YOUR TOWN. YOUR RULES.
City of Lansing
We’ve pawed our way through recycling bins all over the state, and we’ve learned that the rules of recycling differ from one community to the next. That’s why we’re here to talk to you about YOUR rules – the rules of recycling for residents of the city of Lansing. Reduce and reuse first, know it before you throw it when you recycle, and always reach out to Capital Area Recycling & Trash (CART) at lansingrecycles.com when you have questions.
Lansing’s Essential Rules to Recycling Perfection
The plastic bags and flexible plastics shown below are recyclable locally though – many grocery stores accept clean and dry bags and wraps.
What’s NEVER recyclable are things like potato chip bags and frozen food bags – just throw those out. They often contain multiple types and layers of plastic, making them impossible to recycle.
TIP: Reuse your smaller plastic bags as trash can liners or to pick up pet waste.
No plastic bags
No bread bags
No plastic sandwich baggies
No air pillows used in packaging
No plastic shipping envelopes
No bathroom tissue & paper towel wrapping
Plastic bottles, jugs and containers are recyclable – always rinse and empty to avoid getting food or other residue on the paper and cardboard in your cart. Smaller plastic items and things made of multiple plastic materials belong in the trash.
Plastic jugs and containers
Laundry detergent bottles
Milk jugs
Water bottles
Clean plastic takeout food containers
No plastic utensils, straws, toothbrushes
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.
No recyclables in a plastic bag
Loose recyclables
We just can’t get enough paper. So, if you have paper, keep it clean and dry and bring it on.
BUT WAIT! Do not recycle paper towels, paper plates, paper napkins and tissues. They’re not recyclable curbside even if they’re brand-new.
Stack of papers and folders
Paper envelopes with plastic windows
Sticky notes
No paper towels
No paper plates
No tissues
Keep up the good work, Lansing!
If you still have questions about what’s recyclable and what’s not, Lansing’s CART can help.
Capital Area Recycling & Trash
601 E. South St., Lansing, MI 48910
517-483-4400
These rules are true of all curbside recycling for residents of the city of Lansing. If you live outside the city, you'll want to check with your local recycling provider for your specific rules and information.
