Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority

06/18/2026

It's international picnic day! With camping season in full swing, and the weather heating up, many of us are eating in the great outdoors. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or have a four course meal, picnics a great opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and nature. Here's some tips to make your next one more sustainable:
1) Use reusable silverware, plates, bowls and cups purchased from a thrift store! Remember: disposable dinnerware is NOT recyclable. This includes bioplastics, plastics, styrofoam, and soiled paper plates.
2) Rinse aluminum casserole dishes or tin foil before recycling. Create a large ball of used tin foil, at least 2 inches in diameter, before recycling. Learn more about tin foil recycling here: wwrarecycles.org/tin-foil-recycling/
3) Use reusable ice packs instead of purchasing ice. These can be purchased at outdoor stores, or you can reuse grocery delivery service ice packs like us! These keep our food cold for longer, cut down on waste, and prevent soggy bread from melted ice. Remember: thin plastic ice bags are NOT recyclable.

Here's some of our go-to campfire recipes:
- Tin foil corn on the cob and campfire nachos
- Grilled cheese and tomato soup
- Bagel Breakfast sandwiches and hashbrowns

06/14/2026

Never place ANY batteries in WWRA bins. Instead, visit Washtenaw County Home Toxic’s website https://www.washtenaw.org/287/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Disposal

Rockford firefighters battled a blaze at a transfer station on the night of Tuesday, June 2. Kent County Recycling and Waste states that a lithium-ion battery likely caused debris at the facility to ignite. Also on Tuesday, a lithium-ion battery was thought to have sparked a fire in a garbage truck near the University of Michigan.

No injuries were reported from these incidents, but the fires highlight the importance of special services and education regarding the proper use and disposal of Li-on batteries and electronic devices.

Although it's unclear what caused the fire, another recycling facility in Lapeer County was set ablaze on Thursday, June 4.

Image credit to the Ann Arbor Fire Department.

06/05/2026

It's World Environment Day! Here are some steps you can take to get involved:

1) Get involved in policy solutions. Know your representatives (www.michiganvotes.org/legislators) and attend WWRA meetings (wwrarecycles.org/meeting-info/).

2) Attend or host a local event! Register your event or find one near you at https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/2026/get-involved/register-activity

3) Reduce your demand for plastic products. Buy items secondhand or in plant based packaging, look for 100% recycled plastics, and ensure ALL plastics end up in the recycling bin.

4) Reduce your demand for thin plastics. Flexible plastics, like grocery bags and snack packaging, are not recyclable at the WWRA. Try to reduce your consumption of these goods and find a local collection for any excess. The Chelsea District Library, CHS Independence Hall, Meijer, Walmart, and Polly's accepts thin plastics.

5) Learn more about by watching this video: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHHi2bWKl4/3AX6CPM7XgUE9LSNC1MM_g/view?embediew?embed

06/02/2026

Many people have asked us, "Why does my item's packaging say it is recyclable when it's not?"

Many packages have recycling symbols on them, and may include notes like "please recycle me" or "I'm recyclable". These symbols are made by the brand for marketing or to increase recycling awareness, but can have a detrimental effect. These symbols often do not reflect the recycling standards for local MRF's, like the WWRA. Just because an item says "please recycle me" does not mean it is recyclable.

Instead, look for a how2recycle.info label on the packaging. These regulated designs often have special instructions such as "check locally" or "empty and replace cap". These directions frequently reflect the WWRA's requirements, but always remember to stay up to date on what is and isn't recyclable at wwrarecycles.org.

Have you seen a deceptive recycling symbol? Leave a comment below!

05/30/2026

We recently heard a recycling myth that needs debunking!

Myth: You should throw away plastic lids because they can't be recycled. They're so small that they'll just end up in the environment as litter.

This is false! Plastic snap caps, child resistant caps, and screw on lids should be placed back on containers before recycling. When lids are screwed back on, they are recycled with their containers, ensuring the material is reused. Here are some rules to remember when recycling caps and lids:

- "EMPTY and replace cap": ensure to empty containers and rinse them before recycling
- Recycle all plastic lids with their containers. Do NOT throw loose lids and caps in recycling bins. LOOSE lids and caps can end up as litter because they are not being properly recycled.
- Remove and discard all caps and corks from glass bottles. Glass can be recycled in marked drop off bins only- separated by clear and color, with all labels and caps removed.

05/27/2026

Common Recycling Mistakes (and how to avoid them):

- The WWRA's #1 contaminate is THIN PLASTICS. This includes bagged recycling, grocery bags, plastic tarps, and bubble wrap. To avoid this mistake, thoroughly check cardboard boxes for contaminants and NEVER bag recyclables.
- Always be sure to RINSE out food and cosmetic products from bottles before recycling
- Only recycle GLASS in designated glass drop off bins, separated by color. Place these items in a separate paper bag to bring to recycling drop off bins only (never curbside)
- Always BREAK DOWN any cardboard boxes or bulky items before recycling
- Check out our website to ensure you know how to recycle right! https://wwrarecycles.org/what-not-to-recycle/

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor all who have served in our armed forces. The WWRA will be closed today, Monday, May 25th.

While gathering with family and friends, remember these tips for holiday recycling:

NOT Recyclable:
– Single-Use utensils, cups, and plates
– Serving items that have not been scraped and rinsed
– Napkins or paper towels
– Plastic tablecloths
– Compost and yard scraps

Recyclable:
– Aluminum casserole dishes
– Plastic, glass and metal beverage bottles
– Plastic containers #1-7

For a complete list of items, visit wwrarecycles.org/what-can-i-recycle/
For a full list of WWRA holidays, visit wwrarecycles.org/holiday-pickup-calendar/

05/23/2026

Propane tanks may be metal, but they are NOT recyclable. Propane tanks are considered hazardous waste and pose a significant threat to our workers if recycled. It is important to dispose of them correctly: not in landfill or recycling bins. Instead, these items should be brought to one of the Washtenaw County Home Toxic Center’s drop off locations.

On weekdays, make an appointment at the HHW Center in Salem Township (10843 W. Five Mile Road, Northville, MI 48168 | 734-222-3950).

On Saturdays, make an appointment at the Home Toxics Center in Scio Township (705 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | 734-222-3950).

For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.washtenaw.org/287/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Disposal

05/21/2026

The WWRA’s phones and internet are back up as of May 22, 2026

ATTENTION: The WWRA facility's phones are currently down. This will not impact our pickup schedule. Please direct any questions to our Facebook and Instagram page, or email [email protected]

05/18/2026

We were recently asked about recycling plastic toothpaste tubes, so let's look into their recyclability!

Many toothpaste companies have started using aluminum or plastic #1- #7 tubes, which are recyclable at the WWRA. Other brands have started take back programs, such as Colgate's recycling program through TerraCycle. These programs do NOT have the same requirements as the WWRA. To check whether your toothpaste tube is recyclable, look for plastic codes #1- #7 or a How2Recycle symbol.

Remember to always rinse out product reside before recycling. Here are some common recyclable toothpastes:

Recyclable at WWRA (SOMETIMES: Check individual packaging)
- Most Sensodyne tubes are #2 and #5 plastic
- Colgate's "Recycle Me" line is made with #2 plastic
- Aluminum ONLY tubes, such as David's, Marvin's, and Ben & Anna
- Toothpaste "tabs" sold in glass jars such as Bite's Toothpaste Bits

Takeback Programs Available (not recyclable at the WWRA)
- Colgate's Terracycle Takeback
- Oral-B's recycling program
- Arm & Hammer's recycling program