Non-Acceptable Items

PLEASE NO TRASH OR OTHER NON-ACCEPTABLE ITEMS

Leaving these items and any trash in the bins or at the sites is considered ILLEGAL DUMPING and may be subject to a $1,000 fine.  

Fellow recyclers, if you see someone leaving unacceptable items, please contact us at (734) 475-6160 or by email: wwraeduoutreach@gmail.com

 

Holiday Recycling

YES:

  • Wrapping paper (not the plasticy/shiny kind)
  • Boxes (packing materials removed)
  • Gift bags (not the glittery/plasticy/shiny kind or with any decorations)
  • Cards and envelopes (not the glittery/plasticy/shiny kind or with any electronics, metals, or decorations)
  • Clean and dry disposable aluminum cooking pans

NO:

Here's a list of items we CANNOT recycle:

  • Christmas lights
  • Christmas ornaments
  • Christmas Trees
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastic and paper plates along with the plastic utensils
  • Plastic tablecloths
  • Bubble wrap, packing peanuts
  • Blow up lawn decorations
  • Anything with food debris still on it
  • Plasticy/shiny wrapping paper
  • Ribbons and Bows
  • Receipts

Where to Bring Non-Recyclable Items

DO NOT leave or dump items at our Bin Sites.

Many items we no longer have need for can be given a second life, especially furniture. If your items are still in good condition, here are some options for donation and proper disposal.

Is Your Item Really at the End of Its Life?

Here are a couple options for those items that are truly disposable:

  • City of Chelsea Solid Waste Transfer Station (on Werkner road, next to the WWRA)  There is a small fee based on what you are dumping.
  • Liberty Landfill (Jackson) They accept many items including Construction and Demolition debris; E-waste (cell phones, computers, etc)
  • Washtenaw County Home Toxics accepts over 50 kinds of things, including pesticides, paint thinners, game consoles, fluorescent light tubes and bulbs, alkaline household batteries, aerosols and much more.
  • GBM Recycled Concrete has locations in Brighton and Howell. They provide recycled concrete to consumers and take concrete and asphalt waste.

Battery Recycling

We always get lots of questions about battery recycling. Please visit our Battery Recycling Guide for more information.

Do NOT Recycle Batteries

We receive frequent questions about battery recycling. Here are some resources for rechargeable and alkaline batteries:

  • Alkaline Batteries (AA, AAA, 9V, C, or D): Alkaline batteries can be recycled at many community centers and businesses. Find a business drop off location near you at Batterynetwork.org. Washtenaw county home toxics also takes mixed alkaline batteries at their facility. Visit their website for more information.
  • Lithium Batteries (“Lithium,” “Li,” or “CR”): These batteries are found in most modern electronics. Lithium batteries are flammable and can cause injuries, fires, and explosions if disposed of improperly. Washtenaw county home toxics takes lithium batteries after their ends/connecting points have been taped. Swollen lithium batteries are dangerous. Call 734-222-3950 if you have a swollen or damaged lithium battery.
  • Nickel Rechargeable Batteries (“NiCd,” “NiMH,” or “Rechargeable” ) : These batteries are found in power tools, as well as rechargeable AA, AAA, and D cell batteries. Washtenaw county home toxics takes nickel batteries that have been taped on both ends/connecting points if over 9 volts. Be sure to tape metal connecting points on power tool batteries as well.
  • Lead Acid Batteries (“Lead,” “Pb,” or “Add Acid”): Corrosive materials and heavy metals can be harmful if disposed of incorrectly. Bring your item to Washtenaw County Home toxics. Tape at metal connecting points to avoid fires.

Styrofoam Option:

We recommend that you recycle your styrofoam in Jackson: Click here for more information. 

Washtenaw County Clean-Up days are also available for styrofoam on select dates. Click here to check our news feed for County Clean-Up days.

 

Here's a handy "What to and What not to Recycle" PDF for you to print.

WWRA Recycle PDF

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