Adobe Acrobat File:Solidwastedirectory.pdf
This document is a text-only version of the original Adobe Acrobat file. Graphics and formatting may be lost in the conversion from pdf to html.
View the Adobe Acrobat version of this file.
City of Muskegon
January 2007
This booklet was put together to provide residents of the City of Muskegon with detailed
information on solid waste management and recycling. The information was compiled from
several different sources including already existing educational materials from the City and
the County and through online resources, such as the one from the United States
Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Solid Waste:
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/compost/erosion.pdf,
www.epa.gov/seahome/housewaste/src/recycle.htm, and
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/npn-hw/reduce/catbook/.
Table of Contents
Reduce Reuse Recycle ........................................................................................................1
General Waste Information.........................................................................................................1
Garbage Pick-up..............................................................................................................1
Garbage Stickers Program ..........................................................................................1, 2
Carts ................................................................................................................................2
Spring Clean-up...............................................................................................................2
Recycling .........................................................................................................................2
Special Disposal Needs...................................................................................................2
Antifreeze .................................................................................................................................. 3
Appliances/Scrap Metals ............................................................................................................3
Asphalt and Concrete Recycling.............................................................................................3, 4
Batteries .....................................................................................................................................4
Automobile Batteries........................................................................................................4
Flashlight Batteries ..........................................................................................................4
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (rechargeable) .......................................................................4
Hearing Aid Batteries.......................................................................................................4
Gasoline Reuse and Disposal ................................................................................................4. 5
Household Hazardous Wastes ...............................................................................................5, 6
Miscellaneous Recycling ............................................................................................................6
Paint Disposal.........................................................................................................................6, 7
Used Oil Recycling .....................................................................................................................7
Used Tires ..................................................................................................................................8
Yard Waste Disposal..............................................................................................................8, 9
Composting......................................................................................................................9
Home Composting .........................................................................................................10
Reduce Reuse - Recycle
Reduce: Buy only what you need and purchase items that use as little packaging as
possible. For example, you could buy cereal packaged in plastic only, instead of cereal
packaged in plastic and in boxes, or bulk items that would use less packaging than smaller
items.
Reuse: Use items that can be re-used or that can be used by someone else rather than
simply thrown away. Cream cheese containers, for example, could be reused to store little
things like loose screws or other small items. They also make great containers for your
child's paint-water.
Recycle: You can take items out of the waste stream that would end up in landfills by using
items that can be collected and re-processed for another product. For example, glass
containers are melted down again for new bottles or other glass containers. No matter what
type of materials are being recycled, always remember that clean materials are easier to
transport for you and easier to handle for the recycling facility. Always rinse containers so no
food remains.
General Waste Information
City of Muskegon Solid Waste Coordinator (231) 724-6908
Garbage Pick-up: Curbside garbage pick-up is provided each week at no charge. Your
garbage day depends on your location in the City. Garbage must be contained in the green
plastic cart, which must be obtained from the City. Carts must stay with the property and can
be replaced for $55.00 if lost or stolen. Any refuse not in a Cart is not picked up. If trash
accumulates on the property it will result in a clean-up and billing and/or ticket to the property
owner. Additional carts are available for $12.00 per month. Carts for new homes are $55.00.
Garbage Stickers Program: If you have more garbage than the Cart can hold, you must
have a hot pink garbage sticker on each item (see below for items you can tag with those
stickers and items you cannot). If loose items do not have a sticker, you will get a 24-hour
violation notice, which could result in a clean-up bill. We recommend that you staple the
sticker on the item if there is a chance it will blow off. The stickers may be purchased for
$2.00 each at the City Treasurer's Office in City Hall or at the Public Service Building on
Keating Avenue. If you buy five (5) garbage stickers, you get one (1) free (6 for $10.00).
Stickers can also be purchased by phone at (231) 724-6720 using your credit card. Please
Note: Appliances require separate neon green stickers, which cost $25.00. For more
information, please see the section about appliances on page 5 in this booklet.
Acceptable Sticker Items:
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 1
Bags of Garbage (30lbs or less) Household Furniture
Mattress Bed Springs
Metal & Wood Furniture Carpet & Pads (30lbs or less)
Storm Doors Windows
Toilets Bathtubs
Sinks Cardboard Boxes (Flattened, Tied in
Television Sets bundles less than 30lbs)
Non-Acceptable Sticker Items:
Appliances Batteries
Hazardous Waste Material Christmas Trees
Engine Parts Car Parts
Building Materials Tires
Bags of Grass or Leaves Brush or Twigs
For more information on how to recycle those non-acceptable sticker items please look in the
sections below in this booklet or call the Department of Public Works at 724-4100 or
724-6908.
