Common Recyclables:

Paper-Plastic-Glass-Metal

Recycling, composting, and reducing waste at home are effective ways you can protect the environment and your community.  Recycling and composting save energy, create local jobs, and reduce dependence on waste disposal outlets and foreign markets.  Newspaper, corrugated cardboard, container glass, metal food containers and #1 and #2 plastics are commonly collected in community recycling programs as well as at curbside.

Reduce, Reuse and then Recycle.

Although most Michigan residents have access to recycling programs in their communities, better materials management is to reduce and reuse whenever possible. This reduces energy and space as well as recycling and waste management costs.  

To find a recycling program in your community, check the following resources:

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality map of community recycling, composting and household hazardous waste programs. Click on your county to see a list of programs.  Some are specific to community, others are open to anyone.  Check websites or call the program contact for more information.

Earth911 is a national on-line database of local collection programs and environmental information.  By typing in your zip code on any material category, you can find out if there is a local program for your material.

1800recycling.com is another national on-line database of local programs.  By typing in your zip code on a long list of materials, you can find potential outlets for everything from electronics and CDs to a variety of household hazardous materials such as unwanted medicines and paint thinner.