Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Independence Charter Township
Trash Day
Collection days vary by private hauler. Independence Charter Township does not provide municipal trash collection; residents subscribe individually with township-licensed haulers (such as Waste Management, Priority Waste, or Community Disposal).
Recycling
Varies by contracted hauler. Curbside recycling options and pickup schedules depend on your chosen waste service provider.
Yard Waste
Varies by contracted hauler. Seasonal yard waste collection is available through individual hauler subscriptions.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Township utility bills cover municipal water and sewer services only. Residential trash and recycling services are billed separately through your selected private waste hauler.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Drop Box, In-Person
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
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.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Scrap into Cold, Hard Cash Around Independence?
Hey neighbor! While Independence Charter Township doesn't have a dedicated local recycling buyback center right in town, Oakland County does have options for getting a few bucks back for those cans and bottles. You can usually take eligible beverage containers to redemption centers located in nearby communities. Also, keep an eye out for scrap metal yards in the broader Oakland County area – if you've got old appliances or metal bits you're getting rid of, they might be willing to pay you for them. It's a great way to declutter and make a little extra spending money!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Independence
Before you toss something that's still in good shape, think about donating it! Right here in the area, you've got places like the DAV Thrift Store in Waterford, which is often looking for clothing, housewares, and furniture to support veterans. You might also find that organizations like the Salvation Army or local Goodwill stores are happy to accept your donations, helping out families in need while keeping items out of the landfill. It feels good to give back, and your old items can bring joy to someone else.
Keeping Independence Beautiful: Tackling Clutter and Nasty Dumping
Let's all do our part to keep Independence Charter Township looking its best! While there aren't specific community clean-up events listed regularly, many residents organize their own neighborhood clean-ups. If you ever spot illegal dumping, it's super important to report it. You can usually contact the Oakland County Sheriff's Office or the township's public works department to let them know. They often have resources or can guide you on the best way to handle larger, potentially hazardous items that won't fit in your regular bin, sometimes even having special collection days for things like electronics or old paint.
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.