Detroit, MI Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Earliest curb placement
- 6:00 p.m. day before collection
- Removal deadline
- 9:00 p.m. on collection day
- First-offense fine
- $100, rising to $1,000
- Container provided
- One Courville container per household unit
- Coverage
- 1-4 unit residential structures
Summary
Detroit residents must set Courville trash containers at the curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before collection and pull them back by 9:00 p.m. on collection day.
When collection service is desired, all Courville containers must be placed by the owner, lessee, agent or caretaker at the curb or designated location no earlier than 6:00 p.m. on the day prior to the scheduled solid waste collection day for access by Department of Public Works' solid waste collection trucks and shall be removed no later than 9:00 p.m. on the day of collection.(c)Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to prohibit the owner, lessee, agent, or caretaker from entering into a contract for solid waste collection services with a collector licensed under Article III of this chapter. Upon request, evidence of private solid waste collection services must be provided to the Department of Public Works. (Code 1984, § 22-2-41; Ord. No. 15-02, § 1(22-2-41), eff. 9-27-2002; Ord. No. 35-04, § 1(22-2-41), eff. 12-1-2004)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
The Department of Public Works assigns one Courville container to each unit in residential structures with one to four households. Under City Code § 42-2-46(b), owners, tenants or agents must place the container at the curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled pickup and remove it by 9:00 p.m. on collection day itself; containers can't sit out any earlier or linger afterward. Buildings with five or more units follow a separate schedule under § 42-2-47.
Violations & Fines
Placing or leaving a Courville container out at the wrong time is a blight violation under § 42-1-21: $100 first offense, $300 second, $500 third, $1,000 fourth or later; each day counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my trash can out in Detroit?
What's the penalty for leaving the container out too long?
Does this rule cover apartment buildings too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
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Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle collection schedule.