Royal Oak, MI Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Chapter 633 defines RECYCLABLES in § 633-1 as garbage, rubbish or solid waste required to be picked up separately for recycling, naming newspapers, glass containers, metal cans, Type 1 and 2 plastics, and household batteries as included items, while noting the list is not exclusive. § 633-2A(2) requires that recyclables be contained for collection in a City-approved eighteen-gallon or six-gallon plastic container clearly marked for recyclables only, distinct from the watertight metal or plastic mixed-refuse cans described in § 633-2A(1) and from the separate paper-bag or bundled newspaper rule in § 633-2A(3).

Improperly contained recyclables are tagged and left at the curb rather than collected, per § 633-2G, and if the City must clean up improperly contained material for health, safety or welfare reasons, the cost is billed under § 633-10C. Once a recycling container is properly set out for collection, § 633-6B makes it unlawful for anyone other than the owner, occupant, their employees or agents, or City employees to tamper with, take, carry away, pick through, or scavenge the recyclables, alongside the same protection extended to garbage, mixed waste and yard waste.

The Fire Chief, Code Enforcement Division, Police Department, City Inspectors and the Public Works Superintendent share enforcement authority for the chapter under §§ 633-5C and 633-11.