FOR RELEASE: April 1, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT:  Nicole Simmons
404-447-6177
Nicole.simmons@detroitmi.gov

Detroit yard waste collection to start later, end later this year

• Yard waste collection expected to begin week of April 27; extended through end of December

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the City of Detroit Department of Public Works announced today the overwhelmingly popular curbside yard waste collection program has been pushed back and is expected to begin the week of April 27. As a result of the delayed start, yard waste collection will be extended through the end of December 2020.

Once yard waste collection begins, residents can place grass clippings, leaves, and small twigs that are no more than two inches in diameter in biodegradable paper bags on their bi-monthly scheduled bulk collection day. Branches and twigs that are up to 4 feet in length and no more than 4 inches in diameter, should be bundled and tied securely and placed at the curbline. Please note, individual bundles should not weigh more than 60 pounds.

When placing bagged yard waste at the curb, we ask that it be at least six feet from the Courville container or in a personal garbage can that is clearly labeled "yard waste" on two sides of the container. The City’s contractors, Advanced Disposal and GFL Environmental, will not collect yard waste in plastic bags.  If yard waste must be disposed of immediately, residents are encouraged to take their yard waste to any of the free drop-off locations below:

LOCATION                                                                                     HOURS OF OPERATION

Southfield Yard, 12255 Southfield Service Drive                    Monday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Davison Yard, 8221 W. Davison                                              Monday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 6 p.m.

J. Fons Transfer Station, 6451 E. McNichols                           Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.                                                                                                    Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

To view information regarding collection schedules, residents should call their assigned contractor:

East and Southwest Detroit residents should call GFL Environmental at (844) 464-3587.

West side residents should call Advanced Disposal at (844) 233-8764.

For any additional information and to view a map of collection schedules, please visit www.detroitmi.gov/dpw.

New unemployment filing schedule to help Michiganders apply for benefits

LANSING, MICH. To help Michiganders receive unemployment benefits as a result of COVID-19, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has developed a schedule for workers to file for benefits based on the first letter of their last name. The agency continues to see a historical increase in working families seeking emergency financial relief and this new schedule will improve functionally, accessibility and help alleviate bottlenecks in both the online system - Michigan.gov/UIA - and over the phone at 866-500-0017.  

The day or time of day in which a claim is filed will not impact whether a worker receives benefits or their benefit amount. Additionally, claims will be back-dated to reflect the date in which a claimant was laid-off or let go from their job due to COVID-19. The eligibility window to apply has also been increased from 14 to 28 days from the date of their work stoppage.

“We ask Michiganders to remain patient when filing for unemployment and to please follow this schedule to make it easier for everyone to access the emergency relief they need,” said UIA Director Steve Gray. “We’re recommending that workers go first to our 24-hr online system at Michigan.gov/UIA. We urge workers to only use our phone system if they do not have access to a computer or the internet.”

Michiganders are asked to use the tools and resources available on the homepage of the website to help answer any outstanding questions they may have. Due to the unprecedented demand for unemployment benefits, those using the phone option may sometimes receive a busy signal and those using the website should expect longer load times. Users are asked to be patient and not click more than once to reload a page. Filing online remains the fastest way for Michiganders to apply for unemployment benefits.

Beginning Sunday, March 29, 2020:

Online Filing Schedule - Michigan.gov/UIA

• Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays.
• Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
• Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window. 

Call Center Filing Schedule - 866-500-0017:

• Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between  8:00am – 5:00pm.
• Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between  8:00am – 5:00pm.
• Fridays (8:00am – 5:00pm) will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.

For more information visit Michigan.gov/UIA   

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  

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Contact:Jason Moon, (517) 282-0041 or Moonj@michigan.gov

• JIC News Release 080 New unemployment filing schedule to help Michiganders apply for benefits.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 27, 2020

Media Contact: BrownT56@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Expanding Absentee Voting in May 5 Elections

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-27, encouraging Michiganders to vote absentee by allowing the Department of State to assist local jurisdictions in mailing absentee ballot applications to every registered voter, and to provide absentee ballots directly to new registrants. Local jurisdictions will still need to keep at least one polling place open for those who wish to vote in-person or are unable to vote by mail.

“While we work to slow the spread of COVID-19, we must do everything we can to encourage Michiganders to stay home and stay safe,” Governor Whitmer said. “The fewer people we have lining up at polling places the better, ensuring Michiganders safely practice social distancing while allowing them to safely exercise their right to vote in local elections.”

Michiganders who want to register to vote in the May 5 election are strongly encouraged to do so by April 20. They can register online at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/registervoter or by mail using the form available at michigan.gov/documents/MIVoterRegistration_97046_7.pdf.

Those who miss the deadline are still able to register to vote and can do so at their township or city clerk’s office, but should call ahead first. Clerks will also accept applications and proof of residency by mail, email or fax.

“I am grateful to Governor Whitmer for recognizing the critical need to protect public health while ensuring Michigan citizens are able to exercise their fundamental right as voters in our democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Our sharpest tool to ensure citizens do not have to choose between casting a ballot and risking their health is the constitutional right they have to vote by mail, which voters themselves enshrined in our state constitution in 2018.”

"Canceling elections sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy. It signals that, in a time of great challenge and uncertainty, we would opt to give up on the fundamental building block of our republic - the ability to elect and hold our elected officials accountable,” Benson said. “My administration will ensure that all voters eligible to participate in a local election on May 5 receive applications to vote by mail, and we will work with our local clerks to recruit staff and set guidelines to help ensure their health, safety - and our elections - are secure."

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

To view executive order 2020-27, click the link below:

• EO 2020-27.pdf