What Can Be Recycled

Beginner

Beginner recycling materials include:

• Glass
• Metals
• Organic Yard Waste
• Paper
• Plastic

These materials are relatively easy to break into their more basic forms during the recycling process. By shredding, melting, or composting, their composition can be broken down and then rearranged into a new product. Basic recycling and re-purposing can be done at home, like composting, but professional collection services are often a part of public works.

Intermediate

Intermediate recycling materials include:

• Batteries
• Fabric
• Fluorescent Bulbs
• Oil
• Paint
• Styrofoam

These products are made of more complex materials and using fairly sophisticated techniques. Recycling these products can be fairly complex because of their composition, so conscientious use and collection is encouraged. We rely on experts to safely handle process these items.

Advanced

Advanced recycling materials include:

• Appliances
• Electronics
• Prescription Medication
• Vehicles
• Household Hazardous Waste

These complex products are made of diverse and highly refined materials. This makes separation, decomposition, and reuse a challenge. We rely on experts to safely recycle or dispose of these items.

Recycling Locations

Recycling is becoming increasingly available, as part of culture and the Jackson Community. Many of the recycling organizations are available for appointment and drop-off of recyclable materials.

• Recycling Jackson
  1401 N Brown Street
  Jackson MI 49201
  517-414-6142
  Drop-off site hours: First Saturday of the month - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
   
  
• Emmons Service, Inc.
  913 Water Street
  Jackson MI 49203
  517-787-8710
  Drop-off site hours: Monday -  Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Saturday 8:00AM - 3:00PM  
  
  
• OnmiSource - Metal Recycling
  711 Lewis St.
  Jackson, MI 49201
  517-787-4940
  Drop-off site hours: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  
  
• LRS
  7245 Brooklyn Rd. 
  Napoleon, MI 49261
  517-536-4900
  Drop-off site hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The Jackson County Conversation District also holds 2-3 household hazardous waste collection events each year at the Jackson County Department of Transportation. Events will be posted on the Conservation District Website (www.jacksoncd.org) 4-6 weeks before the event date. Reservations are required. 

What Needs to Be Done to Recycle

Recycling must take into consideration the life of the product beforehand and the direction it is headed. All items should be cleaned of debris (like dust or food scraps). Single stream recycling, where all materials are bagged together, is becoming a customary practice for curbside pickup. When dropping off recycling, separating your recycling by type goes a long way toward making recycling cost effective. Many items, like plastics, are numbered or marked according to type.

Each of the recycling providers in Jackson County has a different method and capacity for recycling. Learn about these organizations, and contact them to find the best way for you to connect.

Why Recycle?

No one can make you recycle, so should you? The answer is not always simple. There are impacts on the community and environment with every product that is purchased, and every material that is made.

Recycling is one means of keeping those materials in circulation, avoiding landfill waste and reducing the consumption of raw natural resources. As more people choose to recycle and purchase recycled products, the entire process will become easier to maintain and products of higher quality. Jackson County is proud to be a part of this effort, and support its local and global partners.