Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Inkster
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.
Typically Gray or Black Bin (Trash)
All trash should be bagged before being placed inside the provided cart with the lid completely closed to avoid spillage.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam and non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Ceramics and broken glass (safely packaged)
Typically Blue or Green Bin (Recycling)
Place all recyclables loosely in the cart. Do not bag recyclables. Ensure containers are emptied and lightly rinsed of food residue.
Accepted Items
- ✓Newspaper, junk mail, and magazines
- ✓Flattened cardboard and boxboard
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and storage containers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film
- ✕Styrofoam and plastic cups
- ✕Soiled pizza boxes
- ✕Metal or plastic hangers
- ✕Bubble wrap and packing materials
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in Kraft paper bags or a maximum 35-gallon container clearly marked as 'Yard Waste'. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited for compost.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small twigs and branches
- ✓Garden trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly
Placement
Place bulk items neatly at the curb alongside your regular trash cart on your scheduled pickup day.
Accepted
- ✓ Large furniture (couches, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Household appliances (freon must be properly removed)
- ✓ Large household junk
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste (chemicals, wet paint, motor oil)
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Large-scale construction or demolition debris
Because there is no limit on weekly bulk pickup, residents generally do not face additional fees for standard household large items.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled service day falls on or after an observed holiday during the week, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste services are halted from mid-December through March, so winter holiday delays only apply to standard refuse and recycling.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, your collection schedule is typically unaffected.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Ban the Plastic Bag
Priority Waste strictly prohibits plastic grocery bags and film from the recycling cart. These items wrap around the sorting gears at the recycling facility, causing severe equipment damage. Always leave your recyclables loose.
The Greasy Pizza Box Rule
While cardboard is highly recyclable, grease and cheese ruin the paper fibers. Tear off the clean lid of your pizza box to recycle it, and throw the food-soiled bottom half straight into the trash.
Keep Hangers and Tanglers Out
Never place metal wire or plastic clothes hangers in your recycling bin. Along with hoses and cords, these act as 'tanglers' and are not accepted in standard municipal recycling programs.
Seasonal Information
Spring
April - MayCurbside compost and yard waste pickup officially begins in early April. Ensure all seasonal yard cleanup debris is placed in appropriate 35-gallon cans or paper compost bags.
Autumn
October - NovemberAs leaves fall heavily in Wayne County, ensure you are not overpacking your yard waste containers. Stick to the 35-gallon size limit so crews can safely manually lift the bins.
Winter
December - JanuaryCompost collection wraps up in mid-December. However, Priority Waste offers a special three-week collection period immediately following the holidays for natural Christmas trees.
About Inkster Waste Management
Reliable Residential Trash Collection in Inkster
Maintaining a clean and vibrant community in Wayne County is easier than ever with Inkster's dedicated waste management services. The city partners directly with Priority Waste to handle all weekly curbside refuse collection. Residents are encouraged to use their designated wheeled carts to secure household garbage, preventing wind-blown litter and deterring local wildlife from scattering debris across neighborhoods.
Inkster's Unbeatable Weekly Bulk Waste Program
One of the standout features of Inkster's municipal contract is its incredibly generous bulk waste policy. Unlike many neighboring Michigan cities that restrict large item disposal to one item per month or require special fees, Inkster residents enjoy weekly bulk pickups with no quantity limits. Whether you are clearing out an old mattress, disposing of broken furniture, or managing spring cleaning, you can place your bulky items curbside on your regular service day.
Smart Recycling Guidelines for Wayne County
Priority Waste offers streamlined single-stream recycling for Inkster homes. Acceptable materials include flattened cardboard, metal cans, and common household plastics (like bottles and tubs). However, it is vital to keep contaminants out of the cart to keep local recycling streams viable. Residents must ensure that all items are loose in the cart, as plastic bags, styrofoam, and food waste will ruin entire batches of recyclable materials.
Special Assistance for Disabled Residents
Inkster and Priority Waste are committed to accessible sanitation services for everyone. For residents who are physically unable to transport their heavy waste carts to the curb, a specialized side-door service is available. To enroll in this helpful program, residents must submit medical proof of their disability to both the Priority Waste customer service team and the City of Inkster administration.
Navigating Seasonal Yard Waste Disposal
Managing property aesthetics through the changing Michigan seasons requires proper yard waste disposal. Inkster's compost collection runs systematically from early April through mid-December. Residents must package their organic debris in biodegradable Kraft paper bags or rigid containers no larger than 35 gallons. Keep an eye out for special post-holiday collection windows specifically designated for live Christmas tree recycling.
Drop-off Facilities
J. Fons Co. Transfer Station
6451 E McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48212
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for side-door trash collection in Inkster?
Residents with physical limitations can receive side-door service. You must submit valid medical proof of your disability to Priority Waste and send a copy of the documentation to the City of Inkster to qualify.
Is there a limit to how much bulk trash I can put out?
No! According to Priority Waste's guidelines for Inkster, there is no limit on the amount of bulk or special pickup items you can place at the curb each week on your normal service day.
Who do I contact to report a missed pickup or order a new cart?
If your trash, recycling, or yard waste is missed, or if you need to repair a damaged cart, you should contact Priority Waste directly at (855) 927-8365 or use the contact form on their website.
When does yard waste season end in Inkster?
The standard curbside compost pickup period begins in early April and typically ends the second week of December. After this period, only Christmas trees are collected for three weeks following the holidays.