Port Huron Trash Schedule & Pickup Guide (2025)

Living in Port Huron, Michigan (Zip Code: 48060) can be confusing when it comes to trash collection, recycling, and yard waste disposal because the rules differ between the City of Port Huron and Port Huron Township. The City contracts with Emterra, while the Township works with Waste Management (WM), and each has its own schedules and requirements. This guide explains both systems so you have all the information in one place.

City vs. Township: What’s the Difference?

Before checking your schedule, it’s important to know whether you live inside the City of Port Huron or in Port Huron Township. The City uses Emterra and allows smaller containers up to 35 gallons and 50 pounds, with collection running Monday through Thursday depending on your street. The Township uses Waste Management and requires every household to use a 96 gallon WM cart. No extra bags outside the cart are collected, and pickup days vary by address.

Recycling in Port Huron

Recycling is collected every other week in both the City and the Township.

In the City of Port Huron, Emterra handles recycling on the same day as regular trash pickup. Containers should be placed at least three feet away from trash or yard waste bins. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, rinsed glass jars and bottles, plastics labeled with numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and metal cans or foil. All recyclables must be clean and dry. Items such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, and food waste are not accepted.

In Port Huron Township, Waste Management collects recycling every other week using the green cart with a yellow lid provided to each household. Items must also be empty, clean, and dry, and bagged recyclables are not allowed. Unlike the City, Township residents cannot use their own bins, and everything must fit inside the WM cart.

Bulk Pickup in Port Huron

Both the City and Township provide bulk collection, but the rules are different.

In the City, residents may set out one bulk item each week along with their regular trash. Items like sofas, chairs, mattresses, and appliances are all accepted. Refrigerators and freezers can also be picked up, but the doors must be removed for safety reasons. Emterra is responsible for handling Freon removal in appliances.

In the Township, Waste Management allows only one bulk item per month, collected on the first Friday. Residents must schedule this pickup in advance. Mattresses and box springs must be fully wrapped in plastic, and items weighing more than 40 pounds may require special arrangements. Planning ahead is necessary for Township residents since bulk service is less frequent.

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste is collected seasonally and is kept separate from trash and recycling.

In the City of Port Huron, yard waste is collected from the first full week of April through the week of December 11, 2025. Residents may use brown paper yard bags or containers marked specifically for yard waste. Branches and sticks can be bundled, but they must be less than four feet long, under two inches thick, and no more than 50 pounds in weight. Plastic bags are not accepted. The City also offers fall leaf collection programs which are announced separately each year.

In Port Huron Township, yard waste pickup begins April 1 and continues through November 30. Like the City, residents must use paper yard bags or containers no larger than 32 gallons, and each must weigh no more than 50 pounds. Yard waste is collected weekly during the season, giving residents regular opportunities to dispose of leaves, grass clippings, and small branches.

Holiday Schedule

Trash and recycling schedules change during holiday weeks. In the Township, collection is delayed by one day when New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas falls during the week. In the City, the official holiday schedule is mailed to residents in the Positively Port Huron newsletter, but as a general rule pickup is delayed by one day when a holiday falls on the scheduled service day.

Hazardous Waste and Electronics

Not everything can be set out with regular trash. Household hazardous waste such as paint, chemicals, and batteries can be taken to Smiths Creek Landfill by appointment at no charge. Latex paint must be dried before drop off. The landfill is located at 6779 Smiths Creek Road and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For electronics and scrap metal, residents can use PADNOS Port Huron located at 4070 Griswold Road. This provides a safe option for items that cannot go into curbside recycling.

Extra Tips for Managing Your Garbage

Looking for creative and practical ways to manage your bins and make them less of an eyesore? Here are some handy reads:

Read Where to Put a Trash Can in a Small Kitchen for smart, space-saving ideas to keep bins tucked away inside your home.

For outdoor bin storage solutions that enhance your curb appeal, check out 25 Outdoor Garbage Can Storage Ideas to Tidy Up Your Yard.

Need stylish ways to keep wheelie bins hidden and your yard looking tidy? Explore Ways to Hide Wheelie Bins.

And if you’re unsure when your trash day is, How to Find Out Trash Day in My Area walks you through checking schedules in any city.

Final Word

Understanding whether you live in the City or Township makes all the difference in knowing your trash, recycling, and yard waste rules. The City offers weekly bulk collection and a longer yard waste season, while the Township has stricter limits but provides larger carts and structured pickup schedules. With this guide, residents of both areas have a clear reference to avoid missed collections and stay on top of waste management throughout the year.