Rules - Recycling Raccoons

Madison Heights recognized as among Michigan’s ‘community recycling champions’ for historic rollout of free curbside recycling and trash carts to more than 10,300 households

Posted on August 19, 2025August 5, 2026 by Samuel Batali

Burgeoning metro Detroit city’s plan to make recycling easier than ever before will help Madison Heights reach all-time highs for the amount of materials recycled each year with support from Michigan Department of EGLE

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. — The City of Madison Heights today is kicking off the largest expansion of recycling collection in the metro Detroit city’s 70-year history with the distribution of more than 20,000 free curbside trash and recycling carts, supported by essential funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

The new rolling, lidded recycling carts are projected to increase the amount of materials recycled in Madison Heights to all-time highs — from 1,000 tons per year to 1,500 tons per year, a 50% increase — as well as improve recycling access, inspire more resident participation and enhance safety for sanitation workers.

Madison Heights is spending $1.1 million to purchase the carts from Grand Rapids-based Cascade Cart Solutions, with almost half of the cost covered by a $403,200 EGLE Recycling Infrastructure Grant in addition to a $105,600 grant from national nonprofit The Recycling Partnership to support the rollout.

“Thanks to the generous grant funding provided by EGLE and The Recycling Partnership, Madison Heights is moving toward a more sustainable and efficient waste management system for all residents. This rollout marks a major milestone for our community,” said Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein.

“We all know recycling helps us keep Michigan beautiful. Now, Madison Heights gets to be a larger part of that beautiful story,” Grafstein said during a morning news conference that preceded the first installation of the cart rollout in a nearby neighborhood.

The city’s investment helps put Madison Heights on the map as among Michigan’s community recycling champions.

“The residents of Madison Heights’ commitment to recycling helps contribute to Michigan’s cleaner, more resilient future,” said EGLE Environmental Justice Public Advocate Regina Strong.

“By increasing our recycling rate, we not only conserve natural resources but also generate significant economic benefits, supporting over 72,500 jobs and injecting billions of dollars into our economy,” Strong said. “Every bottle, box and can we recycle brings us one step closer to a sustainable Michigan where both the environment and our communities thrive.”

Each of the city’s 10,300-plus households will receive one 96-gallon Madison Heights-branded trash cart and one 64-gallon Madison Heights-branded recycling cart as part of the rollout that begins Monday, Aug. 18.

Both of the cart models produced by Cascade are made with 10% postconsumer curbside recycled material. As a woman-owned company and the only Michigan-based recycling and trash cart manufacturer, Cascade has rolled out over 40 million trash and recycling containers nationwide, including over 4 million receptacles in Michigan.

“Cascade is excited to be a small part of Madison Heights’ curbside trash and recycling upgrades,” said Cascade Engineering Sales Manager Brian Miller.

“Roll carts have a life cycle of 10-20 years or more,” Miller added, “and these new carts will be a part of the Madison Heights community for decades to come, contributing to blight control around the city as well as contributing to the state of Michigan’s recycling goals well into the future.”

All of the carts are expected to be delivered by Sept. 1, 2025. As part of the plan, Madison Heights will move to cart-only collection, effective on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. That means all Madison Heights residents beyond that date are required to use carts to dispose of their garbage and recyclables.

“Many conscientious people in Madison Heights have done their best to recycle, but most of the city’s potentially recyclable materials end up in trash containers and go to the landfill because many of our residents don’t have their own recycling containers,” said Jennifer Bartleman, of the Madison Heights Citizens Environmental Committee.

“This campaign we’re rolling out today allows all Madison Heights residents to do their part. Recycling is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do,” Bartleman said.

The city’s new collection system provides several important benefits:

It will now be easier and faster than ever in city history for Madison Heights residents, especially senior citizens, to recycle.
Local taxpayers will benefit from an estimated $200,000 in annual savings compared with the previous refuse and recycling collection model, totaling approximately $1 million over the five-year collection contract with Clinton Township-based Priority Waste.
Enclosed carts improve curbside appearance and reduce rodent activity.
A universal recycling program that increases landfill diversion.

