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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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.
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Banana peels might make fun hats, but they do not make good recyclables. Remember that food scraps or any materials with food residue on them do not belong in your curbside bin. – Frank #MIRecycles
Don’t let cords and wires “tangle” up your curbside recycling. Stringy items like rope, twine and wire cannot be recycled at local recycling centers because they clog machinery. – Frank #MIRecycles
Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” like proper curbside recycling! Let your special someone know you care by contributing to a cleaner Michigan. 💕 #MIRecycles #ValentinesDay
The only thing worse than winter colds and runny noses is facial tissue in a recycling bin. #KnowItBeforeYouThrowIt and keep your paper towels, tissues and napkins out of the recycling bin. – Paper MacKay #MIRecycles
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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