YOUR TOWN. YOUR RULES.
Alpena County
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 Alpena County residents. Reduce and reuse first, know it before you throw it when you recycle, and always reach out to Alpena Resource Recovery when you have questions.
Wondering what or where to recycle? Use the search options below or contact Alpena Resource Recovery for all questions.
Alpena County’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
What’s a “tangler”? Anything that jams sorting machinery at the recycling center by wrapping around the equipment discs and wheels is a tangler.
TIP: Some of these items can be recycled at special drop-off locations. Find more information about recycling tanglers at Alpena Resource Recovery.
No extension cords
No wire hangers
No rope
No light strings
No plastic hangers
All Recyclables need to be loose. 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:
- Recyclables need to be loose 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
Food boxes, shoeboxes, tissue boxes and your typical shipping boxes are all recyclable, and it’s fine if you leave on the tape and labels. Please break down and flatten all boxes before recycling.
There are a few cardboard noes
though. A good rule to
follow is this: If the cardboard container goes into the
freezer, it’s best to just throw it away. Those boxes are
usually covered in a thin layer of plastic to prevent them from
getting soggy.
Additionally, cardboard can’t have any food residue or grease stains – a greasy pizza box is not recyclable, but you can always rip off the clean top of the box and recycle that.
Cereal boxes
Shipping boxes
Tissue boxes
No greasy pizza boxes
Why all the hoopla about recycling? Recycling offers countless benefits.
- Recycling reduces the amount of garbage that goes into landfills.
- Recycling is great for the economy – locally and statewide. It provides jobs and creates opportunities for businesses.
- Reusing materials we’ve already created helps conserve natural resources.
- Recycling reduces pollution, including greenhouse gases.
- Recycling helps protect our wildlife habitats.
Flattened cardboard
Metal cans of various sizes
Plastic jugs, containers and bottles
Office paper and folders
Newspapers
Junk mail
Keep up the good work,
Alpena County!
If you still have questions about what’s recyclable and what’s not, Alpena Resource Recovery can help.
Alpena Resource Recovery
80 Livingston Blvd., PO Box 457, Suite U‑108, Gaylord, MI
49734
989-354-2607
These rules apply to curbside recycling and drop-off programs in Alpena County. If you live outside this area, you’ll want to check with your local recycling provider for your specific rules and information.
