Who do I call with questions regarding Rubbish, Recycling or Yard waste pickup?

The Public Works Office at 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.

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) 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 943.2085 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 and Performing Arts Center and the Public Works office. For more information call 313.943.2085.

Who do I call about weeds on vacant lots, commercial, and residential property?

Contact the Building and Safety 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 Public Works office 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 943.2370.

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?

Call the Department of Public Works at 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, sidwell 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.

Does the City replace Sidewalks?

The City has an annual Sidewalk Inspection Program in which a different part of the City is scheduled for replacement each year. The City does not offer the service of replacing sidewalks on an individual basis. The property owner is responsible for the cost of the repairs. Any questions contact the Engineering Division at 313.943.2447.

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 Building & Safety Department before any work may begin.

Do you need permission to haul an oversized 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 943.2367 or 943.2085. Downed stop signs are considered an emergency---If you cannot reach Public Works, notify Police Dispatch at 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 943.2145.

Are any street, water or sewer projects planned for my street in the near future?

Contact the Engineering Division at 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?

During the sweeping season (April through October), the City sweeps the City streets on the day after regular rubbish pick-up, every other week. The Highways Division averages sixteen (16) full sweeping cycles a year. Specific sweeping dates will be listed in the official city calendar, beginning in 2006. For further information call 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 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 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 December depending on the weather. Loose leaves are picked up at least three (3) times during the fall and containerized leaves are picked up weekly on regular rubbish days through December. For further information call the City Leaf Hotline at 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 four (4) 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 943.2317 or 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.

I just moved into my home and noticed that the recycling bin is missing. How do I get a new one and do I have to pay for it?

You may purchase a recycling bin from Public Works for $8 or $10 with delivery. Recycling is mandatory in Dearborn. Residents are responsible for the security and maintenance of these bins. Call 943.2085 for more information.

A depression has appeared in the ground in my backyard/alley/street at my home. Who do I contact?

The problem could be caused by either a sewer failure, water main leak or a road condition. Contact the Sewerage Division at 943.2042 to report the problem and they will follow up with the appropriate Public Works Division.

Water has backed up into my basement from the drains. Who should I contact?

Contact a plumber or drain cleaning company to check out the problem first. In rare situations, the City sewer may be the cause of the problem. For further information, contact the Sewerage Division at 943.2042.

Who do I contact with water billing questions?

Contact the Water Division at 943.2307 or 943.2290.

Who do I contact to have my water meter read (including final reads & verifications)?

Contact the Water Division at 313.943.2399.

Is there a charge for a Final Read on my Water Meter?

Yes. The charge is $15.00.

Who do I contact regarding lawn or pavement repair due to a water main break?

Contact the Water Division at 943.2306.

Where do I report a water main break or water service problem?

Contact the Water Division at 943.2306 during business hours or 943.2100 for after hours emergencies.

Is there a senior citizen discount on Water Bills?

There is no discount for senior citizens.

What is a Water Cross Connection?

A cross connection is a connection or an arrangement of piping which could allow undesirable water, sewage or chemical solutions to enter your drinking (potable) water system as a result of backflow. Call 943.2781 for further questions.

How do I know my water is safe to drink?

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that is mailed to every home each July is your guide to water quality. It contains information about the water treatment process, the water distribution system, and regulated contaminants. The Dearborn water division will notify you immediately if there is ever any reason for concern about our water. Call 313.943.2781 for further details.