Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Shelby Township
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.
Standard City/Priority Waste Cart Bin (Trash)
All household solid waste should be bagged before being placed inside the provided cart. Containers must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day, positioned away from vehicles and mailboxes.
Accepted Items
- ✓Regular household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and packaging
95-Gallon Cart (Provided by Township) Bin (Recycling)
Do not use plastic bags inside the 95-gallon recycling carts; items must be left loose. Large corrugated cardboard boxes must be flattened to dimensions of 2 feet by 2 feet or smaller. If you have extra cardboard, flatten and bind it, then place it near the recycling cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean food and beverage cans
- ✓Clear, green, and brown glass bottles/jars
- ✓Cardboard and paper bags
- ✓Plastics labeled #1 through #7
- ✓Newspapers, glossy ads, and junk mail
Do NOT Include
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Plastic bags or plastic film
- ✕Food-soiled pizza boxes
- ✕Car batteries
- ✕Wire hangers or ceramic dishes
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste must be set out in designated paper compost bags or clearly marked 35-gallon rigid containers. It is picked up weekly during the active compost season, which typically runs from late March through mid-December.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches and prunings
- ✓General yard debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your standard collection day.
Placement
Place large bulk items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Ensure the doors on refrigerators and freezers are completely removed for child safety.
Accepted
- ✓ Household furniture and lawn furniture
- ✓ Appliances (refrigerators, hot water heaters, air conditioners)
- ✓ Cut and bound carpeting (max 4-foot lengths)
- ✓ Storm doors and windows (glass heavily taped or removed)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paints, oils, chemicals)
- ✕ Large-scale construction debris
- ✕ Automotive parts and car batteries
There is no extra charge for standard household bulk items. For excessively large cleanouts, you are encouraged to contact Priority Waste ahead of time.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, collections for that day and the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day. If the holiday falls on a weekend, the normal schedule applies.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste is collected on the same delayed one-day schedule as standard refuse during holiday weeks in the active composting season.
For any weather-related delays, Priority Waste recommends keeping items at the curb if they are not collected by the evening, as crews will return the next day.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep the Cardboard Segregated
If you have excess flattened cardboard that does not fit in your recycling cart, make sure it is stacked and bound next to the recycling bin. If you place cardboard boxes too close to the trash container, the hauler will mistakenly dispose of them as standard garbage.
No Film Plastics in the Big Bins
While you were previously required to bag recyclables when using the small 18-gallon tubs, you must NEVER place plastic bags into the new 95-gallon wheeled carts. Plastic shopping bags destroy the gears at the sorting facility.
Prepare Bulky Carpets Properly
If you are disposing of old carpeting or padding, the truck will reject it if it is left in a massive heap. You must cut all carpet into 4-foot lengths, roll it up, and securely bind it before placing it out on your normal trash day.
Seasonal Information
Spring through Fall
Late March to Mid-DecemberWeekly yard waste and compost collection begins in late March (e.g., March 30) and operates continuously through mid-December (e.g., December 11) to account for fall leaf cleanup.
Winter Holiday Tree Pickup
Late December into JanuaryStarting December 26, Priority Waste sweeps the township to collect discarded, natural Christmas trees. Trees should be free of all decorations, tinsel, and stands, and placed directly at the curb.
Year-Round
All MonthsThe township occasionally hosts annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off events through contractors. Watch the official community calendar for specific shredding, e-waste, and hazardous waste event dates.
About Shelby Township Waste Management
Priority Waste’s Modernized Fleet in Shelby Township
Shelby Township partners with Priority Waste for comprehensive residential trash and recycling services. Recently, Priority Waste heavily invested in community infrastructure by deploying over 90 new automated side-load collection vehicles and distributing 19,000 new disposal containers. This modernized approach minimizes service interruptions and streamlines the weekly curbside pickup process for all local neighborhoods.
Expanded 95-Gallon Cart Recycling Program
To divert more reusable materials from local landfills, Shelby Township has equipped residents with 95-gallon wheeled carts for recycling. These spacious bins eliminate the need for the older, smaller 18-gallon tubs and make organizing weekly recyclables highly efficient. Residents are asked to position these recycling carts on the opposite side of their driveway from their standard trash totes to allow the automated mechanical arms clear access.
Porch-Side Clothing Pickups via Simple Recycling
A standout feature of Shelby Township’s waste management strategy is its partnership with Simple Recycling. Rather than throwing out old textiles, residents can schedule free home pickups for unwanted clothing, shoes, and small housewares. You simply place your items in clearly marked waterproof bags or boxes on your front porch or by the garage door by 7:30 a.m. on your scheduled day, independent of your regular trash pickup route.
Seamless Appliance and Freon Disposal
Getting rid of large white goods in Shelby Township is unusually convenient. The township's solid waste program includes the pickup of old air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, and freezers right at the curb. Even better, you don't need to hire a private technician to remove the Freon beforehand—the waste hauler safely extracts it in accordance with strict environmental standards. DTE Residential Electric Customers may also qualify for a rebate if they recycle through the energy provider.
Drop-off Facilities
Priority Waste Drop-Off Transfer Stations (Multiple Locations)
45000 River Ridge Drive, Suite 200, Clinton Township, MI 48038 (Corporate Office)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shelby Township recycle glass and cardboard?
Yes, glass bottles (clear, green, brown) and cardboard are highly recyclable in Shelby Township. Flatten large cardboard boxes to 2'x2' and place them inside or bound right next to your 95-gallon recycling cart.
How do I get rid of an old couch or refrigerator?
You can place large items like couches, mattresses, and refrigerators out by 7 a.m. on your regular trash day without calling ahead. You must completely remove the doors from refrigerators, but Priority Waste will handle the safe removal of the Freon.
What is the Simple Recycling program in Shelby Township?
Simple Recycling allows residents to easily dispose of unwanted clothing, shoes, and small household goods. Instead of tying it to your trash day, you can schedule a pickup online, and leave the bagged or boxed items on your porch or near your garage by 7:30 a.m.
Who do I contact if my trash was missed or my cart is broken?
You should directly contact Priority Waste at 1-855-927-8365 or (586) 228-1200. You can also use the service request form on their website or reach out to the Shelby Township Department of Public Works for persistent issues.