With Valentine's Day right around the corner, there will be an abundance of cards, gift wrap, and other materials entering the waste stream. That means knowing what can be recycled in your area becomes even more essential (it never stops being essential!).

We know what you may be thinking: "This is like the holidays all over again!" Not to worry - that's why we're here! We'll be showing you what items are accepted in our recycling program, as well as some tips and examples to help you get through Valentine's Day sustainably.

Combating wishcycling, stopping the spread of misinformation, or trying to be the best recycler you know... There are lots of reasons to try our interactive waste sorting game on the Recycling Directory at rrrasoc.org! Ready, Set, Sort tests your knowledge and is specific to RRRASOC communities to give you the most accurate recycling instructions for where you live.

Teachers and parents: Give Ready, Set, Sort a try to have your kids build their own digital park and print out a certificate of completion!

February 24th is Skip the Straw Day!

With the rise of plastic goods in the 1960s, straws graduated from paper to its less-sustainable cousin, plastic. Since then, nearly every plastic straw that has been created is still somewhere on this planet due to it taking about 200 years to decompose.

Instead of adding to the earth's growing straw collection in our oceans and landfills, opt for a metal, silicone, or glass straw that can be used over and over again without degrading. Or just ditch using straws completely! Not only are you fighting plastic pollution by doing so, but you're also setting a good example for those around you.

Please note: Plastic straws are not accepted in your recycling stream due to their size - they are simply too small to make it through the sorting process! To avoid this issue, always opt to reduce the amount disposable of straws you use.

By now, many of you are well-versed in what types of items can be considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). However, there are often some grey areas that can be confusing - such as certain types of paints, sharps, and more. With this year's first HHW Collection Event coming up in April, check below to learn more about what isn't considered HHW, as well as what's not accepted at a RRRASOC collection event.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is water-based. To learn how you can properly dispose of latex paint, click here.

Sharps

Sharps can consist of needles, syringes, scissors, or any device with sharp points that can puncture skin.

Unknowns (5+ Gal.)

For safety concerns, unknowns over 5 gallons are not accepted at HHW Collection Events.

Smoke Detectors

These can be reused if possible or placed in your regular household garbage.

Explosives

To reduce the risk of fire or danger to staff, fireworks or any kinds of explosives are not accepted.

Recyclables

Place these in your curbside recycling cart or take them to the nearest recycling drop-off site!

Commercial, business, and radioactive waste is not accepted at HHW Collection Events. Visit our Acceptable Materials page for more information!

During the following HHW Collection Events, all residents of RRRASOC member communities are welcome to bring household hazardous waste for an opportunity to safely discard their hazardous items and e-waste. Simple Recycling and paper shredding services will also be available.

April 15th, 2023 👕

Wixom Dept. of Public Works

2041 Charms Rd., Wixom

9:00am - 2:00pm

April 22nd, 2023 👕

RRRASOC MRF - Truck Entrance

20875 Mapleridge Ave., Southfield

9:00am - 2:00pm

May 6th, 2023

Oakland Community College

Orchard Ridge Campus Lot 8

27055 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills

May 20th, 2023 👕

Milford Civic Center

1100 Atlantic St., Milford

Enter from West, off Mont Eagle St.

July 15th, 2023 👕

Wixom Dept. of Public Works

2041 Charms Rd., Wixom

9:00am - 2:00pm

October 7th, 2023

Novi Dept. of Public Works

26300 Lee BeGole Dr., Novi

9:00am - 2:00pm

October 28th, 2023 👕

RRRASOC MRF - Truck Entrance

20875 Mapleridge Ave., Southfield

9:00am - 2:00pm

*The T-shirt icon indicates an HHW Collection Event during which clothing, shoes, accessories, and small household items will be accepted by Simple Recycling.

For more information about HHW events and how to prepare your items, please visit our HHW page.

If you have HHW that you'd like to properly dispose of between collection events, you're in luck! Drop off your HHW without a fee at ERG Environmental Services during the following hours:

Winter Hours:

Monday - Friday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Want more tips, tricks, and updates about recycling? We have a Facebook page where we can reach each other to make recycling easier. You can also reach us via RRRASOC.org and email at education@rrrasoc.org!

RRRASOC - Recycling Authority | 248-208-2270 | rrrasoc.org