Carts: To keep neighborhoods looking neat and avoid spilling trash, please do not put your
Carts out before 7:00 p.m. the night before garbage pick-up. After Carts are emptied, they
are to be stored out of public view. If a Cart is not taken care of, you may be ticketed or it
could be taken away.
Spring Clean-up: A dumpster day for each neighborhood is also provided. Each
neighborhood association supervises the dumpster day for their area.
Recycling: The City also has curbside recycling at no cost to residents with pickup every
other week on your garbage pickup day. The schedule depends on where you live in the
City. Recycling bins can be purchased from the Department of Public Works for $5.00. The
program accepts:
* clear glass,
* metal (aluminum foil and tin cans),
* #1 & #2 plastic jugs and bottles,
* cereal boxes, office paper, magazines, phone books, junk mail, etc.
Please remember that labels must be pealed off and containers rinsed before being placed in
recycling bins.
Styrofoam: clean Styrofoam used in packing boxes can be recycled locally. Call 755-1662
for more information. Styrofoam that has had food contact such as meat trays or used dishes
will not be accepted.
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 2
Special Disposal Needs: For larger disposal needs you may go to Muskegon County
Landfill 9366 Apple Avenue, Phone: 724-6001. Open: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sat. 8:00
a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Fee: please call for prices.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is made up of water and ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is a sweet smelling and
tasting material that is attractive to pets and children. Ingestion of antifreeze can cause
severe damage to the nervous system and kidneys.
Most automotive service centers will accept reasonable amounts of used (drained) antifreeze
for recycling. Always call first to verify acceptance of materials, limitations and possible
charges.
Antifreeze should never be poured down the drain or a storm sewer because of the damage it
can cause to the environment.
Appliances/Scrap Metals
Appliances require separate garbage stickers, which cost $25.00 and must be stuck visibly to
the appliance in order for the City to take the appliance at garbage pick-up. Appliances and
scrap metal can also be brought to many local scrap dealers.
Metals such as tin cans, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, iron, steel, stainless steel, zinc,
etc., may be disposed of at the following locations:
Shoreline Recycling, 259 Ottawa Street, Phone: 722-6081
West Michigan Recycling Center, 40 Harvey Street, Phone: 773-7582
Depending on the metal, you may get cash for scrap!
If you can not recycle your appliance immediately, please remember to:
* REMOVE, BLOCK or LOCK refrigerator or freezer unit doors to prevent accidental
trapping of children.
Asphalt and Concrete Recycling
The following locations accept concrete, asphalt, brick and block for recycling:
Ken Cooper Recycling White Lake Excavating, Inc.
Concrete Recycling Site 2571 Holton Whitehall Road
5750 Airline Road Whitehall Township
Fruitport Township 894-6918
865-3337
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 3
The following location accepts concrete, sidewalk and block for recycling, but no bricks:
Verplank's Trucking
Getty Street location next to Spraque Auto Parts in Muskegon.
Please call their Ferrysburg office beforehand at (616) 842-1448.
Batteries
Automobile batteries can be returned to most auto parts retail stores and automotive repair
centers. When purchasing a new battery, it is necessary to bring the old battery in for trade
that covers the "core charge". If you have old batteries that have been stored for some time,
they can usually be returned, however, there may be a charge for disposal. Always call first
to verify if the business accepts auto batteries for recycling and if there are charges. NOTE:
Automotive batteries contain strong acids. If leaking, use extreme caution. These acids can
cause severe burns and can do extensive damage to clothing, paint finishes and other
surfaces.
Automobile batteries may be disposed of at D Auto Parts, 1450 East Bard Road, Phone:
766-3094 or at the local K-Mart, 3530 Henry Street, 733-1386.
Flashlight batteries can be saved for collection during the Muskegon County Household
Hazardous Waste Collection Program. If you have batteries for recycling, please store them
safely and contact 724-6525 (Muskegon County Department of Public Works) and 850 West
Sherman (759-7597) in Muskegon. Please call first to verify any limitations.
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (rechargeable) such as video camera batteries can be
recycled at Radio Shack locations at 1640 East Apple (773-1016) and 850 West Sherman
(759-7597) in Muskegon. Please call first to verify any limitations.
