What To Do With Return to A-Z Guide
Cardboard
Cardboard is accepted for recycling in curbside recycling carts, for composting in curbside composting bins, at the Drop-Off Station, and the Recovery Yard. Recycling is the preferred method, but cardboard can be composted.
Recycle Right!
Flatten and empty boxes before recycling. All cardboard must fit loosely inside the cart with the lid closed, and the lid may not be secured shut. Large cardboard can be dropped off at the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. To compost, make sure all tape and stickers are removed from the cardboard in addition to breaking down and flattening it. Recycling is the best option for cardboard, but it can be composted.
Choose Zero Waste!
Try to avoid using cardboard as much as you can. For unavoidable shipping boxes, reuse them for craft projects, for storage, or use them as a weed barrier in your garden.
A note about pizza boxes: pizza boxes are accepted for recycling. Remove the liner (often the greasiest part) and all food waste; no pizza slices, crusts, cheese, or any other remnants should be left inside. Flatten box for recycling in either curbside collection or drop-off recycling. Read more about pizza box recycling.
Accepted at:
The city offers single-family residential properties one free 64- or 96-gallon compost cart. Larger carts and commercial composting are available for a fee.
For more information on these services and for a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items, see the City of Ann Arbor’s Curbside Compost page here.
Yard waste bags and bundled brush/tree limbs
Paper yard waste bags may be used for yard waste such as leaves, weeds and other vegetation. Bundled brush or tree limbs, four feet or less, can be tied with natural twine in bundles up to 18 inches in diameter, can be left at the curb for pickup. Individual tree limbs must be no more than 6 inches in diameter.
Compost bags and bundled brush exceeding 50 pounds will not be serviced.
WeCare Denali Ann Arbor Composting Facility
Address:
4150 Platt Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:
(734) 477-0334
- Step 1
- All recyclable items should be empty, rinsed clean of all food particulates, and dry before placing them into the curbside bin. Labels may be left on.
- Step 2
- Tightly screw caps and lids onto their original plastic, glass, or aseptic containers. Empty and flatten all cardboard and boxboard. No batteries, plastic bags or film, or bagged recyclables accepted.
- Step 3
- Residential curbside carts must be placed out at the curb before 7 a.m. on your weekly service day.
- *HOLIDAY OPERATIONS NOTICE: All divisions of Recycle Ann Arbor will be closed on Wednesday, December 25th, and Wednesday, January 1st, in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Curbside recycling pick-up will be delayed by one day, with routes running Thursday through Saturday both weeks.
- Address:
- Recycle Ann Arbor
P.O. Box 7180
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-7180 - Phone:
- 734.662.6288
- Step 1
- When first arriving, stop at the gatehouse to have your materials assessed and pay the appropriate fees. See price list for full details.
- Step 2
- The gatehouse attendant will direct you to where your items should be placed. You may be required to stop at multiple areas and containers on site.
- Step 3
- For a complete list of what is accepted, visit the Drop-Off About page. For safety reasons, pets and children under 13 years old must remain inside the vehicle at all times. Prices are subject to change, and our staff reserves the right to refuse any material that is deemed unsuitable.
- Address:
- 2950 East Ellsworth Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108 - Phone:
- 734.971.7400
- Public drop-off Hours:
- Tues. & Thurs. 8:30 am to 6:30 pm*
- Saturday 9 am to 6 pm*
- Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
- Credit Cards ONLY. No cash/check.
- *SEASONAL NOTICE: due to lighting & safety concerns, scrap metal, general waste, bulky waste, furniture, yard waste, and concrete are not accepted after 5 PM during the winter season.
- Step 1
- Prior to unloading, Call the office 734-426-2280 to receive directions and assistance.
- Step 2
- Please check our Recovery Yard Drop Off Price list as applicable fees will apply.
- Prohibited Items:
- No liquids, paints or varnishes, No toxics, No alkaline batteries, food waste, asbestos, soil, sand nor deceased pets, livestock or wildlife.
- Address:
- 7891 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103 - Phone:
- 734.426.2280
- Public drop-off hours:
- Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 3:15 pm
- Closed Saturday and Sunday