Glossary of Terms:
Definitions for words used in the City Code, Chapter 26, Solid Waste Regulations and in this web site. These definitions are based on local, state and Federal regulations.
Appliances - household-sized white goods such as refrigerators, stoves, dehumidifiers, air conditioners and washing machines. Federal regulations require that all Freon-containing appliances have proof of Freon gas recovery before disposal. Make arrangements with private haulers or take to the Drop-Off Station for disposal. Proper Freon removal and certification will be provided by the City or its contracted agent.
Building material - wood with nails, other wood scrap, pane glass, dry-wall, pieces or debris, plaster, carpeting, eaves troughs and shingles, structural demolition material. Materials may be placed into refuse carts as long as the lid can be closed, and the total weight of the cart does not exceed the limits on the carts. Materials may also be handled by private haulers or taken to the Drop-Off Station.
Bulk items - appliances, furniture, mattresses, building materials, and other large household items and containers or items may not be left at the curb. Make arrangements with private haulers or take to the Drop-Off Station.
Bundled material - may be up to 3-4 feet in length, and up to 18 inches in diameter, tied with biodegradable twine for compostable brush material.
Commercial waste - the solid waste from all activities and land use other than residential occupancy.
Compostables - leaves, brush, tree limbs under 6 inches in diameter, vegetative prunings, Christmas trees, and other garden or yard waste.
Computer monitors & televisions - are prohibited from municipal refuse/landfill collection. These items may be taken to the Drop-Off Station for recycling; recycled as a pre-paid Special Bulk Collection; reused; or disposed through computer manufacturer recycling programs.
Containers - The City provides refuse carts and recycling bins. Containers are to be maintained for safe collector access, such as not having jagged edges or greasy sides. Each recycling tote or bundled brush may weigh up to 50 pounds. Compostable trash cans are 33 gallons maximum size, with handles and lids.
Dumpster -large (generally with a 6 yard capacity), mechanically-unloaded receptacle for storing solid waste. These containers are typically used at large multi-family and commercial locations.
Garbage - all putrescible food wastes such as animal, fish, fowl, fruit or vegetable matter incident to the use, preparation and storage of food for human consumption and paper waste which has come into direct contact with food. It does not include prohibited materials.
Hazardous material - hazardous waste, medical waste, radioactive material, explosives and other material listed in Michigan Public Act 451.
Hazardous waste - solvents, pesticides, flammable, oil paints, and other substances listed in Michigan Public Act 451.
Household Hazardous Waste - disposal and recommendations are coordinated by the Washtenaw County Home Toxics Collection Center.
Household waste - the solid waste discarded at residential dwellings, including single- and multi-family units.
Prohibited materials - all items which may damage equipment or pose a safety threat to collectors or the environment, including cement, tar, mortar, rocks, bricks, railroad ties, tree stumps, logs, vehicle parts and tires, fuel tanks, wooden pallets, garage doors, pianos, hazardous waste, liquids, asbestos, and improperly prepared medical waste, paint, or animal waste. Grass clippings are to be grasscycled at home. These materials will not be collected with City solid waste pickups. A few of these materials, such as tires and treated wood, are accepted at the Drop-Off Station.
Recyclables - all containers, paper, cardboard, and other materials specifically designated as recyclable by the City (see Recycling Guide).
Refuse - all rubbish and garbage which is not deemed recyclable or compostable as defined in the City Code of Ann Arbor, Chapter 26 or by the Solid Waste Regulations. It does not include hazardous material or other prohibited materials.
Resident - for the purposes of the City's solid waste services, this is a current occupant of an Ann Arbor home, including individual units of an apartment, condominium, townhouse or cooperative. The term does not include commercial establishments (non-residential locations) or property managers. Non residents include businesses, contractors, apartment managers and individuals living outside the City of Ann Arbor tax base.
Rubbish - miscellaneous non-putrescible waste material resulting from housekeeping and ordinary mercantile enterprises, including paper, cardboard, metal containers, crockery, plastic, rubber, building materials, and bulk items. It does not include hazardous waste or other prohibited materials.
"Solid waste" means all material discarded by residents and commercial establishments and which qualifies for removal by the City of Ann Arbor. Solid waste includes commercial refuse, rubbish, garbage, compostables, and recyclables. It does not include hazardous material or other prohibited materials.
Solid waste containers - any containers approved by the Solid Waste Regulations for deposit of solid waste, including containers for refuse, recyclables or compostables. The City provides refuse carts for automated truck collection, and recycling bins--totes or carts. Free recycling bins are available by phoning 99-GREEN. Maximum size of acceptable compostable cans or bags is 30-35 gallons. Cans must have handles and a lid and be in good working condition. Bundled brush must be cut to 3-4 foot lengths and tied into bundles up to 18 inches in diameter. Each can, bag or bundle has a maximum weight of 50 pounds.
Stuff and Trash - non-technical words used for "solid waste."
Televisions & computer monitors - are prohibited from municipal refuse/landfill collection. These items may be taken to the Drop-Off Station for recycling; or disposed through reuse operations and computer manufacturer recycling programs.