Household Hazardous Waste
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:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # | Fee |
| Recycle Ann Arbor | 2420 S. Industrial Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 662-6288 | $1.00 / gallon |
| City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-2240 | Free for Detroit residents only |
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.
| Company Name | Address | Phone # |
| *Meijer Automotive | 9701 Belleville Rd., Van Buren Twp. | (734) 699-0406 |
| ***Walmart Automotive | 10562 Belleville Rd., Van Buren Twp | (734) 697-2078 |
| ****Auto Lab | 5811 N Canton Center Rd., Canton Twp. | (734) 454-9930 |
| *****Battery Solutions | 38680 Michigan Ave., Wayne | (248) 446-3001 |
| ** City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-2240 |
| Auto Zone Facilities | Check your phone book for locations | |
| Murray’s Discount Auto Stores | 44908 Ford Rd., Canton Twp. 2165 Washtenaw Rd., Ypsilanti Twp. | (734) 459-6200 (734) 482-2506 |
| Washtenaw County Regional Drop-Off Station | 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 971-7400 |
* 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
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:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # |
| * Battery Solutions | 38680 Michigan Ave., Wayne | (734) 467-9110 |
| Depot Town Farmer’s Market | 651 Rice St., City of Ypsilanti | (734) 483-1421 |
| Civic Center | 7200 S. Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti Twp. | (734) 484-0073 |
| Grove Recycling Service | 12860 Evergreen Rd., Detroit | (313) 272-5335 |
| Washtenaw County Regional Drop-Off Station | 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 971-7400 |
| Recycle Ann Arbor | 2420 S. Industrial Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 662-6288 |
| ** City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
* Fee: $0.85/lbs for household batteries. Contact Doug Smith for further price information
** Free for Detroit residents only
Cell phones
Just as batteries and unused cell phones are hazardous waste when disposed of improperly. 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 them 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:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # |
| Recycle Ann Arbor | 2420 S. Industrial Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 662-6288 |
| ReCellular | 2555 Bishop Circle West, Dexter | (734) 205-2200 |
| Great Lakes Electronic Recycling | 19030 Fitzpatrick St., Detroit | (313) 838-7000 |
| Grove Recycling Service | 12860 Evergreen Rd., Detroit | (313) 272-5335 |
| Washtenaw County Regional Drop-Off Station | 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 971-7400 |
| ** City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
** 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 pounds 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.
| Company Name | Address | Phone # |
| Battery Solutions | 38680 Michigan Ave., Wayne | (734) 467-9110 |
| *Scrap Computer | 7185 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor | (734) 769-0705 |
| Recycle Ann Arbor | 2420 S. Industrial Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 662-6288 |
| Washtenaw County Regional Drop-Off Station | 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 971-7400 |
| **Great Lakes Electronic Recycling | 19030 Fitzpatrick St., Detroit | (313) 838-7000 |
| Grove Recycling Service | 12860 Evergreen Rd., Detroit | (313) 272-5335 |
| City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
| ***Habitat for Humanity Restore | 3080 E. Outer Dr., Detroit | (313) 653-4890 |
| Ryan Correctional Facility | 17600 Ryan Rd., Detroit | (313) 368-3200 |
* Computers free, Printers $2
** Also accepts TV’s and VCR’s
*** Takes computer donations
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.
