Ann Arbor Recycle

Founded in 1996, the ReUse Center is a grassroots environmental success story, thanks to the involvement of its donors, buyers and volunteers.Recycle Ann Arbor's mission is to develop and operate innovative reuse, recycling, and zero-waste programs that improve the environmental quality of our community.Recycle Ann Arbor’s ReUse Center offers more than 20,000 square feet of store space, selling a huge variety of household and building materials at affordable prices. The ReUse Center also offers Urbanwood for sale.Celebrating 20 years of keeping reusable goods out of the landfill Recycle Ann Arbor’s ReUse Center fir

Recycling Services

Recycle Ann Arbor pioneered curbside recycling in the Ann Arbor community in 1977 in a grassroots effort to make better use of our resources and to reduce waste. Today, Recycle Ann Arbor is contracted by the City of Ann Arbor to collect recyclables weekly at the curb from City of Ann Arbor residents, in a single-stream collection system. Recycle Ann Arbor also offers free recycling to businesses located within the City of Ann Arbor.

Drop-Off Recycling 

Drop Off recycling services were first offered by the Ecology Center at Arborland Mall in 1970. In 1977, Recycle Ann Arbor formed to increase Ann Arbor recycling and began picking up recyclables curbside. Then in 1981, the two organizations merge, then later in 1990, Recycle Ann Arbor begins to operate the Drop Off Station which was then located on S. Industrial. Now the Drop-Off Station is located at 2950 Ellsworth Rd., open three days a week: Tu, Th, from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and Sat from  9 am to 6 pm. Drop-off recycling services are also available at the Recovery Yard (formerly Calvert's) on 7891 Jackson Rd., open 6 days a week:  Mon to Fri: 7:30 am to 4 pm and Sat: 8 am to 2 pm. 

Recovery Yard 

The Recovery Yard at 7891 Jackson Rd. Ann Arbor MI 48103 provides both drop-off recycling service as well as roll-off container recycling. Previously named Calvert's, and then purchased by Recycle Ann Arbor in 2007, the Recovery Yard takes a wide range of items for recycling and safe disposal. Whether you are a cleaning out a basement, remodeling,  moving or embarking on a large project i.e.new home construction or demolition, the Recovery Yard can handle the refuse in an environmentally responsible manner. Open 6 days a week: Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 4 pm and Sat 8 am to 2 pm. 

Curbside Recycling for Single-family Residences

Recycle Ann Arbor is contracted by the City of Ann Arbor to collect recyclables weekly at the curb from City of Ann Arbor residents, in a single-stream collection system.Single-stream recycling is easy and convenient, which encourages residents to recycle the most materials possible. Single-stream recycling allows all recyclables to be placed into one recycling bin without separating papers from containers.The City of Ann Arbor’s single-stream recycling system allows a wide variety of materials to be collected and recycled. Acceptable materials include plastic bottles and tubs labeled: 

Tips For Single Stream Recycling:

• Carts must be out before 7 AM for pickup.
• All items must be empty and clean.
• Everything, including cardboard, must fit inside the cart with the lid closed, and the lid may not be secured shut.
• Place shredded paper in clear, sealed plastic bags.
• Place cart with metal lift bar facing the street.

Zero Waste Service

Zero Waste Special Event Recycling (734)662-6288 ext. 119

The Zero Waste Special Event Pilot Program currently contracts with (a limited number of) local large-scale festivals and private events to maximize the amount of materials composted, recycled, or reused at an event- while minimizing the overall trash (to landfill) produced. Services included in the event fee are variable per event type, but typically include: rental of Zero Waste disposal stations, disposal of event waste, volunteer/vendor coordination, and pre-event consulting.

During the first full year (2012-2013) of services, the program was able to divert an average of 93% of event(s) waste from landfill. In 2014, the diversion rate was 95% among events.

If possible, it is highy recommended to contact us at least 2-3 months prior to your event to secure a pre-event quote and services. The ability to host your event is fully dependent upon available rental stations, staff, and volunteers for your needed date and time.