7 items you can’t recycle curbside in Michigan

Sometimes, an item feels like it should be thrown in the recycling bin. But you might be wrong. This could cause big problems for local recycling programs.

If an item is not on your local recycling program’s approved list, it may be because they are unable to manage it appropriately. Michigan EGLE has identified seven items that are commonly misunderstood as being recyclable in the state:

carton container

• Although often mistaken for cardboard, they are actually made from two or three materials (paper, plastic, and aluminum) layered together.

• Manufacturers have banded together to form the Carton Council to increase participation in carton recycling programs nationwide. Many programs in Michigan now accept cardboard boxes, but be sure to double-check before placing them in the bin.

coffee paper cup

• Paper cups are lined with a thin coating of plastic or wax to prevent liquid from leaking from the cup.

• Processing facilities exist only in select locations and are uncommon.

• Consider using reusable cups or compostable paper cups.

Plastic bags and film packaging

• Some recycling facilities are not designed to remove plastic bags prior to recycling flow. If not removed properly, they can become entangled in machinery and processing equipment.

• Check to see if there are trash cans near the entrance to your local grocery store.

• Carry some reusable bags with you when you go to the store to minimize the use of plastic bags.

EPS/polystyrene foam

• Many projects do not accept EPS because of its limited compaction capabilities, light weight, and bulk. Furthermore, frequent use in the food industry brings with it a higher risk of contamination.

• Check with your local recycling program for information about drop-off centers or special collection days for recycling Styrofoam.

Large volume rigid plastic

• This includes items such as 5-gallon buckets, lawn furniture, laundry baskets, crates (such as milk crates), clothes hangers, plastic children’s toys and outdoor play equipment.

• Many recycling facilities are not designed to handle and process these materials. Please check with your local recycling program to see if they have the ability to handle these items. If your recycling program does accept them, be sure to remove all batteries.

• If these items are still in usable condition, please consider donating them for reuse.

Clothing and Textiles

• Each year, the average person loses more than 50 pounds. Clothes that can be reused or recycled. Waste clothing makes up approximately 10% of our waste stream.

• If possible, donate to a local store or charity.

• While curbside clothing recycling is not common, some places in Michigan offer this service.If there is no textile curbside program in your area, check to see if your local recycling program has designated bins

Battery

• Due to the toxicity of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and nickel, it is important to properly recycle batteries.

• Batteries are not regularly collected through kerbside recycling and if you take your household recycling to a recycling centre, batteries should generally not be recycled with other mixed recycling.

• Battery recycling is typically offered through special containers at recycling drop-off centers, household hazardous waste collection events/locations, or other local businesses.

Some recycling programs in Michigan do accept some of these items at drop-off sites or through special collection events, so be sure to check with your community or service provider about options in your area. Recycle here! Detroit is a great place to start, and it’s free.

related: With more visits, Michiganders’ recycling rates reach all-time high