| Company Name | Address | Phone # |
| ReCellular | 2555 Bishop Circle West, Dexter | (734) 205-2200 |
| ** City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
| Washtenaw County Regional Drop-Off Station | 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 971-7400 |
| Great Lakes Electronic Recycling | 19030 Fitzpatrick St., Detroit | (313) 838-7000 |
| Grove Recycling Service | 12860 Evergreen Rd., Detroit | (313) 272-5335 |
** 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:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # |
| ** City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
| *Chemical Analytics | 29959 Beverly Rd., Romulus | (734) 326-9400 |
| *Battery Solutions | 38680 Michigan Ave., Wayne | (734) 467-9110 |
| City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
* 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:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # |
| * Recycle Ann Arbor | 2420 S. Industrial Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 662-6288 |
| ** City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
| Lube Stop of Belleville | 10645 Belleville Rd., Van Buren Twp. | (734) 699-0798 |
| Walmart Automotive | 10562 Belleville Rd., Van Buren Twp | (734) 697-2078 |
| *** American Waste Oil | 44141 Yost Rd., Belleville | (734) 397-2300 |
| Auto Lab | 5811 N Canton Center Rd., Canton Twp. | (734) 454-9930 |
| *Murray’s Discount Auto Parts | 44908 Ford Rd., Canton Twp. 2165 Washtenaw Rd., Ypsilanti Twp. | (734) 459-6200(734) 482-2506 |
* 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:
- 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.
- Oil-based paint can be brought to Van Buren Township’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Also, check out the following list of facilities:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # |
| *City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
| Waste Recovery Facility | 2263 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 876-0146 |
| City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 |
| Petro-Chemical | 515 Lycaste, Detroit | (313) 824-5539 |
| **Habitat for Humanity ReStore | 3080 East Outer Dr., Detroit | (313) 653-4890 |
* 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:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # | Service |
| * Recycle Ann Arbor | 2420 S. Industrial Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 662-6288 | Disposal |
| ** City Environmental | 2000 E. Ferry St., Detroit | (313) 923-0080 | |
| ***Meijer Gas Station | 9701 Belleville Rd., Van Buren Twp. | (734) 699-0429 | Exchange |
| ***Walmart Auto | 10562 Belleville Rd., Van Buren Twp. | (734) 697-2078 | Exchange |
| ***Walt Michal’s RV Center | 44700 N I-94 Service Dr., Van Buren Twp. | 1-800- 697-2500 | Disposal |
| ***Pro Hardware | 458 Main St., Belleville | (734) 697-9595 | Exchange |
* 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
First Alert, Radioactive Waste Disposal, 780 McClure Rd., Aurora, IL 60504, 1-800-323-9005 or;
American Sensors 1-800-387-4219.
Homeowners can dispose of smoke detectors in licensed solid waste landfills.
| Landfill Name | Address | Phone # | Contact name |
| Woodland Meadows Landfill Van Buren | 5900 Hannan Rd., Van Buren Twp. | (734) 326-8230 | Paul Mazanec |
| Sauk Trail Hills Landfill | 5011 S Lilley, Canton Twp. | (734) 397-2790 | Angela Leonard |
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:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # | Fees |
| Belle Tire | 45875 Ford Rd., Canton Twp. | (734) 844-6001 | $3.00 / tire |
| Discount Tire Co Inc | 41550 Ford Rd., Canton Twp. | (734) 981-6800 | $2.00 / tire |
| Spartan Tire and Service, Inc | 835 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti | (734) 482-1182 | $2.50 / tire |
| Waddles Tire Service | 17026 Dix Rd., Brownstown Twp. | (734) 283-1644 | $2.00 / car tire$7.00/ med truck |
| Recycle Ann Arbor | 2420 S. Industrial Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 662-6288 | $3.00/ tire up to 16‘’$15.00/tire up to 25’’ |
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:
| Company Name | Address | Phone # | Accepts |
| Once Upon A Child | 5804 N Sheldon Rd., Canton Twp. | (734) 459-6669 | Kid’s clothing |
| Recycle Ann Arbor | 2950 E. Industrial Rd., Ann Arbor | (734) 971-7400 | Hardcover books, clothing |
| Salvation Army | 5875 Middlebelt Rd., Romulus | (734) 467-5849 | Everything |
| St. Vincent De Paul Society | 1001 Broadway, Ann Arbor | (734) 761-1400 | Everything |
| Dress For Success | 3075 Clark Rd., Ypsilanti | (734) 712-0517 | Interview suits |
| Children’s Orchard | 2216 S. Main St., Ann Arbor | (734) 995-8889 | Kid’s clothing |
| Kiwanis of Ann Arbor | 200 S. First St., Ann Arbor | (734) 665-2211 | Everything |
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 the website for lists of things accepted at www.recycleannarbor.org
Household Hazardous Waste Information
Household Hazardous Waste Additional Information (https://www.michiganrecycles.org/index.php/recycling/special-wastes/92-recycling/uncommon-items/52-household-hazardous-waste): A much more comprehensive and informative site on Household Hazardous Waste developed jointly by the US EPA Region 5 office and Purdue University. It contains a graphic tour of waste within a house, a glossary of hazardous compounds, management tips, and chemical alternatives
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Methods (https://www.waynecounty.com/doe_lrm_prog_swplanning_hhwp.htm): Go here to learn about the disposal method of various household chemicals.