Hearing aid batteries can sometimes be recycled at the same location where they were
purchased. If no recycling is available, they can be taken as part of the Muskegon County
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program by calling 724-6525.
Gasoline Reuse and Disposal
Gasoline can become temporarily unusable due to long storage, exposure to the elements
causing minor water contamination or if some other materials such as small amounts of dirt
or rust are present. These situations do not necessarily mean that the gasoline is not usable.
If gasoline has been stored for a long period of time it can become somewhat "thick" due to
evaporation. This gasoline can simply be mixed with three (3) parts new gasoline. If the
gasoline contains small amounts of water, a fuel-drying additive should be mixed with it. If
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 4
large amounts of water are present, let the gasoline sit undisturbed for a few weeks and
siphon or carefully pour the gasoline into another container. Because water is heavier than
the gasoline, it should not mix and will sink to the bottom. Fuel-drying additives should then
be used. If the gasoline is contaminated with small amounts of dirt or rust, filter it through
cheesecloth or coffee filters and then use a fuel-drying additive and mix with three (3) parts
new gasoline.
Two-cycle gas is a mixture of gasoline and oil and should only be used in motors designed to
use this type of fuel. If 2-cycle fuel is contaminated, follow the same procedures as with
regular gasoline. Remember to dilute 2-cycle fuel with gasoline and oil, not straight gasoline.
If you are working with gasoline, please use the following precautions:
Do not smoke
Use eye protection
Wash Hands, etc. immediately if exposed
Use caution around appliances with a pilot light
Use protective gloves
Work in area with proper ventilation
Avoid inhaling gasoline vapors
Work in area where, if spilled, the gasoline will evaporate but not pollute ground or
ground water
Do not pour gasoline in drains or trash
Always store gasoline in properly marked and approved container
NOTE: These are good precautions when working with any potentially hazardous or
harmful substance. Always make safety the first priority.
For additional information, call the Muskegon County Department of Public Works at
724-6411.
Household Hazardous Wastes
Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are materials that, if disposed of incorrectly, can cause
environmental damage by contaminating ground and surface waters, and potentially
threatening wildlife and human health. Examples include lawn and garden pesticides and
fertilizers, solvents such as paint thinners, waste motor oil, paints, varnishes and stains, and
corrosive cleaners.
Be responsible! Disposing of these products in storm drains allows these materials to enter
surface waters untreated. Pouring on the ground (or burying materials) leads to potential
groundwater (drinking water) contamination. Liquid wastes are not allowed in Michigan
landfills. Improper disposal of hazardous materials can also lead to accidental poisoning or
other injuries.
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 5
The best way to manage HHW is to use up quantities of the product for its intended purpose.
Proper use of a product is both environmentally and economically more feasible than
disposing of the material at a HHW collection event.
The Muskegon County Department of Public Works has a Household Hazardous Waste
collection program that has periodic collection events held throughout the year for County
residents. Please call their office at 724-6525 for an appointment or disposal information.
Miscellaneous Recycling
Clear, green and brown glass, paper, cardboard, tin, aluminum and #2 plastic may be
disposed of at Community Recycling, 1970 Port City Boulevard, Phone: 773-8407.
Paint Disposal
When paint is properly and completely used, it is not much of a problem. However, if there is
leftover paint, proper disposal is necessary. Improper disposal can lead to many problems.
Landfills do not accept and are not designed to accept any liquids, including liquid paint.
Disposal of paint in storm sewers leads to direct contamination of surface waters affecting
aquatic life and threatening drinking water supplies. Pouring waste paint onto the ground for
disposal can lead to direct contamination of groundwater sources that comprise many
drinking water sources. Also, all of these means of disposal are illegal.
The best way to take care of paint is to use it for its intended purpose. Try to use up paint or
find someone who can use the paint. Full cans of unused paint may be used by community
assistance programs. Please call such organizations first to verify acceptance policies.
Simply dropping such items off may result in expensive disposal costs for that organization.
Remember to buy only the amount of paint that is needed for a project so as to minimize the
amount of paint needing disposal later.
Drying Paint
Drying paint is the most acceptable and least expensive means of disposal. If only small
volumes of paint are left in cans, simply opening the cans and letting them set for a week
may do the trick. If you have containers of paint that are more than 1/3 full, adding absorbent
material such as kitty litter or floor dry directly to the paint in the cans works well.
