Battle Creek, MI Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Section 1064.27(a) of the Battle Creek Codified Ordinances sets a two-sided clock for residential set-out in the City of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. The earliest time to place garbage or refuse for collection is 1:00 p.m. local time on the day prior to scheduled collection. After the contractor empties the container and recycling bin contents, the customer must take empty containers, recycling bins and carts away from the curb or front door area no later than 9:00 a.m. local time on the day following collection.

Where items go is covered by Section 1064.26. For curbside unlimited collection, containers, bags, bundles and bulky wastes are placed at the curbside in a manner to prevent scattering, and the contractor can decline anything not so placed. Backyard customers place containers or plastic bags in the back or sideyard once each week. The recycling bin or cart goes at the curbside in a manner to prevent scattering or, for a qualified disabled person, at or near the front door so it is readily observable from the curbside. Under subsections (c) and (d), owners and occupants must provide a safe and convenient entrance for collection, place containers where collectors can empty them without attack from animals, and keep refuse reasonably separate from personal effects that are not meant to be collected.

Storage between pickups is its own rule. Section 1064.23(a) says containers and recycling bins or carts cannot be stored in the front yard of any premises as defined by Section 1230.06, and must be located so they are not overturned. Section 1064.06 defines a container as twenty gallons or greater but not more than thirty-two gallons. Section 1064.29 bars anyone but the owner, licensed collectors, City employees or designated audit staff from moving a bin or cart from where it was placed.