(Ypsilanti, MI, May 1, 2022) – The City will begin rolling out new recycling carts for residents next week as it officially increases its “single-stream” collection service.
With this new carted recycling program, residents will be able to place all recyclable items directly into a new, larger recycling container. The 96-gallon carts will begin arriving at residents’ homes on May 8th and continue through the week. The carts will replace the smaller bins currently used for residential recycling and come with wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep recyclables dry and secure. Current commercial or multifamily recyclers currently using red bins can contact the Department of Public Services to make arrangements.
“This is an important step forward in the City’s pursuit of sustainability,” said Bonnie Wessler, Director of Public Services. “Improving our volume of recyclables collected while keeping our contamination rates low helps us to be able to continue this well-established and valued program.”
The City asks that residents continue to do their part by placing only recyclable materials in their carts, including glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, paper products (including newspapers and flattened cardboard), and empty plastic bottles and containers. To help limit contamination, give food and drink containers a quick rinse and then place them directly into the recycling cart—no sorting needed.
Some items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags, paper towels, pizza boxes, electrical equipment, batteries, and clothing. These items often get mixed into recycling carts because of “wishcycling,” or the hope that they can be recycled. While well-intentioned, non-recyclable items cause serious issues.
The City applied for and received a grant from The Recycling Partnership, an NGO advancing a circular economy by building a better recycling system in U.S. communities and states. Ypsilanti was selected to receive grant support because of its dedication to advancing recycling in the community. The grant from The Recycling Partnership will provide just over 5,800 new carts and includes funding for education and outreach about the new collection process.
“The Recycling Partnership is excited for Ypsilanti residents to start receiving carts next week. The carts will be easier to use and provide almost 3 times more capacity so residents can recycle more,” says Cassandra Ford, Community Program Manager with The Partnership. “We have been honored to work with multiple communities in Washtenaw County, WRRMA and Recycle Ann Arbor to make improvements to the recycling infrastructure and overall system.”
For more information on what can and can’t go into the cart, visit https://cityofypsilanti.com/301/Recycling-Program.
Residents can begin using their new carts beginning May 15, 2023. The collection schedule will be changing slightly as the City transitions to an every-other week recycling and yard waste collection program due to the increased capacity of the new carts; please check the City’s website or call us to see if you’re an “A” week or a “B” week. Trash pickup schedules remain unchanged. Residents are welcome to keep their existing red bins.
To find your recycling day, plus answers to other Frequently Asked Questions, visit https://cityofypsilanti.com/301/Recycling-Program or contact the Department of Public Services at 734-483-1421, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm, or by emailing recycling@cityofypsilanti.com.
The City of Ypsilanti has 20,000 residents, spans 4.5 square miles, and is known for its rich history, Huron River parks, and as the home of Eastern Michigan University. The City’s mission is to work creatively and collaboratively to enhance the natural and built environment so that its population grows and thrives. To keep up with City of Ypsilanti information, subscribe for email updates, and follow us on Facebook.