The return of curbside compost collection resumes on Monday
The weekly curbside collection of compostable material in the city of Ann Arbor resumes Monday, April 5, 2021, on regular collection days. Compost collection routes run through Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. Residents can take advantage of this service by using optional compost carts and paper yard bags to dispose of materials appropriate for those containers and by bundling larger branches/brush and placing at the curb.
Paper yard bags may be used for yard trimmings such as leaves, weeds and other vegetation. Heavy bags can be difficult to service at times and also pose a greater injury and health risk to staff. If you must use paper yard bags, please don’t overload them. If you can’t lift it comfortably, neither can city staff.
Bundled brush or tree limbs, four feet or less, 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 less than 6 inches in diameter.
Residents who are able to are encouraged to take advantage of compost carts. See the list below for items that are PROHIBITED from compost carts and yard waste bags.
- Plastic bags or containers.
- Trash and recyclables.
- Dirt, rocks, stones and gravel.
- Sawdust.
- Branches 6 inches in diameter or over 4 feet in length.
- Painted or treated wood.
- Animal waste or cat litter.
- Tree stumps.
- Diapers.
Participating residents must place their compostables at the curb before 7 a.m. on their weekly waste collection day — allowing at least 3 feet between each cart with clearance from any obstacles overhead. Carts should be placed on lawn extensions, whenever possible, and never left in bike lanes. For complete details on what is and is not compostable, please visit www.a2gov.org/compost (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/trash-recycling/Pages/Compost.aspx).
Yard material drop-off, sales and free compost
The Ann Arbor compost facility is located at 4170 Platt Road. The facility is operated by WeCare Denali, http://www.wecareorganics.com/wecare-products/products-by-region/mid-west-region/, and is open weekdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m., and Saturdays between April and June 8 a.m.–noon. Ann Arbor residents may deliver 1 cubic yard per household, per day of acceptable yard trimmings and food waste, at no charge, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. A driver’s license with a valid city address is required for this free service.
To drop off, purchase or obtain free compost, visitors must use the new automated scale system, which includes weighing in and out. Before you go, please see the instructions online for using the new automated scale system: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/trash-recycling/Pages/Compost.aspx#Yard%20drop%20off
Acceptable drop-off materials include:
- Grass, leaves, other vegetation – must be clean and free of brush/wood.
- Mixed yard trimmings/brush/pallets (no plywood or OSB).
- Wood chips — must be clean.
- Food waste.
- Branches up to 6 inches in diameter.
Materials for sale include:
- Compost
- Natural wood mulch
- Pallet mulch
- Woodchips
Payments may be made by check or credit card only. Please visit WeCare Denali at http://www.wecareorganics.com/wecare-products/products-by-region/mid-west-region/, or call 734.794.6380, for current fees and pricing. No cash accepted.
Free compost
Free compost, up to 1 cubic yard, is available, for a limited time, to Ann Arbor residents. This material is located within the compost facility and can be picked up on Saturdays only, 7 a.m.– 11 a.m., between April 17 and July 3, 2021, or while supplies last. In order to obtain free compost, a valid city of Ann Arbor driver’s license is required. The limit is 1 cubic yard of compost per household. At the scale, enter material type: outbound compost resident free or outbound mulch resident free. Please note that this is a self-loading program, therefore each resident must bring their own shovel and containers they may need.
