Items that don’t fit in the plastic, glass, metal, paper or cardboard category are Frank's specialty! This Recycling Raccoon member knows all about batteries, rope, paint, clothes, mattresses and more.
Keep your recyclables loose
Recyclables need to be loose in the cart. We know it’s tempting to keep things orderly by putting all your recyclables in plastic (or paper) bags – but it’s a bad idea. Here’s why:
- Plastic bags are not recyclable curbside (they get tangled in the machines).
- Recyclables need to be loose in the cart for sorting at the facility.
- Bagged items often get thrown out since facilities can’t safely determine what’s inside without risk to their employees.
Batteries
Batteries should never go in your curbside recycling. Many cities have special drop-off collection points for common household batteries like AA and AAA. Other types of batteries – like for computers and cars – have different processes to be recycled. To learn more, check out EGLE's Recycling Batteries page.
StyrofoamTM or plastic foam
Styrofoam, aka plastic foam, is not recyclable curbside. It requires a special process to be recycled into a new product. There are specific drop-off locations that will accept plastic foam. If none is available, throw it away.
Household hazardous waste
Check the Michigan Material Management Facilities map or the Local Household Hazardous Waste Collection page for a list of places that accept the collection of household materials like paint, oil, clothes, mattresses and more.
Food residue
Food doesn’t belong in the recycling bin. All recyclable materials should be rinsed and emptied to reduce food residue.
Rope, twine, and wire
Rope, twine and wire cannot be recycled at local recycling centers — they clog machinery (tanglers).
Needles, syringes, and other sharps
Needles, syringes and other sharp objects need to be dropped off for everyone’s safety. Find your nearest Sharps Collection Program and dispose of these items properly.
Electronics
Electronics don’t belong in your curbside recycling, but they can be recycled! Check with the manufacturer, the Michigan Materials Management Facilities map, local recycling events, recycling companies specializing in electronics or electronics retailers like Best Buy and Staples.
Lightbulbs
Don’t place any type of lightbulb in a curbside recycling bin or cart. All lightbulbs contain a mix of glass and metal that make them harder to recycle.
Some drop-off recycling collection centers collect various types of lightbulbs. It’s okay to place incandescent and LED lights in the trash if they’re spent. CFL lights – often the twisty bulb ones – contain a small amount of mercury and should be dropped off for proper handling to prevent mercury from getting into the land and water. Many recycling drop-off centers, local governments and retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s will have CFL collection spots.
String lights
String lights like Christmas lights are not recyclable curbside – they’re tanglers that get caught in the sorting machinery. Retailers and some drop-off recycling locations will collect them, often in December and January.