Materials that can be deposited in the recycling carts include:

Plastic bottles and containers
Aluminum and steel cans
Glass bottles and jars
Cardboard (flattened)
Newspaper, junk mail, mixed paper — all colors and types

The city is launching a comprehensive outreach campaign to inform residents about the transition. This includes:

Direct mailers with rollout information
Printed instructions that will be attached to each cart upon cart delivery
Educational content shared via social media, city newsletter and local newspapers
A dedicated webpage at https://www.madison-heights.org/Carts

Key program guidelines:

Refuse and recycling must be placed in an approved cart for regular collection.
Overflow material can be handled through special pickups or by purchasing additional approved carts.
One bulk item per week will be collected at no charge on the regular collection day.
Residents with disabilities may qualify for a door-side pickup service. Residents can contact the Department of Public Services with questions about the program.

“By helping Madison Heights residents and all Michiganders understand how to recycle and why it is so important, and by continuing to expand access to recycling services, we can help protect our natural resources and enhance the economy of our state,” said state Rep. Mike McFall, D-Hazel Park, whose legislative district encompasses Madison Heights and who spoke at the news conference.

EGLE announced this year the recycling rate in the Great Lakes State is at a record high, based on 2024 metrics. EGLE leaders attribute the state’s recycling success to its launch of the national award-winning “Know It Before You Throw It” education campaign featuring the Recycling Raccoon Squad, as well as EGLE funding for infrastructure and technical support for projects that increase access to recycling services across Michigan.

EGLE research shows Michigan has steadily increased its recycling rate from 14.25% before 2019 (when Michigan ranked among the nation’s lowest in recycling before the Recycling Raccoon campaign began) to 23% last year and an all-time high of over 25% now. EGLE forecasts that Michigan is on track to achieve the state’s goal of a 30% recycling rate by 2029.

In fiscal year (FY) 2024, Michiganders recycled more than 71,000 tons of glass, 329,000 tons of paper and paper products and 56,000 tons of plastics and plastic products. The total amount of residential recycled materials reported for FY 2024 was 723,174 tons — exceeding the year before by more than 19,000 tons.

This equates to every person in Michigan recycling nearly 143 pounds of cardboard boxes, milk cartons, soup cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars, food waste and other recyclable materials over a 12-month span. The volume of materials Michiganders recycled in FY 2024 equals the weight of 10 Mackinac Bridges and would fill the football stadiums of the Detroit Lions, University of Michigan and Michigan State University, as well as the hockey stadium of NCAA men’s national champion Western Michigan University.

Proper recycling practices protect the environment — and recycling workers

Posted on November 22, 2022August 5, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

Proper recycling practices — as encouraged by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) through its “Know It Before You Throw It” education campaign — are not only good for the environment and economy.

They’re also important for the safety of people who work at any materials recovery facility (MRF) throughout the state where items placed in recycling bins are sorted.

Just ask Matt Van Benten, operations supervisor at the Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County (RRRASOC) MRF in Southfield.

“Safety is huge here — it’s our No. 1 concern, and it’s our No. 1 problem,” Van Benten said as he sorted through a box of potentially dangerous items that were pulled from the MRF’s conveyor line, including a bladed instrument, scissors and a cellphone.

“These are the kinds of things we don’t want to see,” he said. “There are homes for these, but your local recycling bin is not it.”

The dangers posed by sharp objects such as blades and scissors are obvious — they can injure workers who are sorting items moving down the MRF’s conveyor line. They’re particularly troublesome because they’re often hidden among material such as paper and plastic, Van Benten said.

“You don’t know where it is,” he said.

Electronic devices such as cellphones and old laptops are a no-no because they’re powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can explode when crushed or shaken.

“We’ve had explosions and fires here caused by things like this,” Van Benten said. “We’d like to have the message out there … this is not how you deal with that. Please, do it the right way.”

Information on proper disposal of hazardous waste is available on the EGLE website.

Check out the accompanying video for more advice from Van Benten on how to help keep recycling workers safe.

Nyla’s (& Friends’) Tips for Spring Recycling

Posted on May 11, 2022August 5, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

Spring Cleaning website content graphic: Cleaning MAINHeader 002

Feel a certain lack of chill in the air? It’s beginning to look a lot like springtime in Michigan! As you start to thaw out and put away your snow gear, I (your good friend Nyla) am here to share some recycling tips for your annual spring spruce-up.

