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The Michigan Recycling Coalition often gets questions about where and what can be recycled. In the right column are links to state-wide resources if you don't know what is available in your community or you are a large generator of recyclables and are looking for a recycling market.
Another good resource is the MRC listserv. Archived discussions are available by clicking here. However, only MRC members can post messages. Join the MRC to have more access to this valuable resource.
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Q. WHY CAN'T I RECYCLE (FILL IN THE BLANK)?
A. Although recycling can be beneficial by
- diverting waste from landfills and incinerators;
- creating local employment;
- providing taxes for communities;
- providing an alternative to raw materials that may be scarce or need to be imported;
- protecting wildlife and the environment by not requiring harvesting, mining and long-distance transport of certain commodities;
it requires a market to be sustainable. If the product you want to recycle does not contain enough value to process into a commodity without costing more to process than the value pays for, it is unlikely the material is worth recycling. However, technologies, regulations, and industry needs are constantly changing. What may not be recyclable this year may become recyclable in the future. See Recycling Markets for more information.
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Q. WHERE CAN I TAKE MY BURNED OUT CFLs?
A. An increasing number of local household hazardous waste programs, retailers and utilities are taking back CFLs for proper handling and recycling. Click here to find out more about these energy-efficient bulbs and where you can take them.
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Q. WHY DOESN'T MY LOCAL RECYCLING/HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM TAKE MY BATTERIES ANYMORE?
A. In April 2009, the Federal Department of Transportation issued an advisory regarding how batteries should be prepared for safe hauling on U.S. highways. This advisory was issued after several trucks were involved in fires suspected to be caused by collected batteries that were not properly prepared for shipment. This stopped many local programs from taking batteries from their residents due to the higher cost of preparation to avoid hazardous transportation and potential liability. A clarification was issued subsequent to the advisory excepting 1.5 volt alkaline batteries but the potential risk was too great for many programs. There are still many outlets for recycling lead acid (car, boat, motorcycle) batteries, rechargeable batteries (found in cell phones, cameras, power tools) and button batteries used in watches and hearing aids. Click here for more information about batteries and where they can be recycled.
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Where to recycle:
In your community, check the Michigan DEQ map for local program information.
For collection programs and large generators (institutions, businesses, communities, etc.), check the Michigan Recycled Materials Market Directory.
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