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Compost Information

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1. Trash Pick-Up?

During the year of 2021 trash pick-up for the City of Inkster will continue on a weekly schedule for the entire year. Your trash pick-up day (Monday through Friday) will remain the same.

2. Trash?

Collection is delayed for certain holidays. The schedule (effective holidays) are clearly marked on the calendar.

3. Trash Collection?

Containers should be placed at the curbside after 6:00 PM on the day before Collection Day and should be removed from the curbside before 6:00 PM on the Collection Day.

4. Proper Containers?

The 95-gallon, wheeled curb cart had been provided to each household. If you have more trash than the new curb cart will hold, you will need to call for a special pick-up 48 hours in advance.

Cardboard boxes are not acceptable trash containers. They must be broken down and thrown into the recycle container. 

5. The Trash Contractor Does Not Pick Up:

Any EPA labeled hazardous substances, including but not limited to, gasoline, acid, inflammable or explosive materials. 

6. Bulk Pick –Up?

Heavy household items (Stoves, refrigerators, freezers, furniture) items that do not fit into the cart. You will be allowed two bulk items a week, if you have more than two items you will need to call for a dumpster. It will be picked up on your regular pick-up day. Please call (844) 464-3587 at least 48 hours ahead so that the proper moving equipment will be available. Business hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM.

7. Brush, Wood & Carpeting?

These items will be collected on your regularly scheduled collection day only of the following conditions are met (see next column)

8. Compost Collection - Trees, wood, shrubs and brush?

• Bend nails over, cut, and securely tie into bundles, not to exceed 3 inches in diameter/No longer than 4 feet/No heavier than 50 pounds.  Lawn clippings, twigs, flowers and plantings are all acceptable items for compost collection. Twigs and branches shall not exceed 4 inches in diameter and 3 feet in length. Stumps, rocks, dirt, and sod are not acceptable for compost/yard waste collection. To reduce the amount of compost/yard waste GFL recommends using lawn mowers with mulching blades. 

9. Carpet?

• No longer than 4 feet/No heavier than 50 pounds/Tied and bundled
• A Resident hiring a private contractor for tree trimming/ removal must require that contractor to remove any brush, logs, or stumps.

Weekly curbside collection of yard waste begins April 5^, 2021 and ends December 17^, 2021. 

Residents are required to separate grass clippings, leaves, weeds, and other soft yard waste from regular trash.

10. Vacant Lots?

Vacant lots are the responsibility of the owner. If vacant lots are maintained, the owner may receive a citation and the lot will be cut/cleaned at the owner’s expense. Complaints should be directed to Code Enforcement at (313) 563-0835 or the Department of Public Services at (313) 563-9774.

11. How can I reduce the amount of compost/yard waste?

GFL recommends using lawn mowers with mulching blades.

12. Trash & Recycling Collection Schedule

Collection Schedule (PDF Download)

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Medical Marijuana

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1. Where is the Green Zone?

It depends on the use. Medical and Recreational Dispensaries/Provisioning Centers can be located in the B-1, Local Business District, B-2, Thoroughfare Mixed Use District, B-3, General Business District, and TCD, Town Center District. These uses must be 1,000ft away (measured from front door to front door) from each other, schools, childcare, City playgrounds, Microbusinesses, and Churches (Drug Free Zones).

Microbusinesses have the same rules as above, but also must be located in the Entertainment District (Michigan Ave, between Henry Ruff Rd and Middlebelt). 

Both Recreational and Medical Marijuana Cultivation, Processing, Testing, Transport, or any use that is NOT retail MUST be in the M-1, Light Industrial District. They must be 300ft from Residentially Zoned properties (measured from front door to front door).

2. How do I get a license?

The City Clerk has licensed.

3. What is the SLU process?

See Flow Chart. 

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Taxes

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1. How are my property taxes calculated?

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the taxable value of the property times the millage rate.

2. What is taxable value and how is it calculated?

Please see the Taxable Value Calculation page.

3. What forms should I file with the Assessor’s Office after a property is transferred?

A property transfer affidavit must be filed by the buyer, with the city assessor where the property is located, within 45 days of the transfer. The filing of this form is mandatory per state law.

4. What other form should be filed with the Assessor’s Office if the property is to be my new principal residence?

If you own and occupy your principal residence, you may claim an exemption from a portion of local school operating taxes. To claim this exemption, you must complete a Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit by May 1.

5. How does the City notify me of my taxable value and if I have a principal residence exemption?

In March of each year a notice of assessment is sent to every property owner. The notice will state your taxable value, assessed value, and tentative state equalized value. The notice will also state if there was or was not a transfer of ownership on the property and will also tell you if there is a principal residence exemption on the property. Furthermore, the notice will inform you of your right of appeal to the Board of Review.

