Larger Recycling Bins Coming to Farmington Hills

Citizen concerns over the size of new collection bins that will encourage even more recycling have led Farmington Hills officials to make a slight change in plans for their implementation. 

During Monday's regular meeting, city council members approved revisions to a contract with Waste Management, Inc. that reflect at the Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County (RRRASOC). Some residents told officials they oppose the 96-gallon containers, which would likely have to be stored alongside homes and garages. 

Authority director Mike Csapo brought samples of the wheeled, 96-gallon, 64-gallon and 35-gallon containers that will be left at city hall so residents can get a look at them. The revised contract originally designated the largest container as a standard; Csapo said residents would be free to request the smaller sizes.

"We can accommodate residents' needs," he said.

Csapo noted new standards that allow residents to recycle more items may lead them to eliminate at least one trash can. However, officials chose to make the 64-gallon bin standard, allowing residents to size up or down. 

Containers will be delivered July 1, with stickers inside their hinged covers that show a list of recyclables and important contact numbers. 

Originally a 4-year agreement set to expire in about a year and a half, the contract has been extended to June 3, 2022. Csapo said that allows Waste Management to amortize the cost of providing the containers at no cost to the city or residents. The move lowers the city's cost for recycling services and increases the amount of money earned from processing recyclables, he added.

While the new containers aren't yet available, residents can now add wide-mouth and agricultural plastics for curbside collection.