Residential Recycling
“Is there recycling near me?”
Check out the Waste Wizard database below to search for recyclable items and locations where you can recycle.
For more recycling options, utilize the Michigan EGLE Recycling Directory.
Truth or Myth?
Debunking Some Common Recycling Myths So You Can Recycle Right!
Truth
Recycling should be clean and dry before setting it out.
Fact
Your recyclable items should be clean and dry before placing them in your curbside cart or taking them to a local drop-off center.
Myth
If an item has recycling arrows on it, recycle it.
Fact
A recycling symbol on a product does not always mean it is recyclable with your program. Recycle only items that are accepted by your service provider or drop-off center.
Truth
If you don’t know what to do with an item, throw it away.
Fact
But before you do, check with your service provider to find out if it is recyclable or the search the Waste Wizard to learn other options to keep it from being wasted.
Myth
It’s okay to put recyclables in a plastic bag before putting them in the recycle bin.
Fact
Don’t bag your recyclables. Keep them loose to make sure they get recycled. Materials Recovery Facilities are designed to receive loose materials. For safety reasons, bagged materials are treated as trash and removed from the highly mechanized process.
When you aren’t sure about an item’s recyclability and include it anyway hoping it will be, this is called “wish-cycling.” This is a common occurrence from well-intentioned participants but causes more harm than good. Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) process enormous volumes of material every day, including non-recyclable items that cause contamination, employee safety concerns, and higher operating costs. Stick to your service provider’s list of accepted materials to help meet the quality standards of product manufacturers.
“Does my community offer curbside recycling or yard waste services?”
Curbside Recycling is available at…
Village of Bancroft (Granger)
City of Corunna (Priority Waste)
Village of Vernon (Granger)
Vernon Township (Waste Management)
Curbside Yard Waste is available at…
City of Durand
City of Ovid
City of Owosso
City of Perry
Village of Vernon
Food Waste in Your Community
Did you know that Michiganders trash 1.5 to 2 billion tons of food waste each year? New options are under development in our region, and may make food scrap composting available to you! Follow Shiawassee Recycles on Facebook for updates.
Electronic Waste & Battery Disposal
With the ever increasing demand for new technology, electronic devices have become standard fixtures in our homes. They contain valuable metals like gold, copper, steel, and aluminum, and harmful materials (if not handled properly), like lead, mercury, and freon.
Collect Items Like…
- Cell phones & tablets
- Desktop & laptop computers
- TVs & computer monitors
- Gaming consoles, printers, cameras, VCR/ DVD/ CD players, landline phones
- Accessories: computer keyboards & mice, headphones, speakers, charger cables
- Appliances: stoves, refrigerators, window A/C units, dehumidifiers, smoke detectors
- And more!
Recycle Your E-Waste
Find a local drop-off center…
When finding a local drop-off center, fees may apply.
Larger appliances can be picked up or dropped off through Consumers Energy. You may even be eligible for a cash rebate!
Battery Recycling
Recycle your batteries at box stores like Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot, Staples, and more! You can also recycle them at county HHW events.
All batteries can be recycled.
Placing batteries in your trash or recycling can cause fires during collection and processing, and contaminate recycling centers. And, some batteries are illegal to put in the landfill.
Never place batteries, or devices containing batteries, in curbside trash or recycling bins.
Recycling is the best way to dispose of batteries. Common types include single-use (standard AA, AAA, 9V, button/watch, etc), rechargeable, and lithium-ion (found in cell phones, wireless headphones, and laptops).
Lead acid batteries must be disposed of properly – it’s the law! These are common in cars, boats, golf carts, electric wheelchairs, scooters, and more. All retailers who sell these batteries are required to take back old ones. Simply return these batteries to the location you purchased them.
Household Hazardous Waste
Collection is available to Shiawassee County residents through the Shiawassee County Health Department. Check out their website to learn what items are accepted, when and where collections will take place.
For information on specific materials and how to handle them, EGLE has more information available on their website.
