Public Works, Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call with questions regarding Rubbish, Recycling or Yard waste pickup?
Residential Services at 313-943-2085 will be happy to answer all your questions. Detailed brochures are mailed on request.
How can I dispose of large amounts of rubbish or building materials?
Bag, bundle, or containerize all trash, (no loose items). Construction material must be bagged or bundled and 35 lbs. or less with a limit of 20 a year. Nails must be removed from wood.
Will large items and appliances be picked up on trash day?
Up to five large items are allowed on trash day, this includes furniture (tables, chairs, couches, loveseats, mattresses) and appliances (doors off refrigerators and freezers).
How do we prepare tree trimmings, shrubs, etc... for pick-up?
Brush, less than 4" in diameter, cut into 4' lengths and tied with heavy cord/twine in bundles up to 35 lbs. is picked up free on trash day. Unbundled brush and firewood require Special Pick-ups. Yard waste is not picked up through the winter months.
What should I do with old paint?
Latex paint, if completely dried up, may be placed in your rubbish. To dry out latex paint, open the can in a well ventilated area until it solidifies. Kitty litter is also a good way to absorb latex paint. Remove lid. Put lid in your trash container. Place open cans at curb for pick-up.
Where can I dispose of used Motor Oil?
Used motor oil is collected on Household Hazardous Waste drop off days. For more information call 734-326-3936 for dates and drop off points.
Where can I pick up additional Yard Waste stickers?
Stickers are available free at all local libraries, City Hall, Ford Community & Performing Arts Center and the Department of Public Works. For more information call 313-943-2085.
Who do I call about weeds on vacant lots, commercial, and residential property?
Contact the Residential Services Department at 313-943-2161. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their own property. When they fail to do so, the City hires a Contractor to do the cutting and bills the property owner for all costs, including administration fees.
Who can I contact to have graffiti removed?
The City has a comprehensive graffiti abatement program. All graffiti should be reported to the Department of Public Works at 313-943.2085. The City will make arrangements with the Owner of the building or a private contractor to have this nuisance removed promptly. Cold weather conditions may delay the removal.
Who do I report an out-of-service or damaged street light to and how long will it take to get it back in service?
According to DTE Energy, the normal replacement time is 3 to 10 working days depending on the weather conditions and high priority lighting areas. To report an outage or to inquire about a street light problem complete the Streetlight Outage Report Form online (preferred), or call the Department of Public Works at 313-943-2085.
My street light is on day and night. Do the taxpayers of Dearborn pay for this? Does the City get a rebate from DTE Energy when lights are on during the day?
The City pays a flat rate based on wattage and pre-described hours. We do not pay for lights that are on during the day. Call 800.477.4747 if this situation occurs. Sometimes, lights that have recently been repaired are left burning for several days to ensure proper operation.
Who do I report a downed electrical line to?
A downed electrical line should be reported immediately to both DTE Energy at 800-477-4747 and Emergency Response at 911.
How do I obtain permission for a block party?
Click here for more information and application forms.
Call the Department of Public Works at 313-943-2085 for details.
Does the City do land surveys?
The City does not do private surveys. Property owners must hire their own surveyor. They are listed in the Ameritech yellow pages.
Do you have information on Flood Insurance?
The Engineering Division can tell someone if they are in the flood plain area and if they will require flood insurance according to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Call 313-943-2145.
Does the City have maps that identify the dimensions of private property parcels?
The Engineering Division maintains many maps for the City of Dearborn. The Technicians can provide information on lot lines, plats maps, sidewell maps, Assessors maps, utility locations and sewer & water main locations. For a small fee, a copy can be provided. The City Clerk’s Office (313-943-2010) can also provide a copy of the official City of Dearborn map with a street listing index.
Who should I call to report a sidewalk trip hazard, and who pays for the repairs?
Contact the Engineering Division at 313-943-2145 to report trip hazards. They will send an inspector to assess the situation. If repairs are necessary, the property owner is responsible for the cost of the repairs. Property owners may do the work themselves; however, a permit must first be obtained from the Residential Services Department before any work may begin.
Do you need permission to haul an over-sized or heavy load on the streets in Dearborn (Hauling Permits)?
Yes - Specific requirements relating to these loads are available by calling 313-943-2453.
Who should I call to report missing/damaged Traffic Signs?
Damaged signs should be reported to the Building Services Division of Public Works at 313-943-2367 or 313-943-2085. Downed stop signs are considered an emergency---If you cannot reach Public Works, notify Police Dispatch at 313-943-2870 immediately.
What do the different colors of spray paint on streets and sidewalks mean?
The spray paint indicates the location of underground utilities as follows:
Blue Water Systems
Orange Telephone , Fire and Police Communications
Green Sewers / Storm Drains
Yellow Oil & Gas
Brown Sewer System
Red Electric Ground Lines
Pink Surveying
Purple Cable TV
The Engineering Division’s field crews (Surveyors and Inspectors) also use red & green.
Which streets are the City responsible for within the City of Dearborn?
Most of the streets are maintained by the City; however, many major roads are owned and maintained by the State and Wayne County. The Engineering Division can tell you which agency has jurisdiction over a particular street. For information, call 313-943-2145.
Are any street, water or sewer projects planned for my street in the near future?
Contact the Engineering Division at 313-943-2145. Staff can provide information on planned improvements to the City’s infrastructure.
Does the City of Dearborn sweep streets on a regular basis?
In accordance with Public Service Days, the City sweeps streets once a month on your trash day from April through November. For more information call 313-943-2107.
How does the City handle snow and ice on City streets?
The City has a comprehensive 24 hour response to deal with hazardous winter weather conditions. Generally, the City will plow snow from streets when the accumulation reaches 3-4" or more; and depending on weather forecasts. For further information call 313-943-2107.
What should I do if the snow plow damages my lawn or sprinkler system?
There is a specific process to follow to make a claim. Contact the Highways Division at 313-943-2107 for more information.
When will my street be salted?
Streets are salted to minimize hazardous conditions as needed based on field observations. The timing of the salt application will vary depending on storm conditions and whether snow plowing is required. For further information call 313-943-2107.
When does the City’s leaf pick-up start and how is it handled?
Leaf pick-up generally starts mid October and lasts through November depending on the weather. Loose leaves are picked up on public service days during the fall and containerized leaves are picked up weekly on regular rubbish days through November. For further information call the City Leaf Hotline at 313-943-2444.
Who do I call for information regarding Tree Trimming, Removal and Planting of Trees?
There are approximately 35,000 curbside trees in Dearborn. These trees are trimmed on a five (5) year cycle to remove dead wood and elevate for clearance. Neighborhoods are notified prior to trimming. When the City determines that a tree must be removed, there is no charge to the homeowner. Tree limbs in power lines are the responsibility of DTE Energy (800-477-4747). The City plants trees only between the sidewalk and the curb. The City does not maintain trees growing in alleys. Residents and Contractors are prohibited from trimming and removing City trees. All tree planting on City easements must be approved by the City. Call 313-943-2317 or 313-943-2318 in February for complete planting details such as price and selection.
What is the rubbish schedule for holidays?
Check your City calendar. Delays in trash collection change from year to year. Holidays such as New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas may cause a one day delay in collection of trash. For more information regarding the schedule for trash collection, call the Department of Public Works at 313-943-2085.
If a resident needs an additional trash or recycling cart, please contact the Department of Public Works at 313-943-2085.
