Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Independence Charter Township
Michigan residential pickups occur weekly. Please check your local township or city map for your exact neighborhood collection day.
State Mandate
Keep yard clippings out of landfills. Return deposit bottles separately.
Varies by private hauler (e.g., Green for WM, Blue/Yellow for Priority) Bin (Trash)
Because routes vary by private hauler, residents should place their contracted carts at the curb no later than 6:00 AM on their scheduled pickup day. Carts must be pulled back from the street by the evening of collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Bagged refuse
Varies by private hauler Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be kept loose inside the recycling cart. Do not bag your recyclables in plastic garbage bags, as this causes severe jams at local Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened corrugated cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper and mail
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste collection requires a seasonal subscription with your chosen hauler (typically running from April through November). Use 30-gallon Kraft paper bags or clearly labeled compost bins.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Fallen leaves
- ✓Small branches and twigs (bundled)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-Demand (Must be scheduled)
Placement
Do not place bulky items at the curb until you have a confirmed scheduled pickup date from your private hauler. Early placement can result in neighborhood blight complaints.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and chairs
- ✓ Mattresses (often must be wrapped)
- ✓ Standard household furniture
- ✓ Large appliances (freon must be removed)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
- ✕ Liquid paints and solvents
- ✕ Contractor construction debris
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Extra fees generally apply for bulk item collection. Your hauler will quote you a price per item when you call to schedule the pickup.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Most private haulers operating in the township follow a standard one-day delay. If a major holiday falls on a weekday, your collection day will be pushed back one day for the remainder of that week (e.g., Friday pickups move to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection is subject to the same holiday delay schedules as standard trash during the active April-November compost season.
Always check directly with your specific contracted hauler (e.g., WM or Priority Waste) for their exact holiday policies, as schedules can occasionally differ between companies.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Proper Disposal of Cooking Grease
The Township DPW reminds all residents that grease and cooking oils should never be poured down the drain. Pour warm grease into a sealed container, let it solidify, and throw it into your standard trash bin to prevent massive sewer line blockages.
Strict Ban on Bagged Recyclables
Regardless of which private hauler you contract with in Independence Township, plastic bags are universally banned in single-stream recycling carts. Empty your recyclables loosely into the bin and return film plastics to local grocery store drop-offs.
Bundle Your Brush Correctly
If you are utilizing a yard waste subscription, ensure that all branches and brush are cut to lengths of 4 feet or less and securely tied with heavy twine. Loose, sprawling branches will be rejected by collection crews.
Seasonal Information
Spring
April - MayThe seasonal compost and yard waste collection period typically begins in April. Ensure you have renewed your yard waste subscription with your private hauler before placing Kraft bags at the curb.
Summer
June - AugustSummer is peak season for home renovations. Remember that heavy construction debris (drywall, concrete, lumber) is strictly prohibited in standard trash carts. You must rent a temporary roll-off dumpster from a licensed hauler for these materials.
Winter
December - MarchDuring heavy Michigan snowstorms, do not place your refuse carts in the street or on top of snowbanks. Shovel a flat shelf at the end of your driveway so automated trucks can safely reach the bins without interfering with Oakland County snowplows.
About Independence Charter Township Waste Management
Navigating the Open Market Waste System
Independence Charter Township does not provide a centralized, tax-funded municipal trash collection service. Instead, the township operates on a private subscription—or 'open market'—system. This means homeowners and local businesses are responsible for independently researching, selecting, and contracting with a private waste hauler that best fits their budget and service needs, such as Waste Management (WM) or Priority Waste.
Strict Township Licensing for Solid Waste Haulers
To protect residents, prevent neighborhood nuisances, and ensure public safety, Independence Township strictly regulates who can pick up trash. Under Chapter 40, Article II of the Township Code of Ordinances, any solid waste or recycling hauler operating within the township boundaries must apply for and maintain an annual Solid Waste Hauler License through the Township Clerk's Office. All registered garbage trucks must clearly display a township-issued license sticker on the driver's side door.
Protecting the Independence Sanitary Sewer System
The Independence Township Department of Public Works (DPW) places a strong emphasis on proper waste disposal to protect local infrastructure. The DPW strictly warns residents against treating their sinks and toilets like trash cans. 'Flushable' wipes, personal items, and cooking grease cause severe clogs and sewage backups. Residents are instructed to let cooking oil and grease cool in a lidded container and dispose of it in their curbside trash cart.
Access to Oakland County Hazardous Waste Programs
Because highly toxic materials are banned from all standard residential trash carts by state law, residents must seek alternative disposal methods for household hazardous waste. Through Oakland County's regional environmental programs, residents can access specialized drop-off events to safely dispose of old pesticides, oil-based paints, automotive fluids, and electronic waste, preventing these dangerous chemicals from leaching into Michigan's groundwater.
Drop-off Facilities
SOCRRA Troy Transfer Station (For participating community access)
995 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI 48084
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Independence Township provide municipal trash collection?
No. Independence Charter Township operates on an open-market system. The local government does not offer curbside garbage, recycling, or yard waste collection. Residents and businesses must independently set up their own service by contacting a licensed private hauler, such as Waste Management or Priority Waste.
How do I report a missed trash pickup?
Because the township does not manage the waste contracts or dispatch the garbage trucks, you must call your private hauler directly to report a missed pickup or to resolve any billing issues.
Are trash companies regulated in Independence Township?
Yes. Under Chapter 40 of the Township Code of Ordinances, any solid waste or recycling hauler doing business in the township must be licensed annually through the Township Clerk's Office and must display a valid license sticker on their vehicles.
How should I dispose of leftover cooking grease?
The Independence Township Department of Public Works strongly advises residents to never pour cooking grease or oil down the sink, as it leads to costly sewer backups. Allow the grease to cool and harden in a sealed container, then throw it away in your standard household trash.