Farmington Hills, MI Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Bin placement in Farmington Hills is governed by the City-Priority Waste service rules and Chapter 17 (Nuisances) of the Farmington Hills Code. Set-out window: containers must NOT be placed at the curb earlier than 6:00 PM on the day before collection, and they must be REMOVED from the curb no later than 12 hours after collection. Place the cart at the curb or at the edge of the street in front of the home — not in the street travel lane, not blocking the sidewalk, and not blocking a fire hydrant, mailbox, or driveway apron. Carts must be set with the wheels and lid latches facing the house (handles toward the house) and the front of the cart facing the street so the automated arm can engage. Allow approximately 3 feet of clearance around the cart from parked cars, fences, mailboxes, and other carts so the arm can grasp the cart without obstruction. Bag-and-bundle waste set out alongside the cart must be in approved containers of 10 to 35 gallons (metal or plastic) or 10 to 30 gallon plastic bags, with bundles tied with twine and not exceeding 4 feet in length or 50 pounds in weight. Yard waste must be set out in paper yard waste bags or in a personal container clearly labeled 'YARD WASTE' (no plastic bags) during the yard waste collection season (early April through early December). Containers and bagged waste left at the curb beyond 12 hours after collection create a Chapter 17 nuisance condition and are subject to Code Enforcement citation. In winter, residents must clear snow from around the cart and avoid placing the cart on top of a snowbank where the arm cannot reach. For multi-unit condominiums with shared collection points, dumpster placement and screening are subject to additional zoning rules under the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 34) and approved site plan. Report issues to the Division of Public Works at (248) 871-2850.