6. How are Michigan Public Schools funded?

Please view the slideshow provided by the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency here 

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Transition to Monthly Water & Sewer Billing

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1. Why is the City switching to monthly billing?

Monthly billing makes it easier for customers, especially those on a fixed income, to manage their monthly household finances and budget more efficiently. It also provides customers with more frequent and timely information about their water usage. This allows customers to track their usage, reduce consumption and detect leaks in their household plumbing sooner.

Detecting leaks and reducing consumption saves water and money.

2. What are the benefits of monthly billing?

- It allows customers to budget more efficiently
- It is easier for customers, especially those on a fixed income, to manage their monthly household finances
- It provides customers with more frequent and timely information about their water usage
- It allows customers to adjust month-to-month consumption, especially during summer months, which can save money
- It allows customers to detect leaks more timely, thus allowing for prompt repairs and reducing the potential of a high water bill as a result of the leak. (Customers are responsible for repairing household leaks).

3. How often will my meter be read?

Meters will be read on a monthly basis and will be billed monthly based on consumption.

4. Will my water bill look different?

No changes will be made to the water bill. The bills will contain water and sewer charges for one month of usage verses quarterly usage

5. During the transition, will I be billed more than once for the same water and/or sewage consumption?

Customers will not be billed more than once for water or sewer services. Each bill will cover a different usage period.

6. Where or how can I pay my monthly bill?

Payments may be made as follows:

By Mail:
In order to expedite bill payments and to avoid past due notices and accrual of penalties, please allow 5 days for your payment to be received timely. Bills should be mailed to the following address:
City of Inkster, Water Department
26215 Trowbridge
Inkster, Ml 48141

In Person:
Visit City Hall at 26215 Trowbridge Monday- Thursday between 8:30 - 11 :30 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. or drop it in the City's Drop Box any day, any time. Payments left in the drop box will be processed on the next business day.

Internet:
Only credit cards are accepted for online payments.

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Water

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1. When do I receive a water bill?

In most instances, if it is a residential customer, you are billed quarterly. If it is a commercial (business) customer, you are billed on a monthly basis.

2. Do we purchase our water from the City of Detroit or somewhere else?

The City of Detroit.

3. Explain the sewer charge?

It is a charge for the processing of the waste (sewage).

4. What is a sur-charge?

An excess sewer charge for non-residential (usually commercial) customers.

5. Why is there a meter charge on my bill?

It is for the "use" of the meter and charged to customers who have a 1inch up to a 6 inch meter in size.

6. How is my bill computed?

In most cases, the number of units used x the rate(s).

7. What is a unit?

748 gallons of water or 100 cubic feet.

8. How are the water and sewer rates established?

They are based upon the cost to the City of Inkster to deliver the service to our customers and acted on by council resolution.

9. What does arrears mean?

It is a past due amount. If a minus sign appears behind the amount, it can indicate an overpayment or a credited amount.

10. If I overpay my bill or the city over-bills my account, will my bill be adjusted?

Absolutely! If an over-payment occurs it will be credited to your next bill and if we over-bill your account we will make the appropriate adjustment. We try to do everything within our control to make sure the customer’s bill is correct.

11. Does a main break have an effect on my bill?

No! You are billed only for water that goes through your meter.

12. Is a meter leak my problem or the City’s?

It is the customer’s responsibility.

13. If I turn the water off at the meter and not use any water will I still get a bill?

Yes, as long as you have access to the water, you will be billed a minimum bill.

14. What is a minimum bill?

If you use no units up to ten units you will be billed for ten units. The current minimum bill for a 5/8 meter is $49.10.

15. Why is my bill so high?

There are a number of reasons it could appear to be high but we estimate, on average, that each person in the household will use anywhere from 10 to 15 units per person, per quarterly billing.

16. What do I need to do to ensure that my water account is paid up-to-date before I move from my home?

You should call the water department at least one week in advance to make an appointment for a final bill. The water department staff will compute a final bill up to the date we receive a reading.

17. How do I change my mailing address or put my name on the account?

Please view the Change Mailing Address page.

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Water Meter

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1. Why do we need a new meter?

There are several reasons:
- The existing meter system is no longer available and must be replaced.
- Implementing a standardized metering system in every home will lower maintenance costs and make for more efficient use of City personnel.
- This step will also aid in ensuring that there is no water loss occurring with the current system.

2. Is there any cost to me?

There is no additional cost to the homeowner for the meter, radio transmitter device or installation. Under no circumstance, should you pay anyone for the equipment or labor.

3. Are these new radio devices safe?

The answer is yes. The reading from your water meter takes less than one second and is only transmitted 4 times a day. The safety of radio waves is based on a calculation of time and distance. You would need to be within 1 inch of the transmitter while it sent the signal for more than 6 minutes.

