Learn About Recycling

If someone asked you to recite the materials that are collected through your curbside service or at your local recycling center, could you do it? It’s probably not a question that you’ve ever been asked, but it’s an important thing to know.

Unfortunately, recycling isn’t as straightforward as searching for a recycling symbol on a product. Many packages wear the “recycle” symbol but require a special recycling process that may not be available in your area. This is something that many people don’t realize before tossing an item into the recycling bin or choosing to toss it in the trash.

This page will help answer some of the questions you may have on recycling in Michigan.

Recycling 101

Wait a minute! Should you throw that in the recycling bin? Watch this video to find out; and check out our Recycling 101 booklet to sort out more recycling facts from fiction! SPECIAL THANKS to Cascade Cart Solutions in Grand Rapids, MI, for providing us with the adorable pink recycling cart!

Recycling 101

Cleaning your Recyclables

Even if you don’t have single stream recycling, recyclers rely on clean and quality materials to market to end use manufacturers. The higher the amount of residue and contamination, the lower the value of the recyclable materials, and the lower potential for those materials to be used in the production of new products. Always remember to make sure the recyclables you put in the bin are free of excessive residue.

Commonly Misunderstood Items

If an item is not included on your list of acceptable items, it probably cannot be recycled through your program because they cannot manage it appropriately. Some recycling programs in Michigan do accept some of these items at drop-off sites or through special collection events, so be sure to check with your community or service provider for options in your area.

Plastic Symbols

To most people, this code will look very familiar. It’s often assumed that this symbol is identifying an item as recyclable, but it was actually introduced by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) to identify the plastic resin content of bottles and containers. This labeling system is known as a “Resin Identification Code (RIC)” and is used to identify seven types of plastics.

Recycling Cheat Sheet

Do not include everyday “trash” in your recycling bin.
Be sure to clean/rinse out recyclables of excessive residue Do not include any medical waste, COVID personal protective equipment, or personal hygiene items in your recycling bin. Check out our Recycling Raccoons Reference Sheet and Local Rules or contact your local recycling center for more information. Don’t nest materials with unlike materials (i.e. tin can inside a cereal box). Fill out our recycling cheat sheet and keep it near your at-home recycling station.