Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority

10/19/2026

Plastic resin codes, also know as plastic recycling numbers, show what type of plastic an item is made of. Resin codes are a helpful tool to figure out if your item is recyclable or not, but may not help you answer definitively. We recommend sending us an email or message, or looking for a How2Recycle.info label on the packaging instead! Let's break down what each plastic resin code means...

Plastic #1 PET is recyclable at the WWRA and includes items like clamshell containers, disposable water and pop bottles, food packaging, and detergent bottles.

Plastic #2 HDPE is recyclable at the WWRA and is a more durable plastic used for cleaning supply and cosmetic packaging, outdoor furniture, and plastic crates. To recycle plastic #2 correctly, rinse all products out and make sure bulky items are broken down enough to fit in WWRA bins.

Plastic containers #3 PVC/V are recyclable at the WWRA, including shampoo bottles, cleaning sprays, and cooking oil containers. PVC piping and other construction material is NOT recyclable.

Plastic #4 LDPE is recyclable at the WWRA, including water bottles, flexible cosmetic packaging, and condiment containers. Make sure all products are rinsed out of plastic containers before recycling.

Plastic #5 PP is recyclable at the WWRA and includes yogurt containers, to-go cups, reusable plastic plates, and plastic lids. Make sure all products are rinsed out of plastic containers before recycling, and remember, plastic flatware is NOT recyclable.

#6 RIGID PS plastics like cups, lids, and CD cases are recyclable, but not all polystyrene is recyclable. NEVER recycle #6 flexible foams like to go containers, egg cartons, and foam cups.

#7 Other/PC includes plastics that do not fit into the label of plastics #1- #6. This may mean mixed plastics used in lids, rigid reusable water bottles, cosmetics containers, and much more. If you’re ever unsure about an unmarked plastic or plastic #7, send us a message or email [email protected].

To learn more, please visit wwrarecycles.org/the-recycling-number-system-what-does-it-mean/

10/17/2026

Today is National Pasta Day! Let's talk about common pasta packaging and its recyclability.

Recyclable:
- Cardboard boxes
- Glass jars (rinse and remove caps/labels before recycling). Remember, glass is recyclable at designated drop off bins only.

Not Recyclable:
- Thin plastic bags
- Pasta bags lined with a metal interior, like Pasta Sides
- Microwavable or steamable bags, like frozen pasta dinners

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

We were recently asked if items accepted at TerraCycle drop offs could be taken to the WWRA. The answer is NO-The WWRA does not accept items that are "TerraCycle drop off" items.

Even if you have not heard of TerraCycle, you likely have TerraCycle accepted items in your home. TerraCycle is an alternative recycling company with the goal of "Eliminating the Idea of Waste". TerraCycle works with businesses and retail stores to create takeback programs for unrecyclable items. Using specialized technology, TerraCycle is able to salvage materials that would otherwise be thrown away. It is important to remember that TerraCycle is not associated with local MRF's like the WWRA and has different rules and regulations. Do NOT recycle these items at the WWRA.

To find a TerraCycle program near you, visit www.terracycle.com/about-terracycle/drop_off_locations. Common items TerraCycle collects includes beauty empties, toothpaste, cleaning products, shoes, food packaging, and other nonrecyclable items.

10/12/2026

We are often asked, "Can I recycle paper shreds or scraps?" The answer is YES! The WWRA can recycle paper scraps, it just takes a bit of preparation.
1) Gather your mixed paper scraps
2) Place them in a paper bag (NEVER place recyclables in plastic bags)
3) Staple lighly, if necessary for you to travel to a recycling drop off
4) Recycle!
https://youtube.com/shorts/YXniV7aQQxc

10/09/2026

Tempered glass, or glass that has been heat treated to withstand higher temperatures and impact, cannot be recycled. If tempered glass can't be recycled, how should we dispose of it?

When tempered glass breaks, it completely shatters instead of creating large splinters. Tempered glass is not recyclable at the WWRA. Examples of nonrecyclable tempered glass includes:
- Candle jars
- Pyrex or casserole dishes
- Glass tabletops
- Windows
- Glass cutting boards or appliance dishes (microwave glass)
- Shower doors

When disposing of tempered glass, it is important to consider safety. Be very careful when handling broken glass. If your Tempered Glass is broken, please place it in a sturdy container and seal it completely before throwing it away. This will eliminate the risk of injury to wildlife and waste workers. Broken glass belongs in a landfill, NOT a recycling center.

If your Tempered glass item is NOT broken:
- Give items away on Chelsea Connection or your local Buy Nothing Facebook group
- Sell your item on Facebook marketplace or at a garage sale
- Donate your item to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or your local thrift store

10/07/2026

The WWRA only accepts clean tin and aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans, and other small metals and aluminum. Other metal items can be brought to the Chelsea Waste Transfer Station or your local scrap yard. We recommend visiting Razorback Metals in Dexter, MI.

Recyclable Metals include:
- Pop cans
- Food cans and lids
- EMPTY aerosol cans
- CLEAN tin foil (compressed into a large ball)
- CLEAN Aluminum casserole pans

Nonrecyclable Metals include:
- Metal scraps
- Wire, metal rope, or metal coils
- Construction waste
- Automotive Scrap
- Appliances
- Pots, pans, utensils, or baking sheets
- Lead
- Farm Equipment

If you are unsure if your metal is recyclable, send us a photo on Messenger or email [email protected]

10/06/2026

NEVER recycle batteries or electronics of any kind! Materials Recovery Facilities have frequent fires due to contamination from batteries. These can cause massive injuries or damage to our equipment. Be sure to bring your batteries to Washtenaw County Home Toxics: www.washtenaw.org/household-hazardous-waste-disposal

Fire safety starts before there’s a fire.

Are you storing or disposing of anything that could become a fire hazard? Things like batteries, gasoline, propane tanks, paint, and other household hazardous materials can pose serious fire risks when they’re stored improperly or tossed in the trash.

Don’t put hazardous materials in your trash or recycling. Instead, bring eligible materials to us, where they can be handled safely and responsibly.

Safe storage is important. Safe disposal is, too.

Learn what we accept and schedule your appointment at https://www.washtenaw.org/household-hazardous-waste-disposal

10/05/2026

Registration is now open for Scio Township's county cleanup day on November 14, 2026.

Accepted items include
- Household hazardous waste
- Tires
- Electronic waste
- Scrap metals
- Appliances
- Bulky waste

Registration is required to dispose of items at this event. This will be the last county cleanup event of 2026. As always, donations are optional, but appreciated. Visit Washtenaw County's website for more information.

www.washtenaw.org/county-cleanup-days