Household Hazardous Waste
Alternative Household Cleaners
Try these Environmentally Safe Recipes before you clean or disinfect.
Earth Scrub Tub & Tile Cleaner
- 1 2/3 cups baking soda
- ½ cup of liquid soap
- ½ cup of water
- 2 tbsp vinegar in a bowl, stir with a fork until the lumps are gone
To use: Squirt this cleaner anywhere! Use it for the tub, sink, toilet bowl, countertop, etc!
Furniture Polish
- One part distilled white vinegar
- Three parts olive oil
- Add a little natural lemon oil
- Glass Cleaner
Just use plain club soda for a great glass cleaner that works much better than commercial cleaners and isn’t harmful to breathe!
-or-
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup whit vinegar
- ½ gallon warm water
- Combine in spray bottle and use on glass and windows!
- Disinfectant
- Borax and water spray solution
Drain Cleaner
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 2 ounces vinegar
- Cover the drain tightly and flush with hot water Deodorizer
- Baking soda or vinegar in an open dish
-or-
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup borax
Mix and sprinkle on the carpet. Leave on for 15 minutes and then vacuum.
Oven Cleaner
Put salt on spills when warm Rust Remover
- Sprinkle a little bit of salt on the rust.
- Squeeze a lime over the salt until it is nicely soaked in lime juice.
- Leave the mixture on for two or three hours
- Use the leftover rind as a handy scrubber.
The rust is gone! Floor Cleaner
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
1-gallon warm water
Alternative Household Cleaners
Try these Environmentally Safe Recipes before you clean or disinfect.
Earth Scrub Tub & Tile Cleaner
- 1 2/3 cups baking soda
- ½ cup of liquid soap
- ½ cup of water
- 2 tbsp vinegar in a bowl, stir with a fork until the lumps are gone
- To use: Squirt this cleaner anywhere! Use it for the tub, sink, toilet bowl, countertop, etc!
Furniture Polish
One part distilled white vinegar
Three parts olive oil
Add a little natural lemon oil
Glass Cleaner
Just use plain club soda for a great glass cleaner that works much better than commercial cleaners and isn’t harmful to breathe!
-or-
1 tsp cornstarch
¼ cup white vinegar
½ gallon warm water
Combine in a spray bottle and use on glass and windows!
Disinfectant
Borax and water spray solution
Drain Cleaner
¼ cup baking soda
2 ounces vinegar
Cover the drain tightly and flush with hot water
Deodorizer
Baking soda or vinegar in an open dish
-or-
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup borax
Mix and sprinkle on the carpet. Leave on for 15 minutes and then vacuum.
Oven Cleaner Put salt on spills when warm
Rust Remover
- Sprinkle a little bit of salt on the rust.
- Squeeze a lime over the salt until it is nicely soaked in lime juice.
- Leave the mixture on for two or three hours
- Use the leftover rind as a handy scrubber.
The rust is gone!
Floor Cleaner
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
1-gallon warm water
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