Recycling in Michigan
Where to recycle, donate or get rid of things in 35 cities and towns across Michigan. Pick your city, or search for your item. We also pick up anywhere in the state.
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Michigan rules
- Part 173 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) creates the electronics takeback program: manufacturers of covered computers, printers and video display devices (TVs) must register and provide free, convenient recycling. Source: EGLE FAQ: Michigan electronics takeback program (opens in new tab)
- Manufacturers must register each brand of covered device with Michigan every year and may not sell unregistered covered devices. Source: EGLE: Electronic Waste Takeback Program (opens in new tab)
- Retailers may not sell a new covered electronic device in Michigan unless its manufacturer is on the state registration list. Source: MCL 324.17307 Retailer sale of covered electronic devices (opens in new tab)
More Michigan rules (46)
- MCL 324.17309: since April 1, 2010, a consumer does not pay a separate fee when returning a covered computer to its manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee. Source: MCL 324.17309 Computer takeback program (opens in new tab)
- MCL 324.17311: each TV manufacturer's takeback program must accept any covered television from a consumer, whatever its type or brand. Source: MCL 324.17311 Video display device takeback program (opens in new tab)
- MCL 324.17311: a consumer does not pay a separate fee when returning a covered TV through any TV manufacturer's takeback program. Source: MCL 324.17311 Video display device takeback program (opens in new tab)
- A "video display device" is a device with a screen of 4 inches or larger and a tuner that can receive and display TV or video programming; it includes CRT, plasma, LCD, LED and projection TVs. Source: MCL 324.17301 Electronics: definitions (opens in new tab)
- A "computer" under Part 173 is a desktop or laptop computer, a computer monitor, or (since April 1, 2011) a printer; PDAs and mobile phones are not included. Source: MCL 324.17301 Electronics: definitions (opens in new tab)
- Computer peripherals such as mice and detachable or wireless keyboards are not covered computers. Source: MCL 324.17301 Electronics: definitions (opens in new tab)
- EGLE treats a tablet as a computer in most cases. Source: EGLE FAQ: Michigan electronics takeback program (opens in new tab)
- Collectors may charge to take electronics the law does not cover, such as keyboards, mice, speakers, cables, cords and wires. Source: EGLE FAQ: Michigan electronics takeback program (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: free recycling under Michigan law only applies when a device is returned to its manufacturer; other collection sites have costs, so check for a fee first. Source: EGLE: Properly dispose of old TVs, computers, and electronics (opens in new tab)
- Many local governments hold no-cost electronics recycling events for residents during the year. Source: EGLE FAQ: Michigan electronics takeback program (opens in new tab)
- EGLE's annual electronics grant program has helped set up local e-waste drop-off sites and collection events across Michigan. Source: EGLE: Properly dispose of old TVs, computers, and electronics (opens in new tab)
- Lead in CRTs makes computers hazardous waste when thrown out by regulated generators, but residents are exempt from hazardous waste regulations. Source: EGLE: Electronic Waste (opens in new tab)
- MCL 324.11514: no one may deliver a lead acid battery to a landfill for disposal. Source: MCL 324.11514 Materials prohibited from disposal in landfill (opens in new tab)
- A "lead acid battery" under Part 171 is a storage battery used to start an engine or as the main power source for a vehicle. Source: MCL 324.17101 Battery disposal: definitions (opens in new tab)
- Households may get rid of a lead acid battery only by taking it to a retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or a department-approved collection, recycling or smelting facility. Source: MCL 324.17102 Disposal of lead acid battery (opens in new tab)
- Knowingly disposing of lead acid or mercuric oxide batteries illegally is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $25 per battery. Source: MCL 324.17107 Battery disposal: enforcement and penalties (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: today's alkaline batteries are safe in regular household trash, but most other batteries are not, and recycling is always the best option. Source: EGLE: Safe battery disposal (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: never put rechargeable or lithium-ion batteries in curbside recycling or trash. Source: EGLE: Safe battery disposal (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: stores such as Ace Hardware, Best Buy, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Home Depot, Lowe's and Staples often take batteries, including rechargeables, for recycling. Source: EGLE: Safe battery disposal (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: Call2Recycle offers shipping if there is no collection location nearby. Source: EGLE: Safe battery disposal (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: most batteries should be taped before transport or recycling. Source: EGLE: Safe battery disposal (opens in new tab)
