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Metal cans
Metal food cans are accepted for recycling in curbside recycling carts and at the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. Metal can be infinitely recycled without losing quality. Keep lids and pull tabs attached to the can to ensure they get recycled, and place loose metal lids inside the can and squeeze the opening closed so the lids can’t fall out. Common accepted metal cans include vegetable, bean, tomato, soup, tuna, fruit, and spam cans.
Click here for information about aluminum cans and aluminum foil, tins, and trays
Recycle Right!
Cans must be clean, empty, and dry. Labels can be left on. Do not crush or flatten cans, as doing so could cause them to get mixed in with the other 2D materials such as paper. Secure lids and tabs by leaving them attached to the can or placing them inside an empty can and squeeze the opening closed. Loose lids are too small and flat to make it through the recycling sorting process and will drop through the cracks of the machines, resulting in them being treated as trash and not recycled. Securing lids ensures they get recycled!
Do not put any metal object in your curbside recycling cart other than food cans, aluminum foil, tins, and trays. Scrap metal, electronics, appliances, and other loose metal objects cannot be placed in curbside recycling carts and are only accepted for recycling at the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. Scrap metal can damage machinery and cause serious injury to our workers.
Choose Zero Waste!
Use metal scraps to make art or seek out artists who use scrap metal for their projects and donate yours to them. When possible, go un-canned by choosing fresh, unpackaged produce over canned goods.
Accepted at:
- Step 1
- All recyclable items should be empty, rinsed clean of all food particulates, and dry before placing them into the curbside bin. Labels may be left on.
- Step 2
- Tightly screw caps and lids onto their original plastic, glass, or aseptic containers. Empty and flatten all cardboard and boxboard. No batteries, plastic bags or film, or bagged recyclables accepted.
- Step 3
- Residential curbside carts must be placed out at the curb before 7 a.m. on your weekly service day.
- Address:
- Recycle Ann Arbor
P.O. Box 7180
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-7180 - Phone:
- 734.662.6288
- Step 1
- When first arriving, stop at the gatehouse to have your materials assessed and pay the appropriate fees. See price list for full details.
- Step 2
- The gatehouse attendant will direct you to where your items should be placed. You may be required to stop at multiple areas and containers on site.
- Step 3
- For a complete list of what is accepted, visit the Drop-Off About page. For safety reasons, pets and children under 13 years old must remain inside the vehicle at all times. Prices are subject to change, and our staff reserves the right to refuse any material that is deemed unsuitable.
- Address:
- 2950 East Ellsworth Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108 - Phone:
- 734.971.7400
- Public drop-off Hours:
- Tues. & Thurs. 8:30 am to 6:30 pm*
- Saturday 9 am to 6 pm*
- Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
- Credit Cards ONLY. No cash/check.
- *SEASONAL NOTICE: due to lighting & safety concerns, scrap metal, general waste, bulky waste, furniture, yard waste, and concrete are not accepted after 5 PM during the winter season.
- Step 1
- Prior to unloading, Call the office 734-426-2280 to receive directions and assistance.
- Step 2
- Please check our Recovery Yard Drop Off Price list as applicable fees will apply.
- Prohibited Items:
- No liquids, paints or varnishes, No toxics, No alkaline batteries, food waste, asbestos, soil, sand nor deceased pets, livestock or wildlife.
- Address:
- 7891 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103 - Phone:
- 734.426.2280
- Public drop-off hours:
- Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 3:15 pm
- Closed Saturday and Sunday