What To Do With Return to A-Z Guide
Scrap metal
Scrap metal of various types is accepted for recycling at the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. An item made of metal and other mixed materials like plastic is accepted as scrap metal only if it contains at least 60% metal. Scrap metal is not accepted in curbside recycling carts.
Common accepted scrap metal items:
- Chain link fencing, chicken wire
- Grills (plain)- all non-metal parts and propane tanks must be removed
- Metal plates, bowls, silverware, mugs, utensils
- Pots and pans (non-stick cookware is not accepted)
- Metal file cabinets
- Metal tables
- Metal tools
- Metal lawn furniture
- Metal light fixtures
- Electrical ballasts
- Aluminum window screens
- Metal Venetian blinds
- Broken exercise equipment: treadmills, stationary bikes, weights
- Spark plugs, rotors, and other metal car parts
- License plates
- Old keys
- Iron fireplace log holder
- Screws, bolts, nails
- Trophies, awards, plaques, medals, sports medals
- Wire hangers – clips ok to leave on
- Small engine items – lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, etc.
- Gas powered items must be drained of all fluids (gas, oil) prior to drop-off
- Battery powered items must have battery packs separated from the unit prior to drop-off.
Not accepted scrap metal items:
- Artificial Christmas trees
- Any metal container containing hazardous materials, fluids, or that has any hazardous materials mixed in.
- Battery powered items where the batteries cannot be separated from the unit
Recycle Right!
Do not put scrap metal in curbside recycling carts. These large and irregular pieces of metal can jam up the machinery, causing damage and delays and creating unsafe conditions for our workers. Scrap metal could also contaminate an entire load of recyclables, turning them into trash and not recycled.
All hazardous waste/materials, batteries, and fluids must be separated from scrap metal prior to drop off. Metal containers for hazardous materials are not accepted as scrap metal and need to be taken to Washtenaw County Household Hazardous Waste Disposal.
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!