YOUR TOWN. YOUR RULES.
Portland Township
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 Portland Township. Reduce and reuse first, know it before you throw it when you recycle, and always reach out to Portland Township when you have questions.
Portland Township offers drop-off recycling for residents only at Municipal Supply on the 4th Saturday and Sunday of each month. The containers are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or until they are full.
Portland Township's Essential Rules to Recycling Perfection
The plastic bags and flexible plastics shown below are not recyclable at the Portland Township drop-off location. Some grocery stores do accept clean and dry plastic 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 Portland Township.
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
Boxboard, paperboard and your typical shipping boxes are all recyclable, and it’s fine if you leave on the tape and labels. But remember to cut down and flatten your boxes prior to placing them in the recycling bin.
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 put it in your recycling bin.
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, Portland Township!
If you still have questions about what’s recyclable and what’s not, Portland Township can help.
Portland Township Hall
PO Box 314, Portland MI 48875
517-647-6643
These rules are true of all recycling programs for residents of Portland Township. If you live outside the area, you’ll want to check with your local recycling provider for your specific rules and information.