“But Nyla,” you might be asking, “is recycling reaaaaally part of spring cleaning?” It is! Recycling has a huge role to play in keeping Michigan clean, green and sustainable. But don’t just take my word for it. Tracy Tomaszewski, recycling specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), is also here to chime in, saying, “As the weather turns nicer and Michiganders are starting spring cleaning projects, we hope they’ll consider whether an item can be recycled or reused before they simply toss it in the trash. To kind of turn a phrase, ‘What’s old can often become new again.’”

Why waste, when you can recycle? Especially when the process is made easy with Nyla’s Patented Tips for Spring Cleaning!

Tip 1: Know the “No-No’s”

Sometimes, something you might consider recyclable is actually dangerous if you don’t take the time to clean and empty it properly. For example, containers that would be recyclable if empty are dangerous if they still contain chemicals like bleach or drain cleaner that can mix and cause fires at recycling facilities.

Other definite recycling no-no’s include:

Aerosol cans
Hazardous materials (fertilizers, chemical cleaners, paint)
Sharp metal objects (syringes)

Spring Cleaning website content graphic: Cleaning Nyla 001

Learn about battery recycling

Tip 2: Batteries Are a Bust (Literally)

All batteries are technically recyclable … just not curbside. Why, might you ask? They cause fires at recycling facilities! Luckily there’s a solution — dropping old batteries off. You can safely get rid of your batteries at:

Hazardous waste collection sites
Auto parts stores
Home improvement retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot

Household hazardous waste resources

Tip 3: Don’t Muddle Over Metals

According to our friends at SOCRRA, pieces of metal, such as old grills, rusty lawn mower blades or pots and pans, do NOT belong in your curbside recycling cart. However, your local drop-off center or a scrap yard may accept them.

Tip 4: Take Out the Tanglers

Recycling facilities don’t want materials like hoses, boat shrink wrap or other flexible plastics because they can get tangled in their machinery. However, these things are ripe for reuse! Our human friends with the Kent County Department of Public Works encourage people to get one more use out of these items by repurposing them, if possible.

Here’s a couple ideas for reuse:

Poking holes in a hose to turn it into a garden soaker
Using shrink wrap as a painting drop cloth
Reusing plastic bags as small trash can liners

In addition, the Michigan Recycling Coalition and EGLE have partnered on a boat film plastic recycling program. Check it out!

Tip 5: Donate Anything “So Last Season”

Clothing and textiles aren’t recyclable curbside and should never be put in your cart. Not to fear, though, because local thrift shops, friends and unsuspecting relatives are all places for you to donate your old threads.

Tip 6: When in Doubt, Drop It Off

If you run into a material while cleaning that feels … vaguely recyclable … rather than wish-cycling, check to see if it’s something you could drop off or return to a retailer.

Lots of items fit this category, like:

E-waste (computers, TVs, smartphones, etc.)
Mattresses
Plastic flower pots and plant containers
Plastic bags
Batteries

Tip 7: Know When to Say Goodbye

Certain supplies, like items from the first cookout of the year, sadly cannot be recycled due to food contamination. This includes any used:

Paper and plastic plates
Styrofoam cups
Plastic or paper straws
Plastic utensils

Most of these should go in the trash, which is why it’s best to choose reusable or compostable options instead! The bright side? Pizza boxes, even if they’re greasy, CAN be recycled curbside — as long as they’re free of crusts and crumbs. https://recyclingraccoons.org/pizza-box/

Well, there you have it! I wish you luck on your spring-cleaning journey, humans. If you run into an item and need a little help, you know where to find me!

Spring Cleaning website content graphic: Cleaning Frank 001

Fix your recycling mistakes

Posted on April 7, 2021August 5, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

This story was originally published by FOX47 for "Morning Blend."

Lori Welch, Sustainability Manager for the City of Lansing, talks about recycling mistakes.

Find out if you’re recycling the correct way

Posted on April 2, 2021August 5, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

This story was originally published by WILX for "Studio 10."

If you’re trying to be greener and recycling more in 2021, there’s a possibility that you’re doing it the wrong way. Lori Welch, the Sustainability Manager for the city of Lansing, gives us some tips on how to make sure that we’re recycling the right way, especially when it comes to plastics.

