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    Guide to disposal/recycling options for hazardous waste

Antifreeze

Antifreeze contains a hazardous chemical, ethylene glycol that should not be disposed in trash, sewers, or drains. This chemical tastes and smells sweet, making it attractive to children and pets- be sure to store it out of their reach!  

Reduce and Reuse: Antifreeze does not "go bad." Make sure to use up the whole bottle before you buy another one. If you cannot use it up, offer it to a friend or neighbor. Recycle: The companies below will recycle unwanted antifreeze usually for a small fee:

    Batteries (Car and Boat)

Car batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, and should not be disposed of in landfills.  Local battery recyclers can recycle the lead, sulfuric acid and plastic casing. When you buy a new battery at a service station, ask them to recycle the old one. The facilities listed below will accept automotive or boat batteries free of charge. Call for specific guidelines.  

* DOES NOT take car batteries unless you purchase one there and have it replaced there...can't drop of batteries

** Free for Detroit residents only

***Only takes car batteries if you buy one there

**** Car Batteries only

*****Charge for Car batteries (http://www.batteryrecycling.com/wetcellrec.html)

Batteries (Household)

Household batteries (dry cells) contain heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, etc.) that can pose a potential threat to water and human health if disposed of improperly.

Reduce: Use an A/C adapter instead of batteries whenever possible.

Reuse: Use rechargeable batteries to save money and the environment. One charger can charge many different sizes of batteries.

Recycle: Household batteries can be brought to Van Buren Township’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Contact the facilities listed below for recycling options:

* Fee: $0.85/lbs for household batteries. Contact Doug Smith for further price information

** Free for Detroit residents only  

Cell phones

 Just as batteries, unused cell phones are hazardous waste when disposed improperly. The heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, etc could be a threat to human health and the environment.

 Reduce: Only replace your cell phone when it is damaged and not able to function properly anymore

Reuse: You can donate undesirable cell phones to companies such as ReCellular and they re-sell the phones with affordable prices to countries in Latin America.

Recycle: You can avoid dumping hazardous elements from your cell phones by recycling at the end of their life cycle. Contact your carrier – they may offer a cell phone recycling program and a tax credit for recycling cell phones through their program. You can also contact the facilities listed below for recycling options: 

** Free for Detroit residents only 

Computers

 According to Stanford Research Inc., between 1997 and 2007, nearly 500 million personal computers will become obsolete-almost two computers for each person in the United States.  That will amount to 6.32 billion pounds of plastics, 1.58 billion pounds of lead, 3 million pounds of cadmium, 1.9 million pound of chromium & 632,000 pounds of mercury.

Presently most E-waste ends up in our landfills or incinerators. We can prevent adding to the growing proportions of hazardous waste in the following ways:

                       Reduce: See if you can update your processor or add memory to upgrade your computer. This will save you money and will salvage a usable computer.

Reuse: Some computer stores will buy computers in working order or consider donating your computer to a non-profit organization, such as a local church, school, or shelter.

Recycle: Residents can avoid contributing to the growing hazardous e-waste by recycling electronics at the end of their life cycle. Listed below are some of the possible computer de-manufacturing companies operating in Southeast Michigan, call first to see if there is a charge.

* Computers free, Printers $2

** Also accepts TV's and VCR's

*** Takes computer donations

For Rebates of up to $50 for donating or recycling an old PC, call (888) 285-6201 and contact Gateway customer service or visit http://www.gateway.com/about/corp_responsibility/env_options.shtml 

Inkjet & Laser Cartridges 

All US Post Offices provide prepaid mailing envelopes for used inkjet cartridges. The cartridges are sent for recycling. Check your local post office for details. Other facilities accepting cartridges are listed below.

