Battle Creek, MI Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Section 1064.22(a) of the Battle Creek Codified Ordinances, part of the Refuse Management Ordinance, ends with the recycling rule: refuse intended for recycling shall be rinsed so as to be free of food or beverage residue and shall be placed in recycling bins or recycling carts for collection. Loose recyclables at the curb do not meet the text.

The equipment is defined in Section 1064.06. A recycling bin holds less than twenty gallons and is used exclusively for recyclables. A recycling cart holds ninety-six gallons, or less if the City Manager approves, and is provided by the City contractor. Under Section 1064.23(a), the City or its contractor can supply bins or carts to residential units at cost, and bins and carts cannot be stored in the front yard as defined by Section 1230.06. Section 1064.24 requires the contractor to provide curbside recycling to each residential premises, either one time per week or bi-weekly as the City Manager determines appropriate, and Section 1064.25 puts refuse and recycling on the same designated collection weekday.

Placement and timing come from Sections 1064.26 and 1064.27. The 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. Nothing goes out earlier than 1:00 p.m. local time on the day before collection, and empty bins and carts must come in by 9:00 a.m. local time on the day after collection. Section 1064.29 lets City employees and individuals designated by City staff open bins for recycling audits, where carts flagged for improper use notify the customer.