FAQs • Westland, MI • CivicEngage

How do I find out if something is recyclable?: If you are not sure on a specific item you can go to the City’s website. The Public Service Department has a Recycling page or visit the Recycling Simplified website.

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Sanitation / Recycling / Composting

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1. When did the curbside recycling program resume in Westland?: The recycling program began on July 1st, 2020 with a few changes.

2. As a resident, what are some of the changes I need to know?

Please be aware of the following:

At this time, glass is not being accepted
Do not put recyclables into plastic bags
Only material that is empty, clean and dry can be recycled
Plastic bags and Tetra Packs are not accepted
Rinse out any residue that is in plastic bottles or cans before putting them in recycle bin
Shredded paper must be put in a recyclable paper bag

3. Why isn't glass being recycled?: Republic is trying to eliminate glass at their facility. Glass is very hard on the equipment. Also there is a limited demand for the recycled glass. Republic has stated that a majority of glass that is taken to the facility ends up at the landfill.

4. What is the difference between the rubbish and recycling carts?: The trash containers are black, and the recycling carts are blue.

5. What if I am missing a bin?: If you are missing a trash bin (the black bin) or recycling bin (the blue bin), please contact the Department of Public Service at 734-728-1770 or Email Dept. of Public Service. You can also Submit a Service Request.

6. Has my recycling day changed?: No, it is the same day as it has always been.

7. Recycling Tips and Resources

For more tips on recycling please visit:

Wayne County Recycling Information

State of Michigan Recycling Information

8. Can I get an extra bin for recycling?: Not at this time; the residents who have two bins from the previous program will be able to keep their two bins.

9. Who should residents contact for special pickup?: Please contact Priority Waste at 1-586-228-1200, email them at WestlandSupport@prioritywaste.com, or visit our Special Pickup Page to request a special pick up.

10. Where do I call if I have questions?

For curbside recycling pickup , trash pickup, compost pickup, and special pickup questions, please call Priority Waste at 1-586-228-1200.

For other sanitation questions, please call the Department of Public Service at 1-734-728-1770.

11. Can I put my regular garbage in the recycling bin?: No, the recycling bin is only for recycling materials. The City is charged additional costs if the recycling is contaminated with garbage.

12. What happens if the cart is broken?: Report the damage to the Department of Public Service by submitting a Service Request, emailing Dept. of Public Service or calling 734-728-1770.

13. Where should I place my carts for rubbish and recycling pickup?: Please place the carts on your easement, behind the curb for pickup. Do not put them in the street. Make sure they are not blocked by parked cars, fire hydrants, trees, or utility poles.

14. How will I place the cart on the easement when there is a large amount of snow?: A spot will need to be cleared for placement. Do not place the cart in the street, as it will interfere with snow plowing.

15. Is there a sticker available that I can attach to my recycle bin to remind me of what to recycle?: The City has stickers available for your bin that are being delivered to every home in the City starting December 5, 2020. Stickers are also available for pickup from Westland City Hall.

16. Can I put my recycling in a separate bag?: No, please do not put recyclables in any kind of plastic bag. Plastic bags will jam up the recycling machines.

17. Will seniors be able to get these carts to the curb?: The carts have wheels for easy movement. However, 64 gallon containers are being offered to those who might have more difficulty maneuvering them.

18. Will all of my recyclables/rubbish have to fit inside the cart?

Rubbish will need to be placed in plastic garbage bags and then into the cart for pickup. Do not overload the cart. If the lid cannot close, it is too full.

All materials to be recycled must be placed inside the cart, even materials that previously had to be placed outside the bins, such as cardboard. All materials to be recycled must fit inside the cart, or they will not be picked up for recycling.

19. Will I be getting anything that explains the recycling program?

You can also get additional details on the City’s website, the Recycling Simplified website, or call the Department of Public Service at 734-728-1770.

Mailings and inserts in water bills will periodically have recycling information.

20. Will I have to call for a special pickup on larger items that do not fit in the cart and will there be a fee associated?: Yes, residents will be required to call Priority Waste at 1-586-228-1200, email at WestlandSupport@prioritywaste.com, or connect online for a special pickup of larger items. As of July 2018, this is a free service for up to 8 extra bags of trash and/or 3 bulk items per week.

