CITY OF FERNDALE SERVICES:
Recycling Guidelines
Ferndale recycles through the Southeast Oakland County Resource Recovery Association (SOCRRA), and Car Trucking collects it weekly.
Recycling in Ferndale
Ferndale’s recycling rate is about 15% annually, meaning most citywide material is still disposed of as trash.
In 2025, the City collected approximately:
- 9,644 tons of solid waste
- 1,518 tons of recycling
Increasing participation and reducing contamination are among the most effective ways to improve this rate citywide.
Why Recycling Matters
- Reduces the amount of material sent to landfills
- Conserves raw materials and energy
- Supports regional processing and reuse systems
- Helps reduce long-term disposal costs
Recycling also supports broader sustainability and waste-reduction goals across the community and region.
Preparation Requirements
Residents should:
- Empty and rinse containers
- Place materials loose in the recycling cart
- Break down cardboard when possible
- Never place plastic bags in recycling carts
- Common Recycling Problems
The most common recycling issues include:
- Plastic bags in carts
- Food contamination
- Non-recyclable materials mixed with recycling
Contaminated recycling increases processing costs and reduces the recycling program's effectiveness.
Waste Wizard Tool
The Waste Wizard tool is the best resource for determining:
- Whether an item is recyclable
- How materials should be prepared
- Alternative disposal options for uncommon materials