By Grace Hasley, Eco-Journalism Intern for West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC).
Most of the time, what we can and can’t recycle hides in our subconscious and we don’t always think about it. Every once and a while, there’s that one item that you second guess the proper disposal for. Recycling is essential for avoiding certain materials being misplaced in a landfill, so it’s important to stay up to date on the recycling recommendations for your area. Recently, Kent County changed their recycling guidelines. Here’s a quick reminder on what you can recycle and what you should dispose of elsewhere.
In Kent County, you are encouraged to recycle the following materials:
- Glass bottles and jars
- Cardboard
- Metal cans, bottles, and aluminum foil
- Plastic bottles and containers
- Cartons
- Paper- Shredded paper not accepted
All of the items listed above can be tossed in your recycling bin and left on your curb, if you have curbside recycling, or taken to a recycling drop-off center. Everything you recycle should be “empty, clean, and loose”. Make sure everything is free of food debris, grease, and any liquids. Check out Kent County’s accepted material page for more details on how to recycle properly.
There are some items that require different efforts to properly dispose of. One of them is clothing and textiles. Kent County residents are encouraged to reuse or donate their old clothes. There are a number of goodwill stores in the area that accept donations. You can also sell clothing on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Ebay.
Styrofoam is another item that is commonly disposed of improperly. Styrofoam should not be recycled or thrown in the trash. It can only be dropped off at foam only recycling centers, not your curbside or the Kent County drop off recycling center. Check out a few locations where you can dispose of your styrofoam. Alternatively, consider repurposing or reusing your styrofoam if it’s in good shape.
If you’re ever second-guessing your disposal choices, explore the accepted material page and scroll down to the “Recycling Questions”. There, you’ll find the many materials that people are commonly unsure about and get your questions answered.