Energize Your Recycling Know-How

Posted on April 1, 2021August 5, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

This story was originally published by WDIV for "Live in the D."

More people are recycling in Michigan and across the country. Curbside pickup is a great convenience, but are you recycling the correct way? “Live in the D” host Jason Carr spoke with Sara Matthews, with EGLE, about how to recycle something that often brings up a lot of questions: batteries. Matthews explained that Battery Solutions, North America’s largest handler of post-consumer batteries for recycling, also processes alkaline at their location in Wixom, Michigan. Some batteries may release chemicals when they are pressed or cracked, so putting them in a garbage bin isn’t the safest option.

Recycling batteries is the best way to keep the environment safe and, Matthews says, the steel can go back into the steel market place to make new items like a kitchen sinks or even an airplane. If the battery has magnesium, it can be used to make fertilizer.

During Michigan’s battle against COVID-19, recycling is more important than ever

Posted on January 13, 2021August 10, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

Wheeled garbage and recycling bins left along a snowy suburban street after collection day — With many businesses and offices closed or operating at reduced capacity during the pandemic, manufacturers that use recycled materials to make products such as boxes and toilet paper are relying on residential recyclers to pick up the slack.

Rich Elliott has never felt particularly heroic while placing his bin of recyclables out for collection each week.

“I’ve just always felt that it was basically the right thing to do to help the environment,”

said the Redford resident, 51. “My mom and dad always recycled when I was growing up, and I’ve continued the habit.”

But now, amid the lingering fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, what Elliott views as a simple routine has taken on added significance, recycling experts say.

One big change: With many offices and businesses closed or operating at diminished capacity, a primary supply of recycled paper and cardboard that toilet paper, box and other manufacturers have long relied on to make new products has dwindled – leaving it to residential recyclers like Elliott to help make up the difference.

“Recycling has always been environmentally and economically important, but market shifts in the wake of the pandemic have made it even more so,” said Matt Flechter, recycling market development specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). “The consequence of less recycling by businesses is that fewer recyclables are in the supply chain for paper companies to make products like cardboard boxes and toilet paper.”

More than 75% of U.S. paper mills use recovered paper from recycling operations for their daily production needs, Flechter said.

“The bottom line: When you recycle properly, you are helping to supply manufacturers with the valuable materials they need,” he said. “At the same time, the new products they make help people who are stuck at home while we all work together to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.”

Essential service

Virtually all of Michigan’s recycling service providers have continued to operate during the pandemic, though a few suspended operations or changed their processes when the pandemic first hit. Residents are advised to check with their local provider on the current rules in their area. If recycling is temporarily unavailable, EGLE is encouraging households to store their recyclables – including rinsed and emptied metal and plastic containers – in a clean and dry place until service resumes.

But in general, curbside residential recycling has remained available as usual throughout Michigan because it’s considered an essential service.

Production of paper products – including toilet paper and boxes used for shipping – has also kept running in the state and nationwide.

Filling the void

Consider Pratt Industries Inc., a major cardboard box manufacturer with five paper mills in the U.S., including one each in Indiana and Ohio that are both supplied by Michigan recycled paper. In addition, Pratt has box plants in Livonia and Grand Rapids that ship to companies such as Amazon, Ford and General Motors.

Paul England, senior vice president for Pratt’s Midwest region, noted that all of the company’s boxes are made from recycled paper, including corrugated containers, cereal boxes, newspapers, magazines and junk mail.

“That’s our raw material – without that, we can’t make boxes,” he said, adding that demand for Pratt’s products has surged because of increased e-commerce shipments during the pandemic. “Items such as medical supplies, food and personal care items all ship in a box. Anybody that produces a box is just trying to keep up with demand right now.”

At the same time, in the pandemic’s immediate aftermath, recyclable paper supplied to box makers by commercial sources dropped by 30% after businesses started closing because of health and safety concerns, England said.

“What is interesting is that we’ve also seen a pretty significant uptick in curbside recycling as more goods are consumed at home,” he said. “So our advice to Michigan residents is that they can make a positive impact on the economy by continuing to recycle what’s recyclable so that we have the materials to continue making boxes for shipping.”

