Consider the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land that we live on, and the fauna and flora that reside here. Their quality depends on how well we take care of our planet, from looking for ways to save energy to recycling right with RRRASOC. As a community, it's important to double down our efforts to make a difference - both locally and globally.

Earth Day is right around the corner, which means you may be wondering how you can show your support for the planet. Below are a few effective (and fun) ways you can make a difference this Earth Day... and every day!

Visit a Nearby Park

A local or state park is the best place to explore nature close to home. Take a moment to admire the trees, the flowers, and, yes - even the bugs. Consider the role they play in nature and what you can do to ensure they continue to do so.

Join a Local Earth Day Event

Attending an Earth Day gathering will allow you to not only connect with others who care for the earth but also build momentum to make planet-friendly changes in your community. Search for local events online or on social media to find out what's happening nearby!

Start a Compost Bin

Did you know that organic food scraps that decay in the landfill create methane, a potent greenhouse gas? You can avoid contributing to this effect by starting your own compost bin a home. Composting promotes a circular food system that transforms scraps (and other organic materials, like paper towels) into regenerative and healthy soil. Learn how to start your own composting bin on our composting page!

Check out these other RRRASOC resources to help you celebrate Earth Day:

Master Your Recycling Skills

Improve your recycling habits and familiarize yourself with what can be recycled in your community. By taking a look at our Recycling Guidelines or Recycling Directory, you’ll find information dedicated to recycling many types of items including paper, plastics, metals, clothing, electronics, and more!

Visit a Drop-Off Site

RRRASOC community members have 2 local drop-off sites in which they can bring their recyclables to be properly disposed of. The drop-off site in Southfield can be found at the RRRASOC MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) located at 20000 8 Mile Road, while the Novi drop-off site is at 26300 Lee Begole Drive. These drop-off sites are free and open to the public, and are open during daylight hours 7 days a week (including holidays). There is no appointment needed. Please note that polystyrene foam (Styrofoam), HHW, and electronics are not accepted at the drop-off sites.

In March, the Recycling Directory saw a few mobile app downloads, sorting game plays, and reminders created. However, our most exciting number to report is that there were over 87,000 items searched! Yes, you read that right! In one month alone, that's over 87,000 items being properly recycled and diverted from the landfill, let alone the common materials that you already know to recycle.

You can always rely on the Recycling Directory at RRRASOC.org (or a print version) to help you recycle right. If you have an item that you can't seem to find any information on, feel free to contact us via Facebook, email or phone so that we can give you the best course of action. Thank you for being a dedicated recycler!

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

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

The Recycling Directory Alexa skill will be discontinued effective April 30, 2023. The mobile app and web tool will remain unaffected.

Not sure what to do with stuff?

Visit rrrasoc.org and use the Recycling Directory search bar to type in keywords and get recycling, composting, reuse or disposal instructions.

The searchable, intuitive format of the Recycling Directory provides RRRASOC specific information.

Also Available:

Mobile App

• From your App Store or Google Play, search for "Recycling Authority"

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