The Recycling Authority

 

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. Please call us if necessary.


Questions about curbside service

What day is my trash/recycling/yard waste pick-up?

What a great opportunity to meet your new neighbors. This is probably the easiest way to find out what day your trash gets picked up. Take over some cookies and introduce yourself. If your hair is a mess and you don't feel social, read on....


Farmington: Call your DPW at (248) 473-7250

Farmington Hills: Call your DPW at (248) 871-2850

Novi: No city-wide contract. Be brave and meet those neighbors. Please brush your hair.

Southfield: If you live between 12-13 Mile, Monday; 11-12 Mile, Tuesday; 10-11Mile, Wednesday; 9-10 Mile, Thursday; 8-9 Mile, Friday.

South Lyon: If you live NORTH of the center of Lake St (10 Mile) - your pick-up day is Monday. If you live SOUTH of the center of Lake St (10 Mile) - your pick-up day is Tuesday.

Walled Lake: Wednesday

Wixom: Wednesday


How can I get a recycling bin?

The RRRASOC offices do not have extra bins. Call the city departments listed below to request a new or extra recycling bin:

Farmington: Department of Public Works (248) 473-7250

Farmington Hills: Treasurer's Department (248) 871-2480

South Lyon: DPW, ask for Phyllis (248) 437-2326

Southfield: Neighborhood Center (248) 796-5140

Walled Lake: City Hall (248) 624-4847

Wixom: Department of Public Works (248) 624-0141


Why didn’t you pick up my trash/recycling/yard waste?

We, RRRASOC, are not the contract solid waste hauler in your community. However, we are able to help you to determine the problem, and find a suitable remedy.


My yard waste was in plastic bags and it was left at the curb! Why?

In Michigan, it is illegal to landfill yard waste. Therefore, all leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste must go to a compost site. Plastic bags do not break down in the composting process, and create problematic odors. As a result, compost facilities will not accept yard waste in plastic bags. You can place your yard waste in either brown paper yard waste bags or a trashcan marked with a “yard waste” sticker.


I put my cardboard with the recycling, but the garbage men take it…why?

In order for the recycling truck to take your cardboard, it must be cut or folded no larger than 3 ’ x 2’ x 1’. The reason for this is the opening on the truck will not accommodate anything larger. If you feel that cutting and bundling is inconvenient, you can bring it to either the Novi or Southfield Drop-offs. The drop-offs only requires that the boxes be flattened.


Which holidays will cause a delay with my trash pick-up?

No service is provided on the following holidays.  Collections for those days and any day of the week following that holiday will be delayed by one day.

New Year's Day    Memorial Day    Independence Day    Labor Day    Thanksgiving Day    Christmas


Household Hazardous Waste

What can I do with needles, sharps, and syringes?   

They can go in your regular trash. Please take the time to follow these safety steps:

1. Clip your needles.

2. Place the needles in a HARD plastic bottle. Tape the lid shut and mark the container "SYRINGES".

3. Place the container in a garbage bag and into the trash. NEVER put sharps or any medical waste containers in your recycling bin.   


I missed my (city’s) HHW day. What can I do?

As a RRRASOC resident, you can attend any of the 5 scheduled HHW events. Please see the Household Hazardous Waste link for more information. If you need to dispose of material immediately (i.e., you are moving), you can make an appointment with Environmental Recycling Group, our HHW vendor. They are located in Livonia. (734) 437-9650. Call to make an appointment.


Why don’t you take latex paint? What can I do with it?

Latex paint is not hazardous. By not accepting it at HHW events, we keep our costs down. Latex paint can safely be put into the trash if solidified. You can do this at home by adding sand or kitty litter to the can of paint. If the paint can is too full, you can splash some out onto newspaper to dry. Leave the lid off, and let it solidify completely. Once this happens, place it at the curb with your trash, leaving the lid off.


How can I tell if my paint is latex?

The paint can should say “latex” or “water-based” on the front. When in doubt, check the clean-up instructions. If it says to clean with mineral spirits or thinner, it is oil-based. If it says to clean up with soap and water, the paint is latex.


Recycling

Where can I have my paper shredded?

Paper shredding is available at all five of the RRRASOC Household Hazardous Waste events. There is a 100 pound or three box limit per household.


Why don’t you accept plastic trays/tubs?

Wide mouth containers, even if they are the same "type" of plastic as a bottle, are manufactured through a different process than narrow neck bottles. One is injection molded and the other is blown molded. As a consequence, they have different densities and different melting points. The plastics processors to which we send sorted and baled plastic do not want wide mouth containers such as margarine or cool whip tubs. If we receive them, we just have to throw them away.


Other Questions

Do you buy scrap metal?

No.


My city isn’t listed as a RRRASOC member. Who can I call with questions?

Your local Department of Public Works is a great resource. Make friends with them.


What do I do with construction debris?

Small amounts of Items such as drywall, windows, plywood and other construction debris are will picked up with your regular trash as long as pieces are less than four feet in length and less than sixty pounds.  Large amounts from contractors will not be accepted. You can either call your trash hauler or DPW to arrange a special pick up. Another option is to take your debris to a local landfill. A small fee will apply.