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Public Services

Show All Answers

1. Is there a certain kind of container I should use for trash and is there a limit to the amount that I can put out?

The City's refuse contractor, GFL Environmental, provides 95 gallon containers at no charge to residents. You may also use your own trash containers.

Voluntary curbside recycling is also available and 65 gallon carts will be delivered to your home by request. For more details on trash pick up visit the GFL website.

2. When is compost picked up?

Compost will be picked up the first full week of April through approximately the middle of December.  Please plan your clean-ups and trimming accordingly, as compost cannot be mixed with your trash at any time. The special Christmas Tree pick up begins the day after Christmas and lasts till mid January.

During the composting period, residents must use a regular refuse container 32 gallon size with a "Yard Waste" recycling sticker or Kraft-type brown paper bag specifically designed for yard waste for curbside yard waste collection. Marked cans and compost bags should be placed at the curb for pickup on the same day as regular refuse collection. Yard waste placed in improper containers or mixed with regular refuse will not be collected.

When set out for collection, yard waste shall be separated from regular refuse approximately 5 feet. Yard waste stickers can be picked up at the Public Service Department Office. View contact information for the

Public Service Department.

3. How do I get large items picked up?

The collection of large bulky waste, such as appliances and furniture, is part of your solid waste program. You may set out large bulky items on your regular scheduled service day for collection, there is no need to call and schedule a pickup.

Please place large bulky items out separate from other products for collection and have out by 7 a.m. Large items may include washers, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, hot water tanks, stoves, microwaves, couches, chairs, tables, dressers and other large items.

Please remove the doors and racks from refrigerators and freezers prior to setting out for collection. Also, Rizzo Environmental Services is responsible to make sure Freon is extracted according to current environmental standards.

4. What days are considered a garbage holiday?

Garbage will not be picked up on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If the holiday falls on a weekend then there will be no delay in pickup.

5. When does the city do snow removal?

Removal of snow and ice after a storm takes approximately 24 hours. During a snowfall the streets are plowed and salted after an accumulation of 3 or more inches. The Police will announce a snow emergency; all vehicles need to be off the streets during this time.

The first roads to be serviced are all major roads, which include: Maplewood, Marquette, Harrison, Henry Ruff, etc. The City of Garden City does not maintain driveway approaches. This is the responsibility of the homeowner.

6. How do I get a pothole filled?

Locations of potholes should be called to the Department of Public Service at 734-793-1800, as soon as possible for patching. If there are potholes on main roads, you will need to contact Wayne County Road Crew at 888-762-3273 or you can forward your information to Wayne County.

7. What items are considered special disposal?

The trash company is not required to pick up building materials. Small amounts of wood, reduced to 2 foot lengths, bundled and tied, can be picked up on your regular trash day. Empty paint cans with lids removed, can be picked up with your regular garbage. Paint must be absorbed in kitty litter or oil dry, and bagged and placed at curbside on your regular day. Garden City does not have a dumpsite but there is one in Wayne, which can be contacted at 734-326-0993 and one in Canton, which can be contacted at 734-397-2790.

The City Trash Contractor cannot pick up broken Concrete. Broken concrete must be taken to a cement crusher. Contact Michigan Crushed Concrete at 313-534-1500 for confirmation that they will take the type of concrete that you have.

The city trash contractor will not pick up sod and yard waste. You can contact Carleton Farms at 734-654-0001 or B.F.I. Salem Township at 248-349-7230 for disposal questions.

8. Can I get curbside recycling?

Yes, Garden City now offers Curbside Recycling. You can contact the DPS office @ 734-793-1800 to request a recycle cart.

Items that can be recycled include:

Cardboard & Paper Bags
Paperboard Magazines & Catalogs
Junk Mail
Phone Books
Newspaper
Office Paper
Steel & Tin Cans
Clear Glass
Colored Glass
Kitchen Cookware
Aluminum Cans
Plastic Jugs/Bottles
Household Plastic (#1 – #7)
Plastic Bags

Items that CANNOT be recycled include:

Paper Milk or Juice Cartons
Styrofoam Containers/Packing
Garbage/Compost Food Waste
Propane Tanks
Paint Cans
Medical Waste/Syringes
Flammable Liquids
Household Cleaners
Chemicals (Dry or Liquid)
Wood Items
Concrete
Electrical Cords/Batteries
Garden Hoses
Tires

9. Does the city trim trees?

The city will trim only city trees between the sidewalk and the road. If you have a tree that needs trimming, contact the Public Service Department at 734-793-1800.

10. Will the city remove my tree?

Garden City is responsible for the removal of City trees only. Diseased trees should be reported to the Public Service Department so that they can be checked and scheduled for removal.

11. Does the city remove stumps?

After a tree has been removed, the city will remove the stump. Another crew will do this at a later date.

12. How do I dispose of large branches?

Large branches, less than 4 feet long and less than 4 inches in diameter, are picked up by the city trash contractor. They should be bundled and tied and not weigh more than 50 pounds per bundle, placed at the roads edge for pickup on your regular trash day. This service is free of charge.

13. Does the city have a recycling center?

No. Since the City is now providing curb side recycling services, the recycle center has been removed. If you would like to participate in curbside recycling, you can have a recycle can delivered to your residence by contacting Rizzo Services @ 866-772-8900 or the DPS office @ 734-793-1800. View a complete list of acceptable materials.

14. Who do you call for a missing sign?

Street signs within the city that are missing or bent should be reported to the Department of Public Service. For after hours issues, contact the Police Department at 734-793-1700.

15. Who do you call for a broken streetlight?

Any street light problems should be reported to Detroit Edison at 1-800-477-4747 or online at DTE .  DTE handles all lighting in Garden City. They will need the identification number off the pole when possible.

16. My basement is flooding or backing up. Who do I call?

When a homeowner experiences flooding in the basement or sewer backup, the city will send a man out to check the main sewer to make sure that the city lines are not plugged. If the City lines are open, the homeowner will be advised to contact a plumber. In the event the sewer problem occurs after working hours, the Garden City Police Department can be contacted at 734-793-1700.

17. Where do I report a broken water main?

Between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., broken water mains may be reported to the Department of Public Service at 734-793-1800. After hours issues, including broken mains must be called into the Police Department at 734-793-1700.

18. How do I get an underground utility location?

Forms are available at the Public Service Department and must be completed 24 hours in advance to receiving this information. View contact information for the department.

19. What day is my trash picked up?

View the garbage route pickup map.

20. How can I safely dispose of household oils and grease to avoid clogging drains or harming the environment?

The Alliance of Rouge Communities has created a brochure of how to dispose of household cooking grease and oils to avoid clogging your drain and protect the environment. View the brochure.