January  2019
Budget bill with funding for recycling signed 
- The budget deal will create a $69 million "Renew Michigan" program. Under the deal, $45 million each year will flow to toxic cleanups, and $24 million would go to recycling and landfill oversight with the goal of boosting Michigan's recycling rate. Read More
 Addressing the global plastic waste crisis
 - Industry experts gathered at a roundtable hosted by The Atlantic to discuss the possible solutions for combating the ever-growing plastic waste problem. Topics included using less plastic or recycled plastic in products, trying to remove the ample amount of plastic in the waterways, and China's National Sword policy. Read More

Have questions about where to recycle an item?

Click on the Take it Back Logo and you will be magically transported to the Take it Back Directory!  

If you are unable to find a solution on the directory, please contact the Resource Recovery Department and we'll be sure to help you out!
Smoke Alarm Drop Off Program

The GTC Resource Recovery Department and the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department have teamed up to bring GTC residents a Smoke Alarm Drop Off program.
You may now bring your old smoke alarms to either the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Administration at 897 Parsons Rd. in Traverse City or the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Station #11 at 3000 Albany Dr. in Traverse City during their normal hours of operation. 
The drop off containers are located just inside the main entry doors.  It is recommended that smoke alarms be tested monthly, the batteries replaced bi-annually and whole units replaced every 10 years.  Batteries can be brought to any of the 9 drop off locations (listed below) around GTC.  Please contact the Resource Recovery Department if you have any questions.  
158,654 lbs. of Household Hazardous Waste were collected from Grand Traverse County Residents in 2018! 


2019 HHW Event Schedule 


 

           Thursday, May 9 - 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm

 

           Thursday, June 20 - 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm                                                                                 

           Thursday, August 8 - 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm                                                    

 

           Saturday, September 28th - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm  

 

***Appointments will not be accepted until approximately one month before each event.*** 

RESIDENTS 
  • Appointments are required for all HHW events and can be made by:
  • Or, if internet access is not an option, please call the RecycleSmart hotline at 231-941-5555 
NON-RESIDENTS (businesses, organizations, schools, etc.) 
  1. Download the 2018 VSQG Registration and Certification form. 
  2. Download the 2018 VSQG Hazardous Materials Inventory Worksheet.
  3. Appointments are required. Call the RecycleSmart Hotline at 231-941-5555 to register for an HHW event. (VSQGs are NOT allowed to make an online appointment).
  4. Not sure if you are a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)? Review the State of Michigan guidelines here.  
What Can I Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Event? Click here.
Drop Off Battery Recycling

Batteries from Grand Traverse County residents are accepted at any of the battery drop off locations. Batteries from commercial businesses or nonresidents are not accepted.  Businesses may bring batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection events.

Battery drop off boxes are at the following locations:

Building / Location
Address
Acme Township Hall
6042 Acme Road
Williamsburg, MI 49690
Blair Township Hall 
 2121 County Road 633 Grawn, MI 49637 
City of Traverse City / Grand Traverse County Building
400 Boardman Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49684
Civic Center
1213 W Civic Center Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686
Fife Lake True Value
Grand Traverse County Public Service Building
2650 LaFranier Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Metro Emergency Services Building
897 Parson Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Traverse City Fire Department
500 W Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Whitewater Township Hall
5777 Vinton Road
Williamsburg, MI 49690


Watch this short video on battery recycling.

RecycleSmart is the Resource Recovery program of Grand Traverse County, Michigan

231-941-5555 | recyclesmart@grandtraverse.org | www.recyclesmart.info