The Michigan Recycling Coalition (MRC) represents recycling and composting interests statewide. The Coalition is a recognized authority on waste reduction, beneficial utilization, recycling, and composting through the experience of its Staff and Committees.
The MRC was started almost 30 years ago by a group of passionate individuals who shared a vision to advance resource conservation issues in our great state. It is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors representing public, private and nonprofit agencies across Michigan. The MRC's work is carried out by a variety of committees and staff.
Recycling happens when there is a positive economic value on the material to be recycled. For example, if it costs more to cut down trees to make paper than it does to process recycled paper back into other paper products, then there will be a demand for recycled paper. If, however, making paper from trees costs less than making paper from recycled paper then recycling is much less likely to happen. This basic economic principle changes when state or local policies are enacted to influence the behavior of individuals, businesses, institutions and government to have a positive impact on the environment and/or economy.
We manufacture metal products using naturally occurring minerals found deep in the earth’s crust. Harvesting these minerals takes time, energy, and uses up a limited resource. Recycling metal products helps offset these costs. For example, manufacturing a new aluminum can from recycled aluminum takes only 5% of the energy as it would to manufacture the same can from raw materials! There are many different types of metal that have been recycled for a long time. Scrap yards often accept copper, aluminum, brass, and steel. These yards can be found in almost every community in Michigan, as metal retains its value over time.
As household appliances become more energy efficient, many utility companies are providing incentives to recycle old appliances. Refrigerators and freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers require a lot of energy and more effiicient models will save you money. These appliances also contain freon, which is harmful to the environment if released, so proper handling is important. Conact your local utility and inquire about appliance recycling programs that make recycling easy. HP, Apple, and other computer manufacturers have programs for takeback as well.
Stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers all contain enough metal to be valuable. Talk to your local waste hauler about recycling options for these and other household appliances. You may be able to have it collected from your curb for a small fee. You may also be able to deliver it to a special collection program, or even make a little money at the local salvage yard.
Paper is manufactured most commonly from the pulp of wood. To accomplish this, trees must be harvested and chipped, combined with water, pulped, dried, and pressed into thin sheets. The method of harvesting trees varies, with some being more sustainable than others, but every method uses some amount of this finite resource. Unlike other recyclables, paper fibers have a limited recycled life. Higher quality papers require longer fibers. The recycling and remanufacturing process shortens the fibers and makes the recycled paper suitable for alternative and/or lower quality products. It is estimated by the EPA that manufacturing paper from recycled content requires only 60% of the energy it would take to manufacture the same product out of raw materials.
No | Material Name |
---|---|
Electronics | |
1 | Circuit Boards |
2 | Electric Motors |
Glass | |
3 | jam jars |
4 | Beer bottles |
5 | CRV Glass bottles |
Metal | |
6 | Aluminum Cans |
7 | Beverage Cans |
8 | Tin Cans |
Paper | |
9 | News Paper |
10 | Cardboard |
11 | Computer Paper |
12 | Magazines |
13 | Mixed Paper |
14 | Office Paper |
Plastic | |
15 | #1 & # 2 Plastic |
16 | HDPE |
17 | Mixed plastic bottles |