The following was announced by the City on March 30, 2021
https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=778
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 5, 2021, on regular collection days. Compost season runs through Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.
Residents can take advantage of curbside composting by utilizing optional compost carts, paper yard bags or by bundling larger branches/brush and placing at the curb.
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.
*Items may only be placed in optional compost carts.
The city offers single-family residential properties one free 64- or 96-gallon compost cart. Pick up is free or one can be delivered for $59, and additional carts are available for a fee. To order a cart, please contact the customer service center at 734.994.7336 or via customerservice@a2gov.org. 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, 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 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, we are encouraging all composters, who can, to take advantage of carts. If you must use paper yard bags, please 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 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.
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.