Know the rules

Residential recycling is also important for toilet paper manufacturers, including Great Lakes Tissue Co. in Cheboygan, which each month uses 2,100 tons of recycled raw material – half of which comes directly from recycling operations across the U.S. and Canada.

In March, toilet paper sales soared 112% nationwide as people stocked up amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The hoarding of toilet paper and paper towels largely eased after a few weeks, although there was another run on paper products when COVID-19 cases surged again in late fall.

As part of its ongoing Know It Before You Throw it statewide recycling education campaign, EGLE encourages Michigan curbside recyclers who want to help keep raw materials flowing through supply chains to check the rules for what recyclables are accepted in local programs.

Best practices statewide generally include:

•No need to remove staples, paper clips or plastic windows from envelopes.
•Keep it dry and free from liquid contaminants.
•Never put COVID-related personal protection equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves into your recycling bin. PPE should go into a trash container for proper disposal.
•Paper coffee cups are not usually accepted (the inside is typically coated in plastic to prevent leaks).
•Magazines and newspapers are usually recyclable.
•Paper towels, tissues, wipes and napkins aren’t usually recyclable and don’t belong in the bin.

Proper plastic practices

While paper has garnered the most attention, the coronavirus crisis has also affected other recyclable materials.

For example, shoppers have stockpiled bottled water and other supplies that come in plastic containers, like hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes.

EGLE notes that, while residents should always check with their local provider and follow its specific rules, those types of plastic bottles and containers are generally recyclable as long as they’re rinsed and emptied.

Plastic bag usage has also increased as consumers have groceries delivered rather than go to the store themselves and haul their items in reusable bags.

While plastic bags – as well as the plastic wrapping that toilet paper and paper towel comes in – is rarely recyclable curbside, retailers such as Meijer, Target and Walmart accept them at in-store drop-off stations. If your local outlet has temporarily halted collections, or you’ve stopped going there in person, EGLE urges you to store them for drop-off when normalcy resumes.

Keep the focus on recycling and reusing while decluttering

Posted on March 17, 2020August 5, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

Make recycling and reusing — not throwing away — the focus of spring cleaning this year.

Peopele sorting recycled materials at Kent County Recycling & Education Center

This story was originally published on the Detroit Free Press.

As spring draws near, it’s time to ensure everything in your home is in the proper place — including the stuff that you simply want to get rid of.

“Rather than just automatically pitching unwanted items into the trash, we’re urging Michiganders to think in terms of recycling and reusing while they go about cleaning and decluttering their households,” said Elizabeth Garver, waste minimization and recycling specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE.

That sentiment is echoed by other recycling leaders throughout the state who are gearing up for an influx of materials at their sorting facilities.

“We always see a variety of items come in because spring cleaning is so big,” said Katelyn Nettler, resource recovery specialist for the Kent County Department of Public Works, whose Recycling & Education Center serves as the primary materials recovery facility for recyclables generated by West Michigan households.

However, some of what spring cleaners place in their recycling bins doesn’t belong there — at least in its current condition. For example, containers that themselves are recyclable are dangerous if they still contain chemicals, such as bleach or drain cleaner, that can mix and cause fires at recycling facilities, Nettler said.

Garver said that’s one reason why it’s so important to follow the rules that EGLE is promoting in its statewide Know It Before You Throw It recycling education campaign, which aims to increase both the quality and quantity of recycling in Michigan.

“One thing we stress is that you should always rinse and empty all containers before placing them in your recycling bin,” she said. “We also urge people to check with their local recycling service to learn exactly what materials they accept.”

When it comes to spring cleaning, those rules could apply to any number of items. Here’s some guidance on how to handle materials that are commonly encountered during spring cleaning:

— Pieces of metal, such as old grills, rusty lawn mower blades, or pots and pans. “Scrap metal is generally not accepted curbside, but some drop-off recycling centers will take it,” said SOCRRA General Manager Jeff McKeen, who oversees recycling services in 12 Oakland County communities. You also might get some cash for it if you find a scrap yard that wants it, Garver said.

