Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Port Huron
Trash Day
Trash is collected weekly Monday through Thursday depending on your neighborhood district zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your trash collection.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected weekly on your regular trash day from the first full week of April through early December.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside refuse, recycling, and seasonal yard waste collection are managed under city contract, while water and sewer utility fees are billed separately by the Utility Billing Division.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Bank Bill Pay, Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Personal containers (Various Colors) Bin (Trash)
Residents must supply their own refuse containers. Bins may not exceed 35 gallons in volume and must weigh no more than 50 lbs when fully loaded. Place at the curb by 7:00 AM.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste and non-recyclable wrappers
- ✓Bagged household refuse
Typically Green or Blue (City-approved Recycling Bin) Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected every other week on your normal trash day. Materials must be loose in the bin, never enclosed in plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Newspaper and mixed paper
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
- ✓Clear and colored glass
- ✓Plastic jugs and bottles
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and grocery film
- ✕Styrofoam packing materials
- ✕Food-contaminated pizza boxes
- ✕Hazardous chemicals or medical waste
Yard Waste Bin
Must be in 35-gallon cans marked with a large 'X' (at least 12 inches high) or in large brown paper compost bags. Maximum weight is 50 lbs per container or bundle.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves and grass clippings
- ✓Garden debris
- ✓Small shrubbery and tree trimmings (under 4 feet long and 2 inches diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One item per week on your regular trash day
Placement
Place your one permitted bulk item on the boulevard next to your regular refuse bins by 7:00 AM on your assigned collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Stoves, washers, and dryers
- ✓ Refrigerators (Emterra will remove Freon, doors must be off)
- ✓ Couches and household furniture
- ✓ Carpet and small amounts of bundled wood
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste or liquid chemicals
- ✕ Large quantities of loose construction debris
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
- ✕ Wet paint
There is no additional fee for the single weekly bulk item, as it is factored into the municipal waste contract with Emterra.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a major observed holiday falls on a weekday on or before your scheduled collection day, refuse and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection ceases entirely in the late fall (typically end of November) and does not run during the winter holidays.
Weekend holidays usually do not impact the regular Monday through Thursday Emterra collection routes.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
AprilThe curbside yard waste program officially launches during the first full week of April. Have your 'X' marked cans or Kraft compost bags ready at the curb on your normal Monday through Thursday collection day.
Fall
October to NovemberPort Huron's dedicated fall leaf pickup program shifts into high gear to manage seasonal shedding. Ensure your leaves are properly bagged or placed in stickered cans; do not rake loose piles directly into the city streets.
Winter
December to MarchYard waste collection is suspended for the winter season. Ensure your refuse cans are placed on a shoveled portion of the boulevard or driveway apron, completely clear of snowplow paths.
Local Tips & Community Info
Overview of Port Huron Trash Pickup Services
The City of Port Huron contracts with Emterra Environmental to provide comprehensive residential solid waste services. Curbside garbage collection occurs on a four-day schedule from Monday through Thursday, depending on your neighborhood's designated zone. Residents must place their household waste at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. To ensure a smooth pickup process, trash containers should not exceed a capacity of 35 gallons or weigh more than 50 pounds. Proper bin placement is crucial; make sure to maintain at least a three-foot clearance between your regular refuse, recycling bins, and yard waste bags. By adhering to these local guidelines, you help keep Port Huron neighborhoods clean and assist sanitation workers in operating efficiently.
Curbside Recycling Guidelines and Bin Replacement
Port Huron strongly encourages residents to participate in the local recycling program to reduce landfill waste. Emterra collects recyclable materials on the same day as your regular refuse pickup. Acceptable items include clean paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and rigid plastics. Please remember that plastic bags are strictly prohibited in the recycling bins, as they can jam sorting machinery. If you are a new resident or need a replacement recycling bin, you can conveniently pick one up at the Municipal Office Center (MOC) on the first floor at the City Clerk's Office or on the third floor. Ensure your recycling is clearly separated from standard trash at the curb.
Seasonal Yard Waste and Fall Leaf Collection
Maintaining your lawn is easier with the City of Port Huron's dedicated yard waste program. Yard waste pickup officially begins during the first full week of April and runs continuously through mid-December. Eligible materials include grass clippings, leaves, and small garden debris, which must be placed in designated brown paper yard waste bags or clearly labeled cans. During the autumn season, the city also rolls out a specialized fall leaf pickup program from late October through November, allowing for larger volumes of leaf disposal. For large brush or heavy branch removal, residents should directly contact the Parks and Forestry Division rather than relying on standard curbside pickup.
Bulk Waste Disposal and Large Items
Getting rid of old furniture, mattresses, or broken appliances does not have to be a hassle. Emterra allows Port Huron residents to place large, bulky household items at the curb on their regular scheduled collection day. It is highly recommended to place these oversized items out neatly and ensure they do not block sidewalks or street traffic. While most standard furniture is accepted, certain hazardous materials, construction debris, or appliances containing freon may require special handling or alternative drop-off arrangements. If you are unsure whether an item qualifies for curbside bulk collection, reaching out to Emterra's customer service ahead of time can prevent any missed pickups.
Holiday Schedule Delays and Missed Pickups
During major national holidays, your regular waste collection might experience a one-day delay. Holidays such as New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas typically shift the schedule for the remainder of the week. For example, if a holiday falls on a Monday, all residential pickups for that week will be pushed back by one day. If you believe your trash, recycling, or yard waste was mistakenly skipped on a regular service day, you should first contact Emterra at 810-364-6539. If further assistance is needed, the Port Huron Department of Public Works (DPW) is available to help resolve any lingering collection issues.
Drop-off Facilities
Emterra Environmental USA Drop-off Facility
4132 Dove Road, Port Huron, MI 48060
Materials Accepted
Port Huron Department of Public Works
100 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, MI 48060
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current trash collection provider for the City of Port Huron?
The City of Port Huron contracts with Emterra Environmental for all residential refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection services. They handle weekly curbside pickups from Monday through Thursday.
Where can I get a new recycling bin in Port Huron?
Residents can pick up a free recycling bin at the Municipal Office Center (MOC) located at 100 McMorran Blvd. Bins are available at the City Clerk's Office on the first floor or up on the third floor.
When does yard waste season start and end?
Yard waste collection in Port Huron typically begins the first full week of April and continues through the second week of December. Fall leaf collection runs separately from late October through November.