Rochester Hills, MI Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Section 86-30(2) of the Rochester Hills Code spells out how recyclable materials must be readied for collection when they are not commingled with solid waste. They must be site-separated from other waste and either placed in a recycling collection container suitable for that purpose, or, for newspapers and other recyclable paper products, stored in recycling containers, paper bags, or tied into bundles that weigh no more than 50 pounds. Metal, glass or plastic recyclables must be rinsed and cleaned before storage, so food residue in a jar or can is a preparation failure, not just a nuisance.

Section 86-31(2) sets the pickup clock: recyclable materials not commingled with solid waste must be removed from the site of generation by a licensed waste hauler at least weekly, or sooner if they become a nuisance or danger to public health, safety or welfare. Recyclables placed at curbside become the licensed hauler's property under section 86-28, and only that hauler or the generator may collect them once set out; section 86-29 bars dumping recyclables on another person's property, and section 86-31(6)(a) caps how long a recycling container may sit at curbside at 24 hours.

A hauler may refuse a load that skips the rinsing or bundling steps under section 86-31(7), leaving the resident to re-sort it before the next collection.