— Hazardous material containers, such as those for cleaners, fertilizers and paint. Many counties and local governments host local collection events every spring and fall where residents can dispose of hazardous waste. EGLE has a webpage devoted to household hazardous waste, including a list of statewide collection sites. “It’s possible that some containers that once held cleaners or other household hazardous materials may be recyclable curbside, as long as they are clean and empty — just be sure to check with your local program first, and ‘know it before you throw it,’” Garver said.

— Batteries. Batteries can pose a threat to employees at recycling facilities, as they are a fire risk. However, hazardous waste collection sites might accept certain types, such as car batteries, which some auto parts stores will also take. In addition, home improvement retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot accept drop-offs of rechargeable batteries.

— Hoses, boat shrink-wrap and other types of flexible plastics. Recycling facilities don’t want these materials because they can get tangled in their machinery, but they’re ripe for reuse, Nettler said. “You could poke holes in a hose and use it as a lawn soaker, or use the shrink-wrap as a painting dropcloth,” she suggested. In addition, the fledgling Recycling Run Program will pick up used shrink-wrap by appointment and find a new use for it.

— Plastic flowerpots and plant containers. Some recycling services will accept these materials curbside, provided they’re not full of dirt, McKeen said. You could also possibly reuse them or see if the retailer where you bought them will take them back. Home Depot stores and Meijer garden centers also collect them for recycling in partnership with East Jordan Plastics.

— Plastic lawn chairs. “You can always donate these if they’re in good condition, and they can sometimes be recycled at drop-off locations,” Garver said.

— Electronic-waste, such as old computers or TVs. Look for local drop-off centers or one-day collection events. Some electronics retailers will also take e-waste turned in by consumers. In addition, some manufacturers provide a takeback option for electronics like televisions and computers.

— Clothing. “This is a big no-no for curbside recycling,” Nettler said. However, local thrift shops can find new uses for most donated garments. You could also turn them into rags to use for cleaning in place of paper towels. Simple Recycling, a for-profit, Ohio-based company, provides curbside textile collections in 30 Michigan communities.

— Mattresses. There may be local drop-off centers or one-day collection events for mattress disposal, Garver said. If you have curbside waste services, check with your service provider or local municipality regarding options for bulky waste pickup.

— Supplies from the first cookout of the year after your spring cleanup is finished: paper plates, plastic plates and cups, straws, plastic utensils, etc. Most of this should go in the trash, which is why it’s best to choose reusable options, Nettler said. Exceptions are clean aluminum foil and plastic cups, which are often recyclable curbside, though foam containers are rarely accepted, McKeen said.

Waste not this holiday season – or at least recycle as much as possible

Posted on December 13, 2019August 5, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

This story was originally published on the Detroit Free Press.

While the holidays are a time to spread joy and happiness among family and friends, they’re also an opportunity to show Mother Nature a little love.

Americans create 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than any other time of year, according to statistics compiled by Stanford University.

The output includes boxes, packing materials, wrapping paper, electronics and disposable eating utensils. And although some of that holiday-related waste should go directly into the trash, much of it is recyclable.

But even among the hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings, it’s important to take the time to recycle the right way, said Matt Flechter, recycling market development specialist at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

“We’re urging Michigan residents to be nice to the environment over the holidays by properly recycling whatever they can,” he said. “Sound recycling practices should never take a holiday.”

That’s a message that EGLE has been spreading since June, when it kicked off its statewide “Know It Before You Throw It” recycling education campaign featuring the Recycling Raccoon Squad.

Quality and quantity

EGLE’s primary goal is to improve the quality of materials people are putting into recycling containers by educating them about best recycling practices. At the same time, EGLE is aiming to boost the quantity of material recycled by doubling the state’s recycling rate to 30% by 2025 and ultimately reaching 45% annually.

“Achieving those goals would produce a gift that keeps on giving,” Flechter said, citing not only the statewide environmental benefits but also the potential $300 million annual economic impact that would result from meeting the 30% recycling rate benchmark.

Recycling specialists statewide are getting into the spirit and endorsing the “Know It Before You Throw It” campaign. They are also urging residents to take steps to limit the stream of waste produced during the holidays.

“Beyond ‘recycling,’ ‘reducing’ and ‘reusing’ are also important ‘R’s,’” said Natalie Jakub, executive director of Green Living Science, the educational arm of Recycle Here!, Detroit’s drop-off recycling center and neighborhood recycling program. “While the message of recycling is certainly important, cutting down on consumption whenever possible is another way to reduce the amount of material going into the landfill.”

