled (PA 451 of 1994 [NREPA] as amended) that waste disposal facilities could not, knowingly, place yard waste into a sanitary landfill. This ruling can be viewed at: www.michiganlegislature.org/
What happens to the compost once it is processed?
This compost is sold by the facility to landscapers, developers etc. We also store usable compost during the season at the DPW Building located at 46555 Port Street that is available at no cost to our residents. Please contact the Solid Waste Department for more information.
What can I do with compost that I generate during the winter months?
All yard waste must be stored on your property until the season opens in the Spring.
Why not try backyard composting as a solution for your winter yard waste? Click here for more information and links.
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