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

Where do recycleables go?
After recyclables are collected by Recycle Ann Arbor, they go directly to the Ann Arbor Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). There materials are sorted and prepared for shipping to be reused. But then where do they go?

Newspapers and Magazines
The newspapers and magazines being processed at the MRF are marketed to Graphic Packaging (previously James River/Fort James) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, under a long-term supply agreement.

Box Board
The box board being processed at the MRF is marketed to Caraustar in Rittman, Ohio. It is used to manufacture newspaper, paper towels, and box board.

Corrugated Cardboard
The corrugated cardboard being processed at the MRF is marketed to Packaging Corporation of America in Filer City, Michigan.

Office Paper
Office paper is marketed to American Fiber in Atlanta, Georgia. It is used to make new copy paper, newspaper and box board.

Plastic PET #1 (Pop Bottles)
The processed PET (#1 plastic) is being marketed to Mohawk Industries in Summerville, Georgia. New products made from these materials include fabric, carpet and fleece.

Plastic HDPE #2 (Detergent Bottles & Milk Jugs)
The processed HDPE #2 is being marketed to Clean Tech in Plymouth, Michigan.This includes both colored and clear #2 plastics, such as detergent bottles and milk jugs. These materials can be used to manufacture plastic lumber and floor tiles.

Beverage Cartons (Milk Cartons & Drink Boxes)
The milk cartons and drink boxes that are processed at the MRF are marketed to Ponderosa Fibers in Augusta, GA. Ponderosa's Augusta mill is the closest mill that currently accepts this grade of material.

Flint, Green and Amber Cullet (Glass)
Ann Arbor is currently looking for a new outlet for this three mix.

Scrap Steel Cans
The baled scrap steel cans are being marketed to AMG Resources in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. New products made from these materials include steel cans and car parts.

Aluminum Cans & Aluminum Foil
Aluminum cans and foil are being shipped to Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, Missouri.

Scrap Metal
Scrap metal collected at the MRF is marketed to AMG Resources in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It can be used to make new car parts or steel cans.

Textiles
Ann Arbor is currently exploring new outlets for this material.

Source: City of Ann Arbor Materials Recovery Facility Market Prices and Shipment Activity, June 2006