As a holiday-related example, try placing gifts in reusable bags instead of wrapping them in paper, she suggested.

A recycling list to check twice

Recycling rules can vary by community or even from one recycling center to another, so Michigan residents are urged to check with their local provider about what is acceptable in their area to ensure they don’t end up on a list of naughty recyclers, Flechter said.

Here are some general guidelines for handling common holiday items:

Cardboard and gift boxes. While it’s best to reuse boxes, they’re also almost universally accepted by curbside recycling services, Flechter said. “Just be sure to break them down before placing them in your recycling container,” he said. “That saves valuable space for both you and the hauler.”
Disposable eating utensils, plates and cups. These should go in the trash because, among other reasons, they likely contain food residue – a contaminant that can ruin a whole recycling load. Even never-used paper plates are potentially problematic because they might have an outer layer of wax, Jakub said. Can’t stomach the thought of throwing them away? “Use your fine china and silverware instead,” she said.
Paper towels and napkins. Put these in the trash or a compost bin, Flechter said, since they’re probably soiled by food. Aluminum foil that is free of food contamination, however, is recyclable.
Wrapping paper. The answer here is “maybe.” Wrapping paper is recyclable, provided it isn’t adorned with glitter or metal. However, “that’s not always easy to determine,” Jakub said. “So the recycling center would probably typically tell you it doesn’t want it,” she said. Instead, try wrapping presents in newspaper or plain brown craft paper, which is always recyclable.
Packing materials. The packing peanuts, clear plastic padding and Styrofoam that protect electronic devices are typically not recyclable curbside. However, many communities – including Detroit – have drop-off centers where Styrofoam blocks and packing peanuts are accepted, and many large retailers collect clear and other types of plastic bags.
Plastic shopping bags. “With the exception of a couple of municipalities in Michigan, these are almost never acceptable for curbside recycling because they can clog a recycling center’s machinery,” Flechter said. However, large retailers such as Meijer, Walmart and Target will collect plastic bags for recycling.
Holiday lights. Recycling centers don’t want holiday light strings because they can get tangled in machinery, so they shouldn’t go in curbside recycling containers. Places that sell lights, on the other hand, will often accept them for recycling. Jakub also advised to avoid putting lights in the trash because they might contain harmful chemicals.
Batteries. Almost 40% of battery sales occur during the holiday season, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Home improvement stores such as Home Depot often offer collection bins for rechargeable batteries, or check for local hazardous waste collection events where all types of batteries are accepted. Visit michigan.gov/eglehhw to find local drop-off sites. Like holiday light strings, batteries should not go in the trash or curbside recycling.
Electronics. Retailers such as Best Buy or local collection events will take your used tech.
Disposable tablecloths. Discard both the plastic and paper varieties of these because chances are they contain at least some traces of food contamination.
Greeting cards. Just like any type of paper, these are typically recyclable in your curbside container, Flechter said. Just make sure there is no glitter or metal on them.
Receipts. All those glossy, thermal paper receipts you collected while buying awesome gifts are not recyclable because they are coated in plastic to make them durable.
Tinsel, ornaments and artificial trees. All of those should go in the trash or be donated to someone else for use.

Learn the rules for recycling batteries

Posted on November 27, 2019August 5, 2026 by Recycling Raccoons

This story was originally published on ClickonDetroit.com/live-in-the-d.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has launched a “Know It Before You Throw It” campaign to help consumers recycle more.

One item that people struggle to recycle is batteries.

“Live in the D” host Tati Amare spoke to Amy Lafferty from EGLE and Danielle Spalding from Battery Solutions to review the right way to recycle batteries instead of simply throwing them away.

Lafferty said that batteries are not commonly accepted curbside, but you should check with your local services.

Battery Solutions is one place that takes any battery and recycles it for you.

You can order a battery recycling pail that you keep in your home until it’s full, and then you mail it back so your batteries can be recycled safely.

If the battery has lithium written on it, or it is over 9 volts, you should tape each end before putting it in the pail.

If you want to learn more about recycling your batteries, visit https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/.

Category: Rules