Many paints will separate over time. Carefully open the cans and inspect the condition of the
paint. If the paint has been sitting for some time, it likely will have an oily layer on top (even if
it is latex). Carefully decant (pour off) the top layer of liquid into some kitty litter. Add as
much kitty litter as it takes to absorb the oil until only tacky. The remaining paint can be
mixed with kitty litter directly in the can. Stir the absorbent material in until tacky. If the paint
cans are nearly full, you may need to pour some of the paint into another container, paint can
or even a plastic trash liner to be able to add sufficient kitty litter.
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 6
After the paint has been properly prepared, it can be placed in the regular trash. Remember
to leave the lids of the cans off so trash haulers will know that the paint has been taken care
of correctly.
Aerosol Paints: If can is empty, simply discard in regular trash. If some paint remaining,
spray on cardboard until gone. If full and sprayer does not function, please call Muskegon
County Department of Public Works for assistance in our household hazardous waste
collection program at 724-6411. You can also call this number for other special questions
about paint disposal you might have.
Used Oil Recycling
Disposal of oil in storm sewers leads to direct contamination of surface waters affecting
aquatic life and threatening drinking water supplies. Pouring waste oil onto the ground for
disposal can lead to direct contamination of groundwater sources that comprise many
drinking water sources. Also, all of these means of disposal are illegal.
Waste motor oil can be recycled and re-refined into motor oil or other lubricants. When
recycling motor oil, please remember to note the following tips:
Always drain oil filters well.
Place used oil into a clean, dry container with a lid to prevent spilling during transport
or storage.
Label containers as "USED MOTOR OIL" and store in a safe place until ready to
transport. Keep out of reach of children or pets.
Be sure to store in a container that will not leak or cause damage.
Never mix anything else with the oil such as other lubricants, transmission or brake
fluids or antifreeze. Mixing other materials with motor oil will cause it to be non-
recyclable and potentially hazardous waste.
Store only small amounts of oil before bringing to recycling locations. Many locations
that accept motor oil restrict the amount to five (5) gallons or less.
Used motor oil can be taken to the following locations:
AutoZone 1236 East Apple, Muskegon 773-4479
AutoZone 1740 Holton Rd., North Muskegon 744-4265
AutoZone 705 West Sherman, Norton Shores 737-2502
Quick Lube Plus 2355 Holton Road, Muskegon Township 744-7557
Quick Lube Plus 1950 Whitehall Road, Laketon Township 744-7577
Speedy Lube 4585 Grand Haven Road, Norton Shores 798-7633
Speedy Lube 2211 East Apple, Muskegon 773-4941
Speedy Lube 57 West Broadway, Muskegon Heights 737-1521
Speedy Lube 409 Center, North Muskegon 744-5203
Also, check with your local automobile repair business for recycling opportunities.
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 7
Used Tires
Old tires with water in them are breeding areas for mosquitoes. This is a big concern, since
mosquitoes can carry the "West Niles Virus". This virus, transmitted to humans only by a bite
from an infected mosquito, can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and in rare
cases death in the elderly or people with weak immune systems. Symptoms range from mild
flu-like symptoms to severe sickness, requiring hospitalization. For further information on
"West Niles Virus" you can call the Muskegon County Health Department at 724-6311.
For proper disposal of used automobile tires, contact your local tire retailer. A reasonable
charge for disposal is likely. Always call first to verify with the dealer if they accept tires for
disposal, the limit on the number of tires and the price for disposal. Different size tires will
require different disposal needs and costs.
Here are some of the many tire dealers in this area:
Tom's Tire & Auto Center, 25 W. Apple Avenue will take old tires, but please call
ahead at 722-6041.
Downtown Tire Co., 952 Terrace, 722-3768
Smith Tire Co., 499 W. Broadway, 733-9406
Firestone Tire & Service Centers, 700 W. Sherman Blvd., 733-2591
Chet's Tire Service Inc., 1281 E. Laketon Avenue, 728-9148
Discount Tire Co. Inc., 647 W. Norton Avenue (Norton Shores), 739-3555
Yard Waste Disposal
(See also "Composting")
Yard Waste includes leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, shrubbery and brush. These
materials take up much needed space in landfills. Michigan law bans all yard waste from
being land filled since April 1995 and yard waste is a resource that can be utilized as
compost, landscaping materials, etc.
Please! Don't just dump yard waste in vacant land or along a ravine. Concentrations of
rotting vegetation running into storm sewers or streams can kill aquatic life.
