Say hello to the Recycling Raccoon Squad
Hey, neighbor! We are the Recycling Raccoon Squad. Our mission is to help Michigan recycle better, smarter, more efficiently and more adorably. (We'll handle that last one if you want.) To accomplish our mission, we have created a clear set of simple rules for you to follow that will help you become the best of the best at recycling.
Watch Video
Rinse and empty all plastics, glass and metal containers.
Basically, if you recycle something that's not rinsed and empty, you could get other items dirty on the way to the recycling center. This could ruin a whole truckload of recyclables – not just yours – with the whole load ending up in a landfill. The good news is recycling right is easy! Keep it simple. Keep it clean. Empty, rinse, recycle, repeat – for all plastic, glass and metal.
Break down and flatten all cardboard.
Cardboard boxes that aren’t flat or broken down take up a lot of space in a recycling container and in the recycling collection truck. Bulky boxes create voids and air spaces, which ultimately increase the number of pickups required and lower the efficiency of the recycling center. So, the rule is: Break down and flatten all cardboard.
Don't put your recyclables in plastic bags.
Jamming all your recyclables into a plastic grocery bag or garbage bag is not cool. Most curbside recycling programs don’t accept plastic bags – whether by themselves or full of other recyclables. Even worse, the bags can get tangled in the machines at your local recycling center. So, be sure to put your recyclables loose in your cart or bin.
Latest News
Metal recycling in southeast Michigan takes many shapes
For professional artist Chris Nesbitt, conversations about metal can get heavy, sometimes into the hundreds of pounds. Read more...
What happens to plastic after it’s recycled?
The Recycling Raccoon Squad – a highly motivated band of masked recycling experts who are going to help Michigan recycle better. Meet your squad…
Want to learn even more recycling rules and best practices? Download and print our free Recycling Raccoons reference sheet at https://t.co/zxNB9lR9HD.
Michigan's 15% recycling rate ranks among the nation’s lowest. Today we joined @SeanAMcCann, @Hope4Kzoo and EGLE Materials Management Division Director Jack Schinderle to launch a program to better inform Michiganders on correct recycling practices. #KnowItBeforeYouThrowIt
When it comes to recycling, no matter what color the glass … your recycler is the one to ask. Most programs accept clear food glass, but check to make sure your local recycler accepts brown, green and other colors. #KnowItBeforeYouThrowIt
Do I see a LIGHT BULB in that recycling bin?! #KnowItBeforeYouThrowIt and keep light bulbs out of your curbside bin.
Join the Squad!
Help Michigan become a leader in recycling again. Join the squad today. You don't need to be a raccoon – you just need to sign up!
After signing up for recycling news, you will receive occasional updates. We will not sell your email address to any third party at any time. View our privacy policy.
