Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Summit Township
Trash Day
Curbside trash collection is not provided directly by the township; residents contract individually with licensed private haulers (such as Emmons Service, Granger Waste Services, Republic Services, or LRS), which establish their own neighborhood pickup days.
Recycling
Recycling schedules depend on your contracted private hauler (typically weekly or bi-weekly); residents can also utilize local drop-off sites such as Recycling Jackson or Emmons Service.
Yard Waste
Yard waste collection availability and schedules vary by private hauler, or materials can be brought to local facilities such as the Liberty Environmental Landfill composting site.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Summit Township bills quarterly for municipal water and sewer services. Residential trash collection is arranged and billed independently through private haulers.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay / Direct Debit, Phone, Mail, In-Person
Varies by Subscription Hauler (Emmons Green, Granger Grey/Blue, etc.) Bin (Trash)
Cart rules depend strictly on your contracted hauler. Generally, all trash must be securely bagged inside the cart with the lid completely closed. Carts typically must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam packaging
Varies by Subscription Hauler Bin (Recycling)
If subscribed to curbside recycling, items must be placed loosely in the cart without plastic bags. Ensure all food residue is rinsed from containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and boxboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2)
- ✓Tin and aluminum cans
- ✓Mixed office paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Glass (prohibited by some curbside haulers; use drop-offs)
- ✕Projection televisions
- ✕Ceramic plates and cups
Yard Waste Bin
Only collected if you pay for a yard waste subscription through your hauler. Material must usually be in Kraft paper bags or clearly marked rigid containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Fallen leaves
- ✓Small brush and twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By private arrangement only
Placement
Follow the exact placement instructions provided by your hauler when you schedule the special pickup. Most require the item to be out by 6:00 a.m.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Large household junk
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid chemicals
- ✕ Tires
Bulk pickups will incur an out-of-pocket fee determined by your hauler. Alternatively, residents can self-haul bulk waste to Liberty Landfill in Jackson for a weight-based fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Holiday schedules vary by your chosen private hauler. Generally, if a major holiday falls on a weekday before your normal pickup, your collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Private haulers suspend seasonal yard waste routes entirely during the winter, so winter holiday delays only impact standard garbage routes.
Always refer directly to the annual calendar provided by your specific hauler (Emmons, LRS, Granger, or Republic) to confirm exact holiday shifts.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
April - MaySpring yard cleanups require preparation. Since the township prohibits burning yard waste, ensure you have activated your seasonal compost subscription with your private hauler or plan a self-haul trip to a local compost facility.
Summer
July - AugustThe Jackson County Conservation District typically hosts Household Hazardous Waste collection events during the warmer months. This is the only safe time to dispose of accumulated pool chemicals, pesticides, and wet paint.
Winter
December - MarchDuring heavy Michigan snows, make sure your subscription carts are placed at the end of a shoveled driveway approach. Carts placed on top of snowbanks will not be serviced by automated trucks.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans to Cash In Near Summit Township?
Hey neighbors! While Summit Township doesn't have its own specific bottle return center right in town, don't let those cans and bottles just sit around. Head over to a Meijer store, many of which have redemption machines. Also, keep an eye out for Scrap Yards around Jackson; places like Jackson Steel & Machine often buy aluminum and other metals, turning your recyclables into a little bit of extra cash. It's a great way to make a few bucks while doing good for the planet.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Summit Township!
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, why not give them a new home? For those in Summit Township, think about donating to local thrift stores or charitable organizations. Habitat for Humanity ReStores in nearby areas are fantastic places to donate furniture, building materials, and home goods. You can also check out places like The Salvation Army or local church donation drives that often accept clothing, housewares, and more. It's a win-win: you declutter, and someone else gets what they need.
Keeping Our Summit Township Streets Clean: What to Do About Nasty Dumping
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be. If you spot illegal dumping in or around Summit Township, it's important to report it. While there isn't a specific hazardous waste collection day mentioned for this area right now, you can usually contact Jackson County's Department of Environmental Health for guidance on how to properly dispose of household hazardous materials like old paint or chemicals. For general illegal dumping concerns, reporting it to the township office or local law enforcement helps them keep our community looking its best.
Drop-off Facilities
Recycling Jackson (Drop-Off Center)
1401 N Brown Street, Jackson, MI 49201
Materials Accepted
Emmons Service Inc. Drop-Off
913 Water Street, Jackson, MI 49203
Materials Accepted
Liberty Landfill
7900 S Meridian Rd, Clarklake, MI 49234
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Summit Township provide my trash cans?
No. Summit Township operates an open-market system. You must contract independently with a private hauler like Emmons Service, Granger Waste Services, LRS, or Republic Services, and they will provide the necessary carts.
Can I burn my fall leaves in my backyard in Summit Township?
No. The Summit Township Fire Department maintains a strict open burning ordinance. The burning of refuse, which explicitly includes leaves, grass, and organic debris, is closely regulated or entirely prohibited.
Where can I drop off hazardous chemicals in Jackson County?
Hazardous materials like wet paint, motor oil, and pesticides are banned from standard garbage routes. You must hold these items for a Household Hazardous Waste collection event hosted by the Jackson County Conservation District.
How do I get rid of an old couch in Summit Township?
Since there is no municipal bulk collection, you must either pay your private hauler a special fee to pick it up at the curb or transport the couch yourself to the Liberty Landfill and pay a drop-off rate.