Residents

Royal Oak residents are a key partner in reaching our sustainability goals. This page is designed to help you find out ways to be more sustainable in your everyday life. 

Energy

Residential energy use, combined electric and natural gas, accounts for a total of 31.9% (as reported in S-CAP) of all greenhouse gas emissions within the City or Royal Oak.  In order to meet our sustainability goals, residents need to join us in making their homes more efficient. 

Reducing your consumption is a great way to lower your costs.  Below are some links to agencies offering some rebate programs and take credits:

To learn more about creating solar energy, visit our solar page!  Keep a look out for the EAB page for updates on future Solarize Royal Oak meetings. 

Waste

Waste includes all of the materials we need to get out of our homes.  Residents are a key partner in helping to reduce the amount of materials sent to landfills. By diverting our waste into other streams (recycling, or composting) we can reuse materials and reduce the need for landfills. 

Recycling

The City of Royal Oak partners with other area communities as a member of SOCRRA to collect recyclables. Residents have curbside access and make an appointment to drop off materials. Curbside collection of recyclables which are collected on the same day as your trash and yard waste (when in season). Please have your recyclable toter/bins to the curb by 7:00 a.m. per ordinance.

Recycling must be set out in either an 18-gallon Royal Oak/SOCRRA bin or a 65-gallon toter. Residents are encouraged to use as many recycling bins/toters as necessary to accommodate their recyclables; there is no limit to how many recycling bins/toters residents may set out each week, however bins/toters can only be placed on the easement (between the sidewalk and curb).  Please separate by 2 - 3 feet as there are 3 different trucks running the city on your refuse day.  

To schedule an appointment for materials drop off visit the SOCRRA website.  You can drop off materials including household hazardous waste (paints, yard chemicals, CFL and fluorescent light bulbs, some Styrofoam materials).

Cardboard can be recycled curbside, if it is placed inside of the 65-gallon toter, and flattened. Please cut down large cardboard items to ensure they fit entirely inside of the bin.  You may also take cardboard to SOCRRA with an appointment. 


Composting

compostbinResidents can compost in Royal Oak in a few ways!

  • Create a backyard composting pile!  This option allows you to create new soil and reduce the emissions of a hauler.  To learn more about backyard composting, check out our guide. 

  • Farmers Market Drop Off - Residents can drop off compost including food scraps, paper, coffee, paper products at the Farmers Market. Look for the green bins on the west porch.  Click here to see materials accepted and not accepted. 

  • Yard Waste - Homeowners can dispose of yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves, plants, weeds, pine needles, small shrubs, and woody material up to 2" in diameter through the curbside pick up.  Materials must be placed into 32-gallon trash cans labeled yard waste or in paper yard waste bags.  Pick up runs April through the 3rd Friday in December. For all the details, see our Yard Waste brochure. 

Finally there are private companies that provide residential pick up in Royal Oak for a fee. 


Refuse

We hope you have evaluated all of the recycling and composting options before deciding to toss something in the trash.  Our Department of Public Services, works with SOCCRA and our waste hauler on issues of trash in the community.  Please visit the refuse page for more info. 

Water

Residents can help save water and lower their bills by being water wise. 

Saving Water

Check for Leaks! Leaking faucets and toilets are one common source of high water bills and wasted water. Check out our Common Causes of High Water Bills flyer for tips and tricks to check your home. 

Green Infrastructure

Home owners can make a variety of changes in their homes to make it more water efficient. These an include things like rain barrels, rain gardens, low flow fixtures and dual flush toilets. 

RainSmart Rebates is two-year (2024-2025) residential pilot program geared towards homeowners in the George W. Kuhn Drain Drainage District. The pilot offers homeowners up to $2,000 for implementing sustainable stormwater practices such as tree planting, rain barrel installation, or creating a rain garden on their properties. The primary goals of the program include fostering awareness about stormwater management and promoting environmental stewardship.  The program is through Oakland County's Water Resource Commissioner Jim Nash. While funding may not always be available, information is available on rain barrels, and rain gardens. You can also find out more about rain gardens on our website too.