Isabella County Recycling Center
Frequently Asked Questions
The average person throws away 4.6 pounds of trash everyday. About 50% of this “trash” is recyclable and 25% of it is compostable. By recycling we can conserve landfill space, which keeps disposal costs low and slows down the need to build new landfills.Recycling also saves energy and conserves natural resources. Recycling one ton of paper saves 7,000 gallons of water, 31 trees, 4,000 kWh of electricity, and 60 pounds of air pollutants (Department of Energy). In Isabella County we recycle over 6,000 tons a year!
Last and not least, recycling supports local jobs. The recycling center employs drivers who pick-up your recycling and processors who sort and prepare material for shipment. We also make it a goal to ship material to Michigan based processing facilities whenever possible.
[back to top]
What types of plastics can be recycled?
We accept #1 PETE and #2 HDPE plastic bottles and jugs. These plastics are easily identifiable by their shape. #1 and #2 plastics are usually jugs or bottles, meaning that the container’s opening or neck is smaller than the body. Examples: water bottles, milk jugs, and laundry detergent bottles.Other plastics (#3-#7) commonly tubs, pails, toys, and packaging materials are not recyclable at the recycling center. Currently there is no sustainable and consistent market available, preventing us from accepting the material for recycling.
Remember, if a plastic item is not a #1 or #2 jug or bottle, it will not be recycled. Please help us keep recycling contaminant free by finding a reuse for the item or placing them in your regular household trash.
[back to top]
Why can't Styrofoam be recycled curbside?
The curbside truck has three compartments: one for cardboard, one for newspapers and magazines, and one of containers (plastic, metal, glass). When the truck returns to the recycling center it dumps the materials into the proper material bay. Since there are only three compartments any other type of material would have to be mixed in with the wrong material. This material is then sorted out and not recycled.Polystyrene (Styrofoam) can be recycled at the Recycling Center on River Road in Mount Pleasant. We accept food containers and cups and molded shapes and forms. Please deposit polystyrene in the blue shed.
If you have packaging peanuts please ask us for local reuse options.
[back to top]
Where should yard waste and brush be disposed?
Yard waste and brush can be brought to the Recycling Center. We charge $1 per 30 gallon bag of leaves and grass and $12 a cubic yard for brush. We do not accept stumps.The State of Michigan has a ban on the land filling of yard waste. Yard waste included leaves, grass clippings, shrubbery, brush, and tree trimmings.
Backyard composting is a great way to manage organics right at your home and it’s free. All you need to get started is the space to start a pile or to place an enclosed composter. Vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and many other organic wastes from your home can be composted with your leaves and grass. Check out the composting page for more information.
[back to top]
I already recycle, what else can I do to protect our resources?
If you already recycle your papers, boxes, bottles, and cans you can start recycling your organic waste as well. Composting food waste is a great way to decrease your trash.If you already compost, look for ways you can reduce your current trash. A majority of items that are not recyclable are generally plastic packaging. Buy items in bulk or choose a brand that has less packaging. Make sure you buy items with recycled content to close the loop!
[back to top]
How do I prepare my items for recycling?
You do not have to wash containers or remove their label before recycling. We do, however, suggest to lightly rinse containers. This cuts down on odors in your house as well as keeps down contamination at the Recycling Center.Please remove the lids on containers before recycling. Lids are made of a different type of plastic, which can contaminate the other plastics. Please put lids in the trash, or if the lid is metal, remove it from the container before recycling.
[back to top]
Can I use the Recycle Center if I live outside Isabella County?
For $2 out of county residents can utilize recycling drop-off. You can bring in unlimited recycling per $2 trip. Recycling items include cardboard, boxboard, brown paper bags, newspaper, catalogs, magazines, plastic bottles and jugs, brown and clear glass, and tin (steel) and aluminum.Please check-in and pay at the front office prior to dropping off recycling.
[back to top]
Is paint an acceptable item for a HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) collection?
Oil based paints can be brought in during a HHW collection. Water based or latex paints will not be accepted. Water based paints are consider non-toxic and can be easily managed at home.Follow these tips to manage unwanted water based paints:
- Remove lid and place can in a safe area to dry
- Add sawdust or kitty litter to speed up the drying process
- Once the paint is dry it can be disposed of with other household trash
Remember the next time you paint:
- Plan ahead, purchase only as much paint as you will need for the project to avoid leftover
- Donate usable paint, ask us for local drop-off options
Where can I take my old computer?
The Recycling Center accepts old/broken electronics during E-Waste Collections. Items containing a circuit board can be brought in for recycling during the special collection.Acceptable items include computers and peripherals (monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, etc.), telephones and accessories (fax machines, answering machines), televisions and accessories (VCRs, DVD players, video game consoles, etc.), copiers.
[back to top]
Yes, we now accept scrap metal at the Recycling Center. You can drop-off large and small scrap items including wire hangers, appliances, ferrous metals, aluminum, and copper.
We cannot accept items containing Freon such as refrigerators and freezers. Please call for proper disposal options.
[back to top]
Can I have more than one curbside bin?
The blue curbside bin is similar to the flag on your mailbox; it alerts the curbside driver to pick-up the recycling. The Isabella County curbside program allows unlimited amount of recycling per pick-up. If you have more recycling than can fit in the bin use a laundry basket or large plastic tub for the remaining items.[back to top]
Can trash be brought to the Recycling Center?
The Recycling Center can only accept recyclable materials. Refuse will need to be taken to either a transfer station or a landfill, please call us for location and contact information. We can also provide contact information for local waste haulers.Isabella County does not own or operate an open landfill. It is important for all residents to participate in local recycling options in order to keep waste disposal costs low.
[back to top]