Ann Arbor, MI Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Ann Arbor City Code Chapter 26
- Curbside collection
- Not provided for bulk items
- Disposal responsibility
- Private removal arranged by customer
- Donation alternative
- 48-hour curb placement if reusable
Summary
Ann Arbor's solid waste haulers will not curbside-collect bulky items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances: residents must arrange private removal under City Code Chapter 26.
Bulk items that do not fit inside curb carts, such as furniture, mattresses, appliances and oversized or overweight building materials. Customers must make their own arrangements with the private sector for the proper removal and disposal of bulk items.(2)Liquid waste.(3)Hot ashes or other heated materials.(4)Dead animals, animal waste or human waste except in the manner required by the solid waste regulations.(5)Explosives, dangerous chemicals and other hazardous material.(6)Commercial medical waste as defined by the Michigan Public Health Code.(7)Other material that may damage equipment, pose a safety threat to collectors or the environment or are regulated by the state or federal government or as determined by the City Administrator through the solid waste regulations. (Ord. No. 25-35, § 1, 1-5-26)
2:5. - Solid waste facilities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 26 lists bulk items, furniture, mattresses, appliances, and oversized or overweight building materials that don't fit inside a curb cart, among the prohibited materials the city, its contracted haulers, and its franchise haulers will not collect. Customers must arrange and pay for their own private removal and disposal of these items. Undamaged bulk items can instead be set at the curb for donation or reuse under a separate 48-hour placement rule, but that option doesn't apply once an item is broken, worn out, or otherwise unfit for reuse.
Violations & Fines
Setting out prohibited bulk items for city pickup just leaves them uncollected; leaving discarded ones out as illegal storage draws a civil fine up to $1,000 under § 2:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ann Arbor pick up bulky trash like old furniture?
Can I leave an old couch at the curb for someone to take?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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