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1. What are the different colored bins used for?

Gray is only for refuse (garbage) collection - it is collected weekly
Blue is only for yard waste collection - it is collected weekly on your refuse day April to November
Brown is only for recycling - it is collected on a schedule once per month on your refuse day

2. There is no brown recycle cart at my home, how do I get a recycle cart?

Call the Department of Public Services at 989-837-6900 and request one. They will ask for your name, address, and phone number. The brown recycle cart will be delivered by Republic Services.

3. How do I recycle cardboard?

All boxboard and cardboard must fit loosely inside the brown recycle cart.  Cardboard and boxes placed outside the cart cannot be collected unless they fit inside the cart.  The driver has no way to collect these items using the automated arm of the truck.  You may also place oversized cardboard out for your monthly Heavy Item Collection.

4. Acceptable curbside recycling items

Please view the attached brochure for acceptable and unacceptable recycling items.

5. What items are not accepted for curbside recycling?

Please view the attached brochure for items that are not accepted for recycling.

6. Cart was damaged after collection. What do I do?

For repairs or replacement of your brown recycle cart, contact the Department of Public Services at 989-837-6900.  Let them know what needs to be repaired (wheel off, lid, etc.) and a repair/replacement will be scheduled.

7. What is the white imprinted number on the brown cart?

The white imprinted number is a serial number.  You should record the white imprinted serial number of your brown recycle cart.  If your cart is stolen, you will need to provide a police report with the serial number in order to receive a replacement cart.

8. I occasionally have extra recycling and my cart is full, what do I do?

Residents are allowed to set out up to three (3) 14-gallon bins or like size containers (i.e laundry basket) next to their brown recycle cart.  The driver will empty the brown cart, get out of the truck and empty the items in the additional containers into the brown cart and empty it. Items in the additional containers must be able to fit into the brown cart.  If you routinely have an overflow of recycling, you should consider leasing an additional brown cart for $36 per cart per year.  You are allowed a maximum of three (3) brown carts.  For information about leasing additional carts, contact the Department of Public Service at 989-837-6900.