January 20th, 2026

Update on Automated Curbside Recycling

The city would like to provide an update regarding the State of Michigan’s requirements for curbside recycling and how these changes will affect residents.

At the January 5th, 2026, City Council meeting, the city approved participation in the Recycling Cart Grant Program. If awarded, this grant will supply a recycling cart for every household, along with additional carts for future needs or replacements. Obtaining the carts through the grant is expected to help reduce some of the long-term costs associated with starting this service.

This requirement is not optional for the city. Under the State’s updated regulations, municipalities that meet certain criteria are required to provide curbside recycling services. Over the past year, the city attempted to meet this mandate through voluntary participation, but those efforts did not achieve full compliance before the January 1st, 2026, deadline. Because the requirement remains in effect, and because the city is positioned to receive approximately 2,500 carts through the grant, the City Council has determined that curbside recycling will be a mandatory service for all households once the program is implemented.

City leadership understands the concerns many residents have expressed about taking on an additional monthly cost for a service they did not request. We share those concerns and are actively reviewing options to reduce the overall financial impact, including adjustments to garbage collection tonnage fees and exploring joint service agreements with neighboring municipalities to secure lower contract rates. The City of Norway has already agreed to participate in this collaborative effort.

Implementation will begin later this year once grant confirmation, vendor contracts, and service timelines are finalized. Additional details will be communicated as they become available.

We appreciate residents’ patience as we work to meet State requirements in a way that minimizes cost and disruption to our community.

Respectfully

Michael Stelmaszek

Kingsford City Manager