Ann Arbor’s Solid Waste Unit (a2gov.org/solidwaste) coordinates recycling, compost, and trash collection. 

Residential trash and compost collection provided weekly by the City of Ann Arbor. Curbside compost collection of carts, paper yard bags, and bundled branches occurs weekly during the spring, summer, and fall. One free compost cart is available for each single-family residential property; additional ones available for a fee. To request a cart, call (734) 994–7336 or email [email protected]. 

Residential recycling collection provided weekly by Recycle Ann Arbor (734–662–6288, recycleannarbor.org). 

  • Trash, recycling, and compost carts must be out before 7 a.m. on collection days.
  • Carts must be 3 feet apart, lids fully closed, with no trash/debris on or around them.
  • Carts must be placed in the street (or, in the case of bike lanes or busy streets, on lawn extension or buffer) with handles facing away from the street. 
  • Those needing assistance with placing carts at the curb should call the Customer Service Center at (734) 794–7336.

Go to a2gov.org/solidwaste for lists of acceptable trash, recycling, and compost items, and how to set out material properly. Report missed collections via a2gov.org/a2fixit or the A2 Fix It mobile app.

Commercial trash collection is provided under an exclusive franchise agreement with WM. To ask a question or report a missed pickup, contact WM at (866) 797–9018, [email protected], or through the My WM online portal. Commercial compost collection is also available. All commercial properties receive recycling collection at no charge, either in a dumpster collected by the City of Ann Arbor or in carts collected by Recycle Ann Arbor. a2gov.org/commercialtrash

Residents and businesses are encouraged to repair, reuse, or refurbish items in good condition. Go to a2gov.org/reuse for ideas of where to shop for or donate items

The Drop-Off Station (2950 Ellsworth), operated by Recycle Ann Arbor, provides recycling and safe waste disposal, especially for items that are difficult to recycle or not accepted at the curb. Tues. & Thurs. 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (with seasonal restrictions). $5 gate fee and additional fees for hard-to-recycle items. Go to recycleannarbor.org or call (734) 971–7400 for details, entry and drop-off fees, list of acceptable items, and more.