Detroit provides curbside recycling collection every other week. The city uses single-stream recycling, accepting paper, cardboard, plastics #1-#7, glass, and metal cans in the blue recycling cart.
Detroit's curbside recycling program is managed by DPW with GFL Environmental as the contracted hauler. Single-stream recycling means all recyclable materials go in one cart without sorting. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics #1 through #7, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and cartons. Materials must be clean, dry, and empty. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics, and food waste are not accepted in curbside recycling. Contaminated carts with non-recyclable items may be left uncollected with a tag explaining the issue. Detroit's recycling participation rate has historically been lower than the national average, and the city has increased outreach and education efforts. Drop-off recycling locations are available for additional materials.
Contaminated recycling carts may not be collected and will receive an educational tag. Repeated contamination issues may result in the recycling cart being removed from the property. There are no fines for failing to recycle, but improper disposal of recyclables in the trash is discouraged.
Detroit, MI
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Detroit, MI
Detroit has no specific ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, pumpkins, Santas). Restrictions, if any, come from priva...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no citywide ordinance restricting the time of year, brightness, or duration of residential holiday lights. Restrictions arise mainly from Local H...
Detroit, MI
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Detroit requires separate trade permits from BSEED for any gas line, electrical, or plumbing work, plus a building permit if it...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no ordinance specifically regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills. The City's nuisance and air-quality provisions (Detroit Code Ch...
Detroit, MI
Detroit follows the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Michigan. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking on combustible balcon...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle recycling requirements.
See how Detroit's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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