Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Oshtemo Charter Township
Trash Day
Curbside trash pickup is arranged through private subscription haulers (such as Republic Services, Best Way Disposal, or Waste Management), so collection days vary based on your selected provider.
Recycling
Curbside recycling frequency and collection days depend on your private subscription hauler (typically weekly or bi-weekly).
Yard Waste
Available by private hauler subscription or through the Township's Yard Waste Voucher Program (March 1 through November 30) for drop-off at WasteNot Recycling.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Oshtemo Charter Township operates an open-market system for curbside refuse collection; residents must set up and pay for service directly with a private waste hauler.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly or Monthly (varies by hauler)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail (set through private hauler)
Varies by Subscription Hauler (e.g., Blue, Green, or Grey) Bin (Trash)
Cart placement, weight limits, and bagging requirements vary based on your selected private hauler (Republic Services, Best Way Disposal, or Waste Management). Carts should typically be at the curb by 6:00 AM.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Bagged pet waste
Varies by Subscription Hauler Bin (Recycling)
All recyclable items should be placed loosely in your hauler's designated cart. Do not bag your recyclables, and ensure all containers are rinsed out to prevent contamination.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and boxboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Tin and aluminum cans
- ✓Mixed office paper and newspaper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Greasy pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Glass (check with your specific hauler as policies vary)
Yard Waste Bin
Curbside pickup requires a specific subscription with your hauler. Alternatively, residents can use the township's voucher program to self-haul up to 4 cubic yards to the WasteNot Recycling facility.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Fallen leaves
- ✓Brush and tree limbs
- ✓General organic landscaping debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Monthly limit via Drop-off Voucher (March - November)
Placement
There is no curbside pickup through the township. You must load your vehicle, take your voucher and matching ID, and transport the materials to WasteNot Recycling at 3025 Ravine Road.
Accepted
- ✓ Large furniture (couches, mattresses, tables)
- ✓ Non-freon household appliances (washers, ovens)
- ✓ Standard bulky household junk
Not Accepted
- ✕ Appliances containing Freon
- ✕ Asbestos, medical waste, or radioactive materials
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Sealed drums or compressed gas tanks
- ✕ Motor oil, pesticides, and explosives
The voucher covers up to 4 cubic yards. If you bring more than this limit in a single trip, you must pay WasteNot Recycling the difference out-of-pocket for the overage.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your contracted hauler observes a major holiday, curbside collection is typically delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. Friday pickups will occur on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
The WasteNot Recycling facility (for voucher drop-offs) may also have altered holiday hours; residents should call (269) 492-1020 before hauling loads on holiday weekends.
Always verify holiday schedules directly with your chosen private hauler, as policies between Waste Management, Best Way, and Republic Services can vary slightly.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MayThe Township's Bulk Trash and Yard Waste voucher programs officially open on March 1st. Vouchers can be requested online but must be picked up in person at the Township Hall.
Autumn
October - NovemberNovember 30th is the final day to utilize your municipal disposal vouchers for the year. Ensure you complete all major fall yard cleanups and bulk drops before this deadline.
Winter
December - FebruaryThe voucher program is suspended during the winter. During these months, you must rely on your private hauler for large items or pay standard public drop-off rates at local transfer stations.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans to Cash In Around Oshtemo?
Hey neighbors! While Oshtemo Charter Township might not have a dedicated bottle buyback center right in town, you're in luck! Michigan has a great state program for redeeming cans and bottles. Just look for the Michigan bottle deposit on your beverage containers. You can usually redeem them at larger grocery stores or local redemption centers. For any scrap metal you might be looking to get rid of, a quick search for "scrap metal recyclers Kalamazoo" will point you to places like Westside Auto Recyclers or ABC Scrap Metal, where they'll take your old metal and give you cash for it. It's a win-win for your wallet and the planet!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Oshtemo
Before you toss out items that still have some life left in them, think about donating! For clothes, household goods, and furniture, the Goodwill Store & Donation Center in nearby Kalamazoo is a fantastic option. If you've got furniture or home building materials, Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Kalamazoo is always looking for donations that help fund their home-building projects. It’s a wonderful way to declutter your home and support great causes right here in our community.
Keeping Oshtemo Township Beautiful: Tackling Dumping & Spring Cleanups
We all want Oshtemo Charter Township to look its best! If you see instances of illegal dumping, the best thing to do is report it. While there isn't a specific hazardous waste collection day listed for Oshtemo itself, Kalamazoo County often holds special collection events for things like electronics, paint, and chemicals. Keep an eye on the Kalamazoo County Solid Waste website or local township announcements for these opportunities. Participating in or organizing a neighborhood clean-up day is also a fantastic way to pitch in and make our shared spaces cleaner and more enjoyable for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
WasteNot Recycling (Voucher Drop-off Location)
3025 Ravine Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Materials Accepted
Kalamazoo County Household Hazardous Waste Center
1301 Lamont Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49005
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my curbside trash picked up in Oshtemo Township?
Oshtemo does not provide municipal curbside trash collection. Residents must set up a private subscription directly with a local hauler, such as Republic Services, Best Way Disposal, or Waste Management.
Can I use one bulk trash voucher for multiple trips?
No. According to township rules, once a voucher is redeemed at the WasteNot facility, it cannot be reused. Even if you only brought 2 cubic yards on your trip, the voucher is considered fully redeemed.
What happens if I have more than 4 cubic yards of bulk trash?
If your load exceeds the 4 cubic yard voucher limit, you have two choices: pay WasteNot Recycling an additional out-of-pocket fee for the overage, or take the excess home and return the following month with a new valid voucher.
Do I need to live in Oshtemo to use the voucher program?
Yes. The program is strictly for Oshtemo Charter Township residents. You must present a valid state-issued ID with an address that identically matches the residential address listed on the voucher when dropping off your waste.