The new system operates on the VT-IF band and much like the radios used for police or fire, they are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. A copy of the license and can be viewed at City Hall.

4. When will the water meter and remote reading device be installed?

The meter replacement program will begin in September 2011 and will be completed within approximately 1 year. The focus will be on commercial meters replacements 1st, then the residential meters. Authorized personnel from the contractor, SEC Meter Service, Inc. will go door to door to install the meter or you may call 800-335-1448 to schedule the installation at your convenience between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

5. How will I know that the installers are legitimate?

A private contractor (S.L.C. Meter Service, Inc.) has been contracted to assist the Municipality in installing the new meters and reading system. Each installer will be uniformed, will carry identification and the vehicle will have a decal affixed showing the company name and phone number.

You may also call S.E.C. Meter Service, at 800-335-1448, the water department office at 313-563-9774 or the police department at 313-563-9869 to confirm the identity of the installer. You should not let anyone into your home without proper identification.

6. How long will it take to install the new equipment?

Normal installation time is less than 1 hour. The new radio transmitters will be installed inside. The old visual remote will be left outside on the house. Please clear the area 2 feet on all sides of your meter.

7. Who will maintain the new equipment?

The Municipality will assume full responsibility for maintaining the water meter and remote reading device. It is the homeowners’ responsibility to maintain the plumbing surrounding the meter. However, if damage to the meter is determined due to the cause of neglect by the property owner, it will then be the property owners’ responsibility. This includes freezing.

8. Is there a U/L Listing for water meters?

Residential meters carry warranties from the manufacturers and meet the standards of the American Water Works Association for quality and accuracy. Not 1manufacturer has a U/L listing for water meters used in residential applications, only 2 have it for commercial meters used in fire line applications.

9. Is there anything I can do to make the installation smoother?

Keep the installation appointment as scheduled, and clear the area around your water meter. If you have any additional questions concerning the project or installation, please contact S.L.C. Meter Service, Inc., at 800-335-1448. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Installation hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. There is also a 24-hour answering service available after office hours.

10. Why Is My Water Bill So High?

There are 3 main factors that contribute to a larger than normal water bill:
- Rate increases
- New meter accuracy
- Differentials between the outside reads and the inside meter reading from the old meter system which has resulted in the discovery of previously used but unbilled water and sewer service

Learn more about these reasons
here.

11. How Do I Know My New Meter Is Accurate?

The new water meters are the SM-700 model manufactured by Elster Amco Water. The operating principle is called “fluidic oscillation” and has been validated by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) which sets the standards for water meters. The standard for the SM-700 is the AWWA C-713. Each meter is tested by the manufacturer before it leaves the factory and a certificate of accuracy is attached prior to shipping. When the new meters were installed, the certificates were removed and placed on file at City hall. Additionally, the City sent out a random batch of meters to a neighboring community to validate the factory test results from an unbiased, 3rd party perspective.

All meters were within the allowable tolerances and found to be satisfactory.

12. How Do I Read My New Water Meter?

The new water meters read in cubic feet. The odometer reading has a visual resolution going down to 1/100th of a cubic foot which shows as 000000.0 00

Billing units are 100 cubic feet. The first 4 digits from left to right are the billing units. When the 10th and 100th position of the odometer (the last 2 from right to left) are both 0, they will not light up. This is why you will sometimes see 3 numbers after the decimal point and other times just 1. The only purpose of the decimal points is for accuracy testing.

The City of Inkster bills for water and sewer in 100 cubic feet increments, this is known as a billing unit. When readings are transferred from the meter reading computer to the billing computer, only the billing units (the 4 zeroes from left to right that are wrapped with a white line) go to the billing computer.

To get a reading in 100-cubic-foot, you would read the first 4 digits from left to right. Billing units have a white line going around them.

13. Is My New Water Meter A Smart Meter?

The new water meters are Elster model SM-700s. They are not the “Smart Meters” being used for electricity. While they are a highly advanced water measurement technology, they cannot shut your water off or slow your water down. They are not part of the DTE “Smart Grid”. They simply record the usage and send that the reading to City Hall on a daily basis.

The transmitter will also report if the water meter has been removed from the water line, or if water is flowing backwards. There is also a feature for “continuous flow” which means that if you have water running for over four hours, it will send a message to City Hall of a “potential leak”.

All transmissions are 1 way. City Hall cannot “talk” back to the meter or monitor consumption minute by minute.

14. What You Should Know About Your Water Meter

The new Elster SM-700 water meters have been in use worldwide since 1995 and comply with all of the standards set forth by the American Water Works Association for their classification of C-713. Each meter is tested at the factory and the accuracy certification is on file at City hall.