Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Plymouth
Trash Day
Collection runs Monday through Wednesday depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Weekly on the same day as trash collection
Yard Waste
Weekly on your regular collection day from early April through late November/early December; monthly brush chipping is also provided curbside
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling fees are billed quarterly as a line item on your City of Plymouth water bill.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (Direct Debit), Mail, In Person, Drop Box
Brown or Blue with a Blue/Brown Lid (65 or 95-gallon cart) Bin (Trash)
Place carts at the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day. All items must fit completely inside the cart with the lid closed to allow the automated arm to lift it.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste and non-recyclable wrappers
- ✓Bagged household debris
- ✓Standard plastics not marked for recycling
Blue with a Gray Lid (65 or 95-gallon cart) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be placed loosely in the designated recycling cart. Never use plastic bags. Carts must be out by 6:00 AM on your service day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard and boxboard
- ✓Newspaper, junk mail, and magazines
- ✓Empty metal and aluminum cans
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags or film
- ✕Styrofoam packing materials
- ✕Food-soiled paper and pizza boxes
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Dirt, sod, or compost
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in brown Kraft yard refuse bags or a rigid can marked with a large 'X' or an official 'compost' sticker. Do not use automated trash carts for yard waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Fallen leaves
- ✓Small twigs and garden vegetation
- ✓Plant debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on Tuesdays (Sticker Required)
Placement
Place stickered bulk items at the curb prior to the scheduled Tuesday collection route. Bulk items do not follow the traditional Monday-Wednesday trash routes.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and household furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers)
- ✓ Rolled carpet (per bundle)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous materials or liquid paint
- ✕ Construction debris and concrete
- ✕ Dirt, sod, or compost
- ✕ Tires
Fees are volume-based. Example costs include $5 for a twin mattress, $15 for a couch, and $12 for appliances. Payment at the office must be cash or check only.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a recognized holiday falls on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, there will be no collection on the holiday, and all pickups for the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Standard curbside compost collection is suspended during the winter months (mid-December through March), but brush chipping continues year-round.
If an observed holiday falls on a weekend, your regular weekday collection schedule will not be affected or delayed.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
AprilCurbside compost and yard waste pickup officially resumes during the first week of April. Ensure you have your Kraft bags ready or have visited the Municipal Services office to pick up a 'compost' sticker for your personal yard waste can.
Fall
October to DecemberDuring autumn leaf cleanup, ensure you keep your bulk leaf piles completely separated from your branch and brush piles. Mixed piles cannot be chipped and will be left behind by the city crews.
Winter
JanuaryChristmas trees are collected as part of the city's brush chipping program. Simply place your tree at the curb with all lights, ornaments, stands, and tinsel removed. Do not place the tree inside a plastic disposal bag.
Local Tips & Community Info
Plymouth Trash & Recycling Schedule Overview
Residents of the City of Plymouth, Michigan, enjoy reliable solid waste collection managed by Priority Waste. Keeping your neighborhood clean is a shared responsibility, and following the local trash pickup schedule ensures seamless service. Whether you are a new homeowner or a long-time resident, understanding the current guidelines will save you time and prevent missed pickups. Your standard service includes household garbage, weekly recycling, and seasonal yard waste collection.
Priority Waste Automated Cart Rules
The City of Plymouth utilizes an automated cart system for both trash and recycling. Residents are provided with sturdy 65-gallon or 95-gallon wheeled carts. To guarantee your bins are emptied, always place them at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated collection day. You may also set them out after noon the day before. When positioning your carts, make sure the wheels face toward your house. Keep a minimum clearance of three feet from parked cars, mailboxes, and other obstacles so the automated truck arm can safely reach the containers. Overfilled carts with open lids might not be serviced, so ensure everything fits inside.
Holiday Collection Delays
Holiday weeks can disrupt your regular waste disposal routine. The City of Plymouth observes six major holidays that impact sanitation services: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If any of these holidays fall on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, your pickup will be pushed back by one day for the remainder of that week. However, if the holiday lands on a weekend, your standard collection schedule remains completely unaffected.
Bulk Item and Yard Waste Disposal
Tackling a home cleanout or a landscaping project means you will likely generate more waste than your standard cart can hold. For bulky items like old furniture or mattresses, you must contact Priority Waste directly to schedule a special pickup. Typically, there is a limit of up to three large items or eight extra bags. For organic debris, seasonal compost and yard waste pickup runs from early April through early December. Place your leaves, grass clippings, and twigs in approved paper yard waste bags or designated containers.
Reporting a Missed Pickup
Even with the most efficient systems, a missed collection can happen. If you notice your trash or recycling cart was bypassed, do not wait to report it. You can reach out to the City of Plymouth Department of Municipal Services by calling 734-453-7737 (extension 0). Additionally, Priority Waste offers a convenient online Service Portal where residents can log waste-related issues and opt-in for text or email updates as the problem is resolved.
Drop-off Facilities
Plymouth Municipal Services Drop-Off Dumpster
1231 Goldsmith, Plymouth, MI 48170
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I put out my trash and recycling carts in Plymouth?
You should place your automated carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. You may also place them out as early as noon the day before.
What holidays affect my garbage collection schedule?
The city observes New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If the holiday falls on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, collection is delayed by one day.
How much does a trash cart cost in the City of Plymouth?
As of recent updates, trash carts are billed at $12.00 per month, which is charged quarterly ($36.00) on your water bill. There is no extra monthly fee for your recycling cart.