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Plastic Tub
A plastic tub is a rounded container that often comes with a snap on lid. Plastic tubs labeled #5 (PP) are accepted in curbside recycling carts and at the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. Lids must be snapped back on the original container to be recycled. Common accepted containers include cottage cheese, butter, sour cream, yogurt tubs, and individual yogurt cups. Black plastic tubs (take-out food containers) are not recyclable and are not accepted in curbside recycling carts or at the Drop-Off Station or Recovery Yard.
Recycle Right!
Small tub shaped items, like sauce cups from take-out food and items smaller than your fist (3 inches) have a low chance of being recovered in the sorting facility due to their size and should not be placed in curbside recycling carts.
Plastic tubs must be empty, clean, and dry. Secure plastic lids tightly back onto tubs. Do not put loose plastic lids in curbside recycling carts. Loose lids are too 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. Snapping lids back on the tub ensures they get recycled!
Plastic containers labeled #3, #4, #6, or #7 are not accepted because they are not recyclable. They contaminate and increase the cost of good recyclables.
Recycling plastic is confusing. Learn more about the plastic numbering system and its shortcomings on our Plastics Explained page and watch Chasing Arrows: The Truth About Recycling. This short film is a must-see for anyone trying to understand their role in plastics recycling.
Choose Zero Waste!
Reuse and repurpose unavoidable plastic jugs for non-food storage. Find ways to reduce plastic usage, switch to a reusable water bottle, opt for bar soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergent sheets, buy in larger quantities, and choose brands that use paper or cardboard packaging.
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 - during the winter season, the following items cannot be accepted after 5 pm due to lighting and safety concerns: scrap metal, general waste, bulky waste, furniture, yard waste, or concrete.
- 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