Ann Arbor Curbside Recycling
Recovery in Ann Arbor
Where Do Recyclables Go?
White House Recognition
Computer Recycling

Recovery in Ann Arbor
Most people realize that recycling is important in terms of reducing waste, energy use, and preserving natural resources, but exactly how much waste is diverted by recycling in Ann Arbor? How much more of our waste stream could be recovered?

Before examing waste reduction efforts, it's first important to take a look at how much waste is generated by a city the size of Ann Arbor. According to figures compiled by the Institute for Local Self Reliance, Ann Arbor produced 46,564 tons of waste in 1996 alone. That's equal to 832 pounds of waste per person in Ann Arbor in just one year.

Recycling takes a huge chunk out of this number. The same study by the ILSR revealed that the recycling efforts in Ann Arbor recovered 53% pf the waste stream. That's equal to 23,558 tons of material that was diverted from landfills and put to good use. If we break that number down further we will see that it's contributed to 12,636 tons diverted trhough recycling efforts and 10,922 tons diverted by collecting compostables such as leaves and grass clippings.

In 2005, RAA recovered and recycled more than 10,600 tons of material.

The 53% recovery rate puts Ann Arbor in the top ten communities in the nation. While this is impressive and something a community can be proud of, a significant improvement can still be made.

We're aiming for 75% recovery of the Ann Arbor waste stream. Together, we can achieve this goal.

To do this, a large amount of materials that are currently being thrown away would need to be either recycled or reused. A simple change in habit could make all the difference. If everyone in Ann Arbor would stop to think whether an item was recyclable or reusable before they added it to the waste stream, we would be able to achieve our goal of 75% of recovered materials and ensure that Ann Arbor continues to be a great community to live in.

For more information on recycling in Ann Arbor, explore this website, check our your Waste Watcher information booklet, email info@recycleannarbor.org or call us at 734.662.6288.