Bay City Recycles

Since the early 1950s, Bay City has offered curbside collection services for its residential and commercial residents. Seven decades later, Tim Botzau, Bay City's Parks & Environmental Affairs Manager, is proud the city still offers curbside waste, recycling, and yard waste pickup. "Not a lot of cities still collect residential waste. We are one of the only ones who still collect everything!"

Bay City has increased their city recycling rate 130% from January 2022! New 96-gallon recycling carts replaced the old 18-gallon bins for 15,000 households across the city. Residents were also given a sanitation service guide to ensure that the correct materials were being put into the bins and prevent contamination.

But the success of the City's recycling program doesn't stop at the curb. With support from EGLE (Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy), residents can participate in multiple electronic recycling events held throughout the year. Public education is another key to their long-term success. The city annually presents to every fifth grade classroom in the Bay City Public Schools and will talk with rotaries, business districts, and any group throughout the city that is interested. "The biggest hurdle is educating the public about the true cost and value of recycling." 

Even as the COVID pandemic has caused delays in all parts of life, Mr. Botzau is still excited for the future. After four years in the making, the city unveiled a new drop-off center to enhance the recycling opportunities for Bay City residents.

Learn More: https://www.baycitymi.org/195/Recycling