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1. As a new resident, how do I get my recycling cart?

Please call GFL at 248/204-6757 or Canton’s DPW at 734/397-1011 to receive your cart.

2. How much am I paying for the recycling cart and automated service?

The new service (including purchase of the carts by Canton) will cost residents an additional $13 per year. This fee is included in the winter tax bill.

3. Who owns the recycling carts?

The carts will be owned by Canton, the cost of which is part of the annual solid waste collection fee billed by Canton to our residents.

4. What if my cart gets damaged or stolen?

All reports of damage must be immediately reported to GFL Services at 248/204-6757. If damage was caused by the collection vehicle or the operator, then Canton will replace the cart at no charge to you. If the damage (or theft) is from any other cause, the resident is responsible for replacement.

5. How big is the recycling cart?

The 64 gallon cart is roughly 45" tall, 29" wide and 34" deep.

6. Where do I store my recycling cart?

Ideally inside your garage, or under your carport. If you do not have a garage or carport, or do not have adequate room; then please store it beside your residence. Note, your Home Owner's Association (HOA) may have additional rules about placement that you will need to comply with.

7. Should I pack the materials down tightly in my recycling cart?

No, this causes the materials to get stuck in the recycling cart.

8. Where do I place my recycling cart on my collection day?

On the opposite side of your refuse, leaving at least 6" around the recycling cart so the mechanical arm on the truck can easily fit around the recycling cart.

9. Which way do I face my recycling cart?

With the metal lifting bar facing the street, hinges/handles towards the residence.

10. Can I get a second recycling cart?

Yes.  The cost of a second cart is $75.  Contact Canton’s Public Works Division at 397-1011 extension.0 . Extra carts are purchased from Canton Township directly, so please do not contact GFL if a second cart is desired.

11. What type of material can I put in my recycling cart?

A list of acceptable Items is printed on the lid of the recycling cart - you can also see a complete list of what is and is not accepted by visiting our automated recycling page.

Automated Recycling Program

12. Can I have a cart for refuse collection as well?

No, at this time the automated service is only for recycling. Different trucks are required for the automated service.

13. Can I set materials out beside the recycling cart if the cart is full?

No, the objective with automated collection is to keep the operator in the truck for both cost savings and worker safety reasons. Anything left besides the cart will either be thrown out or left at the curb.

14. What if I have extra materials that won't fit in the recycling cart?

During the months of April-November, Canton offers residents the option to bring recyclable (during Canton Clean-ups) to GFL on Van Born Road on scheduled Fridays and Saturdays. To view the full schedule please use the link provided. Canton Clean-up Schedule

15. If I move, do I take the cart with me?

No, the carts will be owned by Canton and each one will be assigned to a homeowners address. If you move, please leave it at your current address.

16. Can I waive the recycling services and the cart?

Yes, however all residents will need to take delivery of the cart. If after you receive the cart you wish to opt out of the service you can contact Public Works at 397-1011 and we will send you a waiver. Once the waiver is completed, please allow two-weeks for collection of the cart. Since the carts are owned by the township, Canton will store the cart until the property changes ownership or the service is desired. Please note, waiving this service will not reduce the annual fee. Residents who do opt are welcome to bring recyclables (during Canton Clean-up) to the GFL facility on Van Born Road. To view a list of scheduled dates, please click on the link below. Canton Clean-up Schedule

17. Can I write my address on the cart?

Each cart will be assigned to a specific address and tracked via the large number printed on the front of the cart. Residents may also write their address on the cart as long as it doesn't cover up the logo or other information printed on the cart.

18. When can I start using my new cart?

You can start using your new cart immediately after receiving it. Place the cart out on your normal collection day.

19. Can we park on the street on collection days?

Yes, then new collection trucks have an arm that extends out from the truck to pick up the new carts. We do ask that residents leave clearance around the carts in order to make the collection easier for the GFL drivers.

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1. Do items need to be inside a bag?

Place all items in a bag or box and made sure they are marked "Simple Recycling."  Please note, Simple Recycling is not longer providing bags so please use your own bag or box and make sure you mark them "For Simple Recycling." Then call 866/835-5068 or email info@simplerecycling.com to schedule a pickup.  You can leave the items on your porch just make sure they are clearly marked for Simple Recycling.  Please note, anything without a label will not be picked up.

2. Can I put the clothing and other items the Canton recycling cart with my other recycling?

No, the clothing and household discards can not be placed in your curbside recycling cart.  To recycle those items, call Simply Recycling and schedule a home pickup. 

 Here's how the new process works:

Step 1: Residents can schedule pickups online at www.simplerecycling.com  or you can call customer service at 866-835-5068.  

Step 2: Place your items outside your front door by 7:30 am on your scheduled pickup day.  Make sure all items are bagged and tagged for Simple Recycling.

Step 3: A Simple Recycling truck will collect the bags and recycle the items for reuse.

Please note, only items placed inside the bags or tagged with Simple Recycling labels will be collected. Simple Recycling will not pick up anything left outside of the bag or untagged.

