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YOUR TOWN. YOUR RULES.

Oakland County – RRRASOC

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 Farmington, Farmington Hills, Milford, Milford Township, Novi, South Lyon, Southfield, Walled Lake and Wixom. Reduce and reuse first, know it before you throw it when you recycle, and always reach out to RRRASOC when you have questions.


Wondering what or where to recycle? Use the search options below or contact RRRASOC for all questions.

Know What to recycle Know Where to recycle

Oakland 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


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


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 RRRASOC Drop-Off Guidelines.

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


Keep up the good work,
RRRASOC!

If you still have questions about what’s recyclable and what’s not, RRRASOC can help.

RRRASOC
20000 W. Eight Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48075
248-208-2270

These rules are true of all curbside recycling and drop-off programs for residents of Farmington, Farmington Hills, Milford, Milford Township, Novi, South Lyon, Southfield, Walled Lake and Wixom. If you live outside these areas, you’ll want to check with your local recycling provider for your specific rules and information.

Learn More

Aerial city photo in Oakland County

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