City Awards and Achievements 

Using Resources Responsibly

Ann Arbor has long been a leader in solid waste. In 1998 Ann Arbor was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as having one of the top twenty waste reduction programs in North America.  In the late ‘80s the City recycled about 10% of its waste stream. Now the City recycles over 40% of its waste with a comparable budget when adjusted for inflation.

Awards

• Model Waste Reduction Program of North America, (1999), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Recent Achievements

• New Transfer Station (2007)
• Expanded Compost Processing Facility (2007)
• Expanded recycling services to City businesses (2007)
• Record-breaking home toxics and e-waste collection event in October 2006
• Residential compost Pilot Program (ongoing) : In summer 2006, the City began piloting the use of 96-gallon sem-automated "compostable" carts in a 260-household neighborhood. In addition to yard waste, participants are able to add fruit and vegetable wase, producing less overall household waste.