NO. It may seem like you are helping out by pre-sorting your materials, but all recycling must be loose in the cart.

NO. Plastic bags and films are not accepted in the City of Battle Creek’s curbside carts. These materials can damage sorting machinery, causing costly shutdowns and repairs. These materials can be taken to Meijer stores for recycling or you can check plasticfilmrecycling.org for other recycling options. Meijer also accepts: bread bags, newspaper bags, zipper food storage bags, salt bags, ice bags and cereal bags.

YES. Leave the caps on plastic bottles and jugs or throw them in the trash. The small caps are recyclable, but when loose they can be difficult to sort and can damage sorting machinery.

YES. Be sure the cardboard is free of any food residue and flattened. If there is food or grease on the cardboard, dispose in trash.

YES. Be sure the cartons are rinsed and dry. And, you can leave the plastic pour spout attached.

NO. These cups have a plastic coating which make the material unusable for recycling. These need to go in the trash.

NO. Only glass used for food or beverages can be recycled.

YES. The inside tubes of paper towels or wrapping paper are recyclable. However the wrapping paper is not.

NO. Heavy pressboard material like that used in shipping to protect the sides and corners of heavy appliances or the tubes that cling plastic wrap come on are not recyclable.

YES. Paperback books can be recycled in your curbside cart.

NOTE: Hardcover books must have cover and binder removed and thrown away. You can recycle the paper materials on the inside.

NO. The City’s program can only accept the items listed in our informational handouts. Other items such as plastic toys, packing materials, Styrofoam, plastic bags, etc., may be recyclable in other programs, but are not accepted in the City’s curbside program. See the Calhoun County Recycling Guide for other recycling options in the County.

NO. The optical sorting equipment that is used in the recycling facilities can better recognize the materials when they are not flattened, so leaving them clean, dry and uncrushed is best. Cardboard and paperboard should continue to be flattened, though.

YES. Food and liquids can contaminate the materials in the recycling cart, turning them into trash, and creating unsanitary conditions and attracting pests.

NO. The wire or plastic can get caught in the sorting machinery and cause damage to the equipment. Other “tanglers” that don’t belong in your cart are: cords, hoses, strings of lights and clothing.

NO. While the metal is recyclable, the contents are under pressure and should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste collection event where the cans can be safely handled for recycling. The City of Battle Creek and Calhoun County have several hazardous waste collections during the year. Save your cans and other hazardous waste in a safe place and visit our Events page or the Calhoun County website for collection event dates.

NO. These items belong in the trash.

NO. Plastic windows, staples and tapes are removed during the pulping process, so no need to remove them before recycling.

NO. Recyclables must fit in the cart with the lid closed. The automated collection arm on the truck can’t retrieve items placed outside of the cart, and materials can get wet and contaminated if the lid is not closed. Keep the inside of the cart clean and dry to avoid costly contamination to the program.

YES. The City of Battle Creek’s Environmental Services Department is here to help. Call Patty at (269) 966-3355 ext. 1878 or Bessie at (269) 966-3355 ext. 1889 with your recycling questions.