Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Washington Township
Trash Day
Trash collection runs Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your trash collection.
Yard Waste
Weekly on your scheduled trash day from April 1st through December 10th (up to 20 paper bags or marked 45-gallon containers).
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day (or after 7:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash, recycling, and yard waste services are managed by Priority Waste and invoiced directly, while municipal water and sewer services are billed separately on a monthly cycle by the Washington Township DPW.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
A 3% discount is available for senior citizens and military veterans.
Grey or Black Bin (Trash)
All trash must be placed inside your designated cart with the lid completely closed. Carts should be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. with adequate clearance from mailboxes and parked vehicles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Standard bagged refuse
Blue or Green with a Yellow Lid Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be placed loosely into the cart without being bagged. Ensure all metal and plastic containers are rinsed completely free of food residue before disposal.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard and boxboard
- ✓Newspaper, magazines, and mixed paper
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and storage containers
- ✓Empty aluminum, tin, and aerosol cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Styrofoam packaging
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Electronics and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Compost must be placed in 30-gallon Kraft paper bags or clearly marked 32-gallon personal cans. Washington Township enforces a strict limit of up to 20 bags or cans per household each week.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small shrubs and twigs
- ✓General organic garden debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly
Placement
Set your bulk items out by 7:00 a.m. alongside your regular Priority Waste carts. There is no need to call ahead or schedule the pickup.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and couches
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household appliances (non-Freon)
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpet
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous waste and liquid paints
- ✕ Vehicle parts and tires
- ✕ Concrete or brick
The weekly two-item bulk pickup is included in your standard municipal residential waste fee at no extra charge.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on or before your collection day, your pickup will be delayed to the following business day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular trash and recycling during its active season (April through mid-December).
Uniquely, Washington Township's hauler observes Halloween as a holiday that affects the collection schedule. However, if any holiday falls on a weekend, collection days are not affected.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
AprilCurbside yard waste and compost collection officially begins around April 1st each year. This is the time to start clearing winter debris from your garden beds, keeping in mind the township's 20-bag weekly limit.
Fall
October - NovemberDuring peak autumn leaf drop, the 20-bag weekly compost limit remains in effect. Plan your yard work accordingly and spread your bagged leaves across multiple weeks to ensure they are all collected.
Winter
DecemberThe final week of yard waste collection concludes annually around December 10th. Any remaining yard debris must be mulched into your lawn or held until the program resumes the following spring.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Scrap Metal into Cash Near Washington Township?
Got some old pots, pans, or maybe even an old bicycle frame gathering dust? Instead of tossing them, consider hitting up a local scrap yard! While there isn't a dedicated buyback center right in Washington Township itself, a short drive can often yield some cash for your metal discards. Macomb County has several options. Search for "scrap metal recycling Macomb County" and you'll find places that pay for aluminum, copper, steel, and more. It's a great way to make a little extra while clearing out the garage!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a New Home in Washington Township
Before you toss items that are still in good shape, think about donating them! Washington Township residents have some fantastic options. The St. Vincent de Paul Store in nearby Utica is always looking for clothes, furniture, and household goods. If you've got larger items, Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the broader Macomb County area might be a perfect fit. Giving your pre-loved items a second life not only helps others but also keeps useful things out of the landfill.
Keeping Washington Township Clean: Where to Report Dumpers & Special Events
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be. If you ever witness illegal dumping in Washington Township, it's super important to report it. You can contact the Washington Township Department of Public Works at (586) 786-0010 to let them know. They handle these situations. Also, keep an eye out for special community clean-up days that are often organized throughout the year. These events are a fantastic way for neighbors to pitch in and make our township even more beautiful.
Drop-off Facilities
Washington Township Hall
57900 Van Dyke, Washington, MI 48094
Materials Accepted
Priority Waste Pontiac Transfer Station
Contact Priority Waste at 855-927-8365 for facility details
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to call Priority Waste to schedule a bulk pickup in Washington Township?
No, scheduling is not required. You are permitted to place up to two bulk items, such as furniture or mattresses, at the curb every week on your normal collection day.
Does Washington Township offer a discount on trash services for seniors or veterans?
Yes, Priority Waste offers a 3% discount on residential service fees for qualifying Seniors and Veterans. You must contact Priority Waste customer service to set up the discount on your account.
What is the limit for yard waste bags in Washington Township?
During the active compost season (typically April 1st through December 10th), Priority Waste enforces a strict limit of up to 20 bags or cans of yard waste per household each week.
Will my trash pickup be delayed on Halloween?
Yes. Unlike most municipalities, Washington Township's hauler specifically lists Halloween as an observed holiday that affects the collection schedule. If Halloween falls on a weekday, services on and after that day will be delayed by one day.