21. Can I put my regular garbage in the recycling bin?: No, the recycling bin is only for recycling materials. The City is charged additional costs if the recycling is contaminated with garbage.

22. Should I remove the label from the tin cans that I recycle?: Yes, please remove the label prior to recycling the can. You can recycle the label with other recyclable paper items.

23. Can I recycle the lid of my plastic bottle?: Yes, please leave the lid on any plastic bottle and recycle them together. Lids are too small to recycle separately.

24. I have another 96 gallon container that I bought at a store; can I use that container for household trash along with the container supplied by the City?: Unfortunately, you will not be able to use any other container for placement of household trash other than City provided containers, should you need more space than the 96 gallon container provided by the City, it is suggested that you contact the City of Westland Department of Public Service at 734-728-1770 and request another additional trash container at an additional cost of $60 per year (additional cost attributed to landfill costs). You can also purchase one at the City of Westland Webstore

25. What about the small businesses that currently use curbside collection?: The City will be providing a 96 gallon container for collection of your trash as well.

26. How should I get rid of items that will not fit in the City provided bins, such as furniture and carpeting?

Collection of items that are too large to fit in the containers will continue as it has been in the past, the resident is required to contact Priority Waste:

By phone at 1-586-228-1200
By email at WestlandSupport@prioritywaste.com
Using the online form to submit your request

The request must be placed at least 48 hours ahead of the next collection day to insure pickup.

27. Will glass be accepted at the drop off site?: Food and beverage container glass is accepted at the Westland Recycle Center.

28. Can I put plastic toys in my recycle bin?: No, do not put plastic toys in the recycle bin.

29. Will my trash collection day change?: Over the years, our All American City has grown. It has become necessary for the City to change some resident’s collection day to guarantee that collection stays on schedule. Use our interactive collection map to find your address and collection day.

30. Can I put plastic hangers in my recycle bin?: No, do not put plastic hangers in the recycle bin.

31. When will recycling be picked up?: If your collection day has not been changed, your recycling pickup will also not be changed. Should your collection day be changed, you will receive a two weeks advanced notice, with your new collection day enclosed.

32. Can I put old metal tools in the recycle bin?: No, do not put old metal tools in the recycle bin. Old metal tools can be taken to the Westland Recycle Center instead.

33. Can I put my old toaster or other appliances in the recycle bin?: No, do not put any old appliances in the recycle bin. They can be taken to the Westland Recycle Center on Marquette.

34. What if all my trash does not fit into one bin on occasion?: You can request a special pick up through our website, calling the Department of Public Service at 734-728-1770 or by coming to the Westland City Hall. If you have any other questions regarding special pick up, you can contact the Department of Public Service at 734-728-1770.

35. Can I lease an extra cart?

Yes, you can contact the City of Westland, Department of Public Service through our online store, or by coming into the Westland City Hall to request another trash container at an additional cost of:

$45 per year for the smaller 64 gallon trash bin
$60 per year for the large 96 gallon trash bin

City Hall is located at:
36300 Warren Road
Westland, MI 48185

If you have any question regarding the purchase of an extra trash bin you can contact the Department of Public service at 734-728-1770.

36. Can batteries be put in my recycle bin?

No, batteries can be recycled at the following locations:

City Hall
36300 Warren Road
Westland, MI 48185
Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center
32150 Dorsey Street
Westland, MI 48186
William P. Faust Library
6123 Central City Parkway
Westland, MI 48185
Westland Recycle Center
37137 Marquette
Westland, MI 48185

There is a drop box for batteries at these locations.

37. Can clothing be put in my recycle bin?: No, Clothes cannot be put in the recycle bin. Clothes can be recycled in the Blue Clothing bins located throughout the City, including City Hall and the Westland Recycle Center.

38. How do I find out if something is recyclable?: If you are not sure on a specific item you can go to the City’s website. The Public Service Department has a Recycling page or visit the Recycling Simplified website.