Curbside Recycling for Single-family Residences

Recycle Ann Arbor is contracted by the City of Ann Arbor to collect recyclables weekly at the curb from City of Ann Arbor residents, in a single-stream collection system.

Single-stream recycling is easy and convenient, which encourages residents to recycle the most materials possible. Single-stream recycling allows all recyclables to be placed into one recycling bin without separating papers from containers.

The City of Ann Arbor’s single-stream recycling system allows a wide variety of materials to be collected and recycled.

Acceptable materials include:

  • Plastic bottles and tubs
    • plastic caps acceptable if screwed tight onto bottle
  • Glass bottles and jars (any color)
    • labels may be left on
  • Metal cans and foil
    • ball up aluminum foil
  • Mixed paper
  • Boxboard & cardboard
    • please empty and flatten
  • Cartons (i.e. broth & milk cartons)

Download our one-page recycling guide.

Tips for Single-Stream Recycling

  • Review our Guide to Better Recycling to avoid the top 12 contaminants we see in the recycling carts.
  • Carts must be out before 7 AM for pickup.
  • Place cart with metal lift bar facing the street.
  • All items must be empty, clean, and dry.
  • Everything, including cardboard, must fit loosely inside the cart with the lid closed, and the lid may not be secured shut.
  • All additional recycling materials that do not fit inside the cart with the lid shut must be stored elsewhere until the carts are emptied for the following week's service day.
  • Collection service is only provided once per week. If you want to recycle abundant materials before the following week, you are welcome to use either the Drop-Off Station or the Recovery Yard.

 

Recycling cart & service options

Recyclables are collected in 64-gallon wheeled carts. Recycling carts are also available in 32-gallon and 96-gallon sizes.

Call Recycle Ann Arbor at (734) 662-6288 for information about:

  • Picking up new resident carts, or having a cart delivered to a new residence (delivery fee applies);
  • Replacing a lost or stolen cart; or
  • Increasing or decreasing the size of your current recycling cart.
  • If you plan to exchange a cart for a different size, please bring your old cart to the RAA office clean and empty of all materials.