** Free for Detroit residents only 

Mercury

 Mercury is a cancer-causing substance and neurotoxin that can cause harm through direct contact and from inhalation. It is most commonly found in household thermometers and becomes a hazard when the thermometer, or other mercury-containing device, breaks. Due to mercury's volatility and potential for inhalation, spilled mercury should be cleaned up as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Call the MDEQ at 1-800-292-4706 to report pollution emergencies and call the DEQ Environmental Assistance center at 1-800-662-9278 for non-emergency calls only. The following organization will accept mercury-containing devices (thermometers, thermostats, switches) or free flowing mercury for proper disposal:  

* Accepts Mercury Thermometers

** Free for Detroit residents only

Motor Oil

Used motor oil contains toxic impurities such as lead and cadmium, and can pose serious threats to our environment if disposed of improperly. If oil is poured onto the ground, or down a sewer or storm drain, toxic substances could eventually end up in our lakes, streams, or drinking water. Therefore, it is of great importance that used motor oil is disposed of properly.

Recycle: When a service station changes your oil, it recycles the old oil. When changing your own oil, place it into a sturdy, sealed, clear container (such as a milk jug), and deliver it to one of the facilities listed below for free recycling:

* Free up to 5 gallons

** Free for Detroit residents only

*** Per 5 gallons bottle

Paint

Oil based paints and paint thinners contain solvents that are flammable and evaporate quickly, creating fumes that you breathe. Many paints contain heavy metals such as cadmium, and oil paints can contain lead. These materials can pose serious threats to human health if disposed of improperly.

Reduce: Buy only as much as you need to do the job. Try to share leftover paint with neighbors and friends. For paint that must be disposed of, consider the following disposal guidelines:

o        Latex paint is only dangerous while in its liquid form. Once dried out, it can be safely disposed of with your regular trash. Sawdust or kitty litter can be added to speed up the drying process.

o        Oil based paint can be brought to Van Buren Township’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Also, check out the following list of facilities: 

 * Free for Detroit residents only

**Only accepts full paint canisters

Propane Tanks

Reduce and Reuse: When purchasing a propane tank, ask if it can be returned for recycling or disposal when empty. When possible, choose a grill or stove that comes equipped with a reusable tank. Here are some sites that accept used propane tanks either for exchange or for disposal for a small fee:

* 20-pound size, $5/each; 1-pound camping tank, $1/each

** Free for Detroit residents only

*** Exchange propane tanks (refill)

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors can contain two types of materials that may be hazardous - radium or americium. Manufacturers are no longer required to accept smoke detectors, but you may try to contact the manufacturer and find out about their specific policy.

Since some may contain heavy metals or radioactive waste, send old detectors back to the factory for safe disposal. The address can be found on the carton or, for most common brands, contact

o        First Alert, Radioactive Waste Disposal, 780 McClure Rd., Aurora, IL 60504, 1-800-323-9005 or;

o        American Sensors 1-800-387-4219.

Homeowners can dispose of smoke detectors in licensed solid waste landfills.  

 There is a non-radioactive smoke detector available. These photoelectric smoke detectors use a tiny beam of light to detect smoke particles, which means fewer annoying false alarms, increased sensitivity to larger smoke particles, and faster detection of smoldering fires. These are available by special order at some hardware and electrical supply stores and the following business sells them for a starting price of $29.95.       

Tires

                     Michigan residents and businesses generate more than nine million used tires every year. When       

  improperly discarded, piles of old tires can lead to hazardous fires or serve as a breeding ground for    mosquitoes.

 Recycle: When you need new tires on your car, leave the old ones with the tire service station for free disposal. The companies listed below offer disposal for a nominal fee if you only want to dispose of old tires:  

Toys, Books, Furniture, Clothing, Kitchenware, Sporting Goods, Mattresses,  Games, and other household items.

It is not necessary to throw these items away so that they will end up in a landfill.  Other people can use these items, especially if they are still in good shape. Consider donating your items to a non-profit organization, such as a local church, school, or shelter.  You can also try some of the following thrift stores or resale shops:

The Recycle Ann Arbor Reuse Center also accepts a wide variety of items including styrofoam and plastic bags.  Call them for more information at (734) 662-6288 or (734) 971-7400 for drop off.  They are located at 2420 S. Industrial, Ann Arbor. Check website for lists of things accepted at www.recycleannarbor.org

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