Proper care for your lawn can be one of the most effective pollution prevention activities in
your household. It can also give you a great looking lawn and save you money. Accurate
application rates and timing of fertilizer application will allow your turf to use the nutrients
more efficiently and decrease the amount of nutrients getting into groundwater supplies.
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 8
Leaves and yard waste: Yard waste is picked up with your garbage. The yard waste
service for the City of Muskegon generally runs between the first week of April and the first
week of December. Yard waste such as grass, leaves and twigs must be in paper bags or
rigid container only or the waste hauler will not pick it up. Leaves stored in plastic bags for
long periods of time may be cited by an Environmental Inspector. The Department of Public
Works sells paper leaf bags as do most area stores. Branches and sticks need to be tied up
with twine in manageable bundles no greater than 4 feet in length. Branches can be no more
than 4 inches in diameter. Large limbs and trees coming from residential units may be
disposed of by making an appointment with the City's Solid Waste Coordinator at the
Department of Public Works 724-6908.
Mulching grass has become very popular as a method of reducing or eliminating the volume
of yard waste requiring expensive handling. Also, mulching returns many nutrients to the turf
and allows for less fertilizer applications as a result. Call the Muskegon County Extension
Service (724-6361) for information on soil testing, mowing tips, composting and fertilizer
application advice.
Christmas Trees: Christmas trees are picked up through the second week of January.
Composting
There are many benefits in composting yard trimmings and some food scraps. Since yard
waste cannot go to landfills it is an alternative means of disposal. It can save you money if
used as an alternative to other fertilizers and pesticides.
Soil Enrichment:
Adds organic bulk and humus to regenerate poor soils
Helps suppress plant diseases and pests
Increases soil nutrient content and water retention in both clay and sandy
soils
Restores soil structure after reduction of natural soil microbes by chemical
fertilizer
Combats specific soil, water, and air problems
Pollution Remediation:
Absorbs odors and degrades volatile organic compounds
Binds heavy metals and prevents them from migrating to water resources or
being absorbed by plants
Degrades wood preservatives, petroleum products, pesticides, etc. in
contaminated soils
Pollution Prevention:
Prevents pollutants in stormwater runoff from reaching water resources
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 9
Prevents erosion and silting on embankments parallel to creeks, lakes and
rivers
Prevents erosion and turf loss on roadsides, hillsides, playing fields, etc.
Composting facilities available for public use:
White Lake Excavating Engle Transport
2571 Holton Whitehall Road 5054 South Sheridan
(Whitehall Township) (Fruitport Township)
894-6918 865-6116
Always call first for hours of operations, limitations and charges. Do not mix garbage with
leaves or grass clippings that are intended for commercial composting.
Home Composting
An alternative to hauling the compost items away to a composting facility is home
composting. It is easy to do since it can be set up in a corner of the yard with few supplies. It
has to be a level spot of about 3- to 5-feet square near a water source and preferably out of
the direct sunlight. The area needs to be clear of sod and grass. You can use chicken wire,
scrap wood, or cinder blocks to build a composting bin, but make sure to leave enough space
for air to reach the compost pile. In order to tend the pile it is easier if one of the sides is
removable.
Compostable items: Many food items can be composted, including vegetable trimmings,
egg shells, coffee grounds with filters, and tea bags without any metal staples. Also
compostable are: leaves, grass, and other yard clippings, vacuum cleaner lint, wool and
cotton rags, sawdust, shredded newspaper, and fireplace ashes.
Do not compost meats, dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease because they might attract
pests.
Composting: Start with a pile that consists of a 4-inch layer of leaves, loose soil, or other
coarse yard trimmings. If composting food scraps which is a more involved process you
should mix them with the yard trimmings when adding them to the pile. To absorb any odors
that might occur, you can add alfalfa meal or clean cat litter. Water should be sprinkled onto
the pile in dry weather, but not as to make it too soggy. The pile should be turned with a
pitchfork every few weeks in order to circulate air and to distribute moisture evenly through
the pile. You might notice the heat of the pile and might even see worms, but that is part of
the decomposing process and completely normal. Note: A composting bin or pile is not a
playground for children.
In most climates, the compost is done when it becomes a dark crumbly material with a
uniform texture usually in about 3 to 6 months and now can be used to spread it in the
garden or yard beds or under the shrubbery. The compost is also very good for using as
potting soil.
L:\DPW\Web Page\Sanitation\Solid Waste Recycling Directory.doc Page 10