Curbside Compost Collection Resumes April 4, 2022

Mar 27, 2022 | City News

The following was announced by the City on March 24, 2022:
https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=871

For more information about composting, please visit the City’s website:
https://www.a2gov.org/departments/trash-recycling/Pages/Compost.aspx


The weekly curbside collection of compostable material in the city of Ann Arbor resumes Monday, April 4, 2022, on regular collection days. Compost season runs through Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.

Residents can take advantage of curbside composting service by utilizing compost carts, paper yard bags or by bundling larger branches/brush for pick up at the curb or yard extension. Residents can also drop off these same materials to the compost facility (see below for drop-off procedures and hours of operation).

For more information about composting, visit the City’s website:
https://www.a2gov.org/departments/trash-recycling/Pages/Compost.aspx

Acceptable compost material includes:

  • Plate scrapings and food waste (including meat and bones)*.
  • Bamboo dinnerware*.
  • Grass clippings*.
  • BPI certified compostable bags, containers, silverware, etc.
  • Leaves and brush.
  • Branches less than 6 inches diameter (must fit in cart with lid closed).
  • Unpainted, untreated lumber (must fit in cart with lid closed).
  • Weeds.
  • Undecorated and cut up Christmas trees .
  • Garden pruning, garden surplus, crab apples, etc.
  • Used, cool wood ashes make great garden and flower bed fertilizer. If you aren’t able to use them there, then please place in compost cart.

*Food waste, bamboo ware and grass clippings must be placed in compost carts.

Single-family residential properties can get one FREE 64- or 96-gallon compost cart by contacting customer service at 734.994.7336 or customerservice@a2gov.org. Pick up is free, or one can be delivered for $59; additional carts are available for a fee. Visit www.a2gov.org/compost for sizes and prices.

Paper yard bags and bundled brush/tree limbs

Paper yard bags may be used for yard trimmings such as leaves, weeds and other vegetation . Bundled brush or tree limbs, 4 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 less than 6 inches in diameter.

As bags can be difficult to service at times, while also posing a greater injury and health risk to staff, composters, who can, are encouraged to take advantage of carts. If you must use paper yard bags, don’t overload them. If you can’t lift it comfortably, neither can city staff.

Participating residents must place their compostables at the curb before 7 AM on their weekly waste collection day — allowing at least 3 feet between each cart with clearance from any obstacles overhead. If there is a bike lane, carts must be placed on the lawn extension (the area between the road and the sidewalk or at the edge of your yard next to the street) instead.

These items are prohibited from compost carts and yard waste bags:

  • Plastic bags or containers.
  • Trash and recyclables.
  • Dirt, rocks, stones or 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.
Ann Arbor compost flyer April 2021