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.
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Empty, rinse, recycle your plastic, glass and metal containers.
Basically, if you recycle something that’s not rinsed and empty, other items get contaminated. This could ruin a whole truckload of recyclables with the whole load ending up in a landfill. Keep it simple. Empty, rinse, recycle your plastic, glass and metal containers.
Break down and flatten all cardboard.
Cardboard boxes that aren’t flat or broken down take up a lot of space in the recycling collection truck, which ultimately increases the number of pickups required. 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.
Test Your Knowledge
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?
Every day, you likely use all kinds of plastic - everything from water bottles to containers, and you may be recycling them, but are you doing it right? Read more...
School may be out of session, but recycling never is! Follow the links to download this fun, raccoon-approved worksheet for recycling tips and tricks: http://ow.ly/Cb5Z50FqNQc
Attention all green thumbs! It's gardening season and Frank is here to teach you some recycling tips. Hoses, also known as tanglers, are not recyclable. Reach out to your local recycling provider to learn more about tanglers and what should be kept out of your curbside recycling.
Recycling often and correctly is one of the best and easiest ways to protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gases and equates to millions of dollars in energy savings. Learn more about the benefits of recycling: http://ow.ly/Znb350FrGxp
Don’t throw away those spray cans! Empty aerosol cans are generally recyclable unless they contain hazardous materials such as paint or chemicals.
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!
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