- Michigan law only refers to voluntary nickel cadmium battery collection programs by manufacturers; no mandatory rechargeable battery take-back was found. Source: MCL 324.17105c Nickel cadmium batteries; voluntary collection program (opens in new tab)
- It is illegal to dispose of whole motor vehicle tires in Michigan landfills. Source: EGLE: Scrap Tires (opens in new tab)
- MCL 324.11514 bars knowingly delivering more than a de minimis number of whole motor vehicle tires to a landfill. Source: MCL 324.11514 Materials prohibited from disposal in landfill (opens in new tab)
- A landfill may accept tires that have been cut in half or shredded, cut or chipped. Source: EGLE: Landfill Prohibited Materials and Special Wastes (guidance, rev. 3/2021) (opens in new tab)
- EGLE tells residents to find scrap tire collection options in the Michigan Recycling Directory. Source: EGLE: Landfill Prohibited Materials and Special Wastes (guidance, rev. 3/2021) (opens in new tab)
- MCL 324.16902: scrap tires may only be delivered, with the operator's consent, to a compliant registered collection site, licensed disposal area, end-user, processor or retailer (among the listed destinations). Source: MCL 324.16902 Delivery of scrap tires (opens in new tab)
- People may haul their own scrap tires to one of the allowed destinations. Source: MCL 324.16902 Delivery of scrap tires (opens in new tab)
- Scrap tire transporters and collection sites must register with EGLE every year. Source: EGLE: Scrap Tires (opens in new tab)
- Part 169 recognises community cleanup sites: sites run by a local government or nonprofit with an EGLE scrap tire cleanup grant to collect tires from residents at cleanup days or drop-offs. Source: MCL 324.16901 Scrap tires: definitions (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: take household mercury devices (thermometers, thermostats, barometers, fluorescent bulbs) to a local household hazardous waste collection; never put them in the trash or pour mercury down a drain. Source: EGLE: Keep Your Home and Workplace Mercury Free (fact sheet) (opens in new tab)
- Mercury thermometers and thermostats are banned from sale in Michigan. Source: EGLE: Keep Your Home and Workplace Mercury Free (fact sheet) (opens in new tab)
- EGLE lists CFLs, fluorescent tubes, LED bulbs and HID lamps as household hazardous waste that may contain mercury, lead or arsenic. Source: EGLE: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: take leftover household hazardous products to a local collection when one is available; never pour them down a storm drain or household drain. Source: EGLE: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- If there is no local collection, EGLE says to ask your trash hauler for instructions on safe disposal in the regular trash. Source: EGLE: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- Household hazardous waste (solvents, cleansers, pesticides) is not banned from Michigan landfills, though EGLE says it is not well suited to them. Source: EGLE: Landfill Prohibited Materials and Special Wastes (guidance, rev. 3/2021) (opens in new tab)
- HHW collections are run by local governments or commercial recyclers; many are temporary or seasonal, so call before going. Source: EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab)
- EGLE keeps a county-by-county list of local collection contacts; if your community is not listed, call your city, township or county. Source: EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab)
- EGLE suggests looking for retail take-back of electronics, batteries, light bulbs, medications, motor oil and antifreeze when buying replacements. Source: EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab)
- EGLE lists paints and stains as household hazardous waste: oil-based paint and stains often contain toxic solvents and pigments; latex paint sometimes contains toxic pigments. Source: EGLE: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- EGLE suggests donating usable paints and stains to parks, churches, art councils, nonprofit housing groups, shelters and neighbours. Source: EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab)
- Michigan has no PaintCare program: PaintCare lists California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington only. Source: PaintCare home page (opens in new tab)
- PaintCare runs programs only in states with paint stewardship laws; Michigan is not one of them. Source: PaintCare home page (opens in new tab)
- Michigan has no statewide mattress recycling program: the Mattress Recycling Council operates statewide only in California, Connecticut, Oregon and Rhode Island. Source: Mattress Recycling Council home page (opens in new tab)
- The Mattress Recycling Council runs programs only in states that have passed mattress recycling laws. Source: Mattress Recycling Council home page (opens in new tab)
- No statewide box spring recycling program in Michigan: MRC operates statewide only in California, Connecticut, Oregon and Rhode Island. Source: Mattress Recycling Council home page (opens in new tab)