To view a list of acceptable items visit: www.canton-mi.org/1061

3. What day will Simple Recycling pick up my stuff?

Residents are required to schedule a pickup.  Here's how the process works:

Step 1: Residents can schedule pickups online at www.simplerecycling.com  or you can call customer service at 866-835-5068.  

Step 2: Place your items outside your front door by 7:30 am on your scheduled pickup day.  Make sure all items are bagged and tagged for Simple Recycling.

Step 3: A Simple Recycling truck will collect the bags and recycle the items for reuse.

Please note, only items placed inside the bags or tagged with Simple Recycling labels will be collected. Simple Recycling will not pick up anything left outside of the bag or untagged.

To view a list of acceptable items visit: www.canton-mi.org/1061

4. Will my Simple Recycling items be picked up by GFL?

No, there will be a separate Simple Recycling truck that will pick up your designated bags/items from your porch after you schedule a pickup.

Here's how the new process works:

Step 1: Residents can schedule pickups online at www.simplerecycling.com  or you can call customer service at 866-835-5068.  

Step 2: Place your items outside your front door by 7:30 am on your scheduled pickup day.  Make sure all items are bagged and tagged for Simple Recycling.

Step 3: A Simple Recycling truck will collect the bags and recycle the items for reuse.

Please note, only items placed inside the bags or tagged with Simple Recycling labels will be collected. Simple Recycling will not pick up anything left outside of the bag or untagged.

To view a list of acceptable items visit: www.canton-mi.org/1061

5. Does Simple Recycling take furniture?

Simple Recycling will take small furniture items (that one man can carry) as long as the pieces are in good/usable condition.

6. Is there a limit on how much stuff Simple Recycling will take?

No, as long as the items are listed on the acceptable collection list and fit inside a bag or are marked with a Simple Recycling tag they will be accepted.

7. Will Simple Recycling provide me with a tax receipt?

No, Simple Recycling is not a nonprofit organization. If you would prefer to donate your items to a charity and receive a tax receipt, Simple Recycling recommends using www.DonateStuff.com.

8. What items will Simple Recycling accept for pick up?

Items acceptable for collection include:
• Men, women and children’s clothing
• Coats and Jackets
• Jewelry
• Shoes
• Purses
• Hats
• Toys
• Pictures
• Mirrors
• Blankets
• Drapes/Curtains
• Pillows
• Sleeping Bags
• Small Furniture
• Small Appliances, such as toasters, microwaves and coffee makers
• Irons
• Radios
• Lamps
• Hairdryers
• Tools
• Silverware
• Dishes
• Pots/Pans
• Glasses
• Backpacks

9. What items will Simple Recycling NOT accept for pick up?

Items Simple Recycling CANNOT collect include:
• Large Appliances
• Large Furniture
• Tires
• Paint
• Carpeting
• Mattresses
• Hazardous Waste
• Traditional Recyclables such as metal, glass and paper

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1. My garbage wasn't picked up, what happened?

All items must be at curbside by 6:30 am on your scheduled pick-up day, regardless of the time it is usually picked up. If your collection day falls on or after a holiday, your rubbish pickup will be delayed one day that week. See the Refuse Collection Guidelines and Rules for more information.

2. How is Canton’s trash hauler selected?

The trash hauler is selected through a competitive bid process.

3. What trash services are offered at the curb?

Canton offers curbside pick-up of solid waste and recycling year round as well as curbside pick-up of yard waste from April through November. Please visit the refuse collection webpage to download a list of collection guidelines.

4. How can I get a recycling cart and/or purchase a second cart?

Residents of a new constructed home can call GFL at 248/204-6757 and the bin will delivered. The cost for an extra recycling bin is $75 and you can contact the Canton's Public Works Division at 397-1011 ext 0.

5. What is the solid waste collection fee for Canton residents and when is it billed?

The fee for solid waste collection is $160 per year. This fee will be added annually to your winter tax bill.

6. Who do I call if I have a concern regarding trash service?

Call the township waste contractor, GFL Environmental USA Inc. at 248/204-6757.  If your issue is unresolved, please call Canton Public Works at 397-1011 ext 0.

7. Is there a solid waste collection fee discount available for senior citizens?

There are no discounts available for senior citizens as everyone receives the same level of service.

8. How is the solid waste collection fee calculated?

It's based on the true cost-of-service which includes, the annual solid waste and automated recycling collection services contract costs, a percentage of key Canton personnel's wages to manage the program, some printing and publishing costs, overhead expenses for administration and a contingency for unplanned expenses. The total expenses are divided by the total number of residential customers to arrive at the $160 fee.

9. What legal basis allows Canton to charge for solid waste collection service?

Ordinance Chapter 58 provides for charges for these services.

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1. How do I report a missed pickup?

Report a Missed Pickup

2. Should I still put the garbage out on my regular collection day?

YES and please keep it at the curb until collected.  Employees are working longer hours than usual so please keep it out until collected.

3. What should I do about animals are ripping it apart?

Our collection guidelines allow for the use of 32-gallon containers as long as they are under 50 lbs.