Frequently Asked Recycling Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions our department receives about recycling
How do I get rid of old Paint?
DISPOAL OF HOUSEHOLD PAINT
First you will need to determine if the paint you’re getting rid of is Latex Paint or Oil Base Paint.
LATEX PAINT or acrylic paints are fast-drying water-based paints. To dispose of latex paints open the lids and allow the paint to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Dispose of dry paint cans at the curbside with your regular garbage pick-up. Paint must be completely dry in order for them to be picked up at curbside.
OIL BASED PAINT is a slow drying paint made with oil. Oil based paints cannot be disposed of at curbside. Consider using up the remainder of the oil based paint for projects around your house, or check with neighbors who might need it for their projects or crafts. If the pain can is full or un-opened, please consider donating it to a painting program or re-sale shops in your area. Oil Based Paints can be disposed of at Household Hazardous Materials Collection events – However, due to Covid-19 restrictions and shut downs, funding for such collections are not available at this time.
How do I get rid of old spray paint?
SPRAY PAINT
If possible, use up all the material in the spray can. Empty aerosol cans are treated like any other type of steel or aluminum can. Most communities allow disposal of empty aerosol cans in their curbside bin. However, it’s always best to check with your city or township first. Aerosol cans must be completely empty (i.e., no product or propellant remains in can) before they can be disposed of in the trash.
How do I get a new or replacement recycle bin? 
In Michigan, solid waste collection and the recycling of materials is contracted for through the local level of government (cities/townships). Each city and township within Bay County, Michigan has their own contract for curbside recycling and waste management, so it’s important to contact your city or township to find out what they accept at curbside as well as what recycling programs they offer to local residents. Furthermore, because each unit may contract with different Waste Haulers/Contractors each city and township may have different rules about waste disposal and recycling. The Waste Haulers/Contractors make the rules about what they will accept or not, and they are subject to change based on materials markets. It’s always best to check your city/township website for additional information and rules about waste disposal and recycling. Most cities and townships provide information about trash pickup and recycling on their websites. For a list of Bay County cities and townships, please check out this link: Bay County Cities and Townships
Do I need to separate my recycling materials for curbside pickup?
Each city/township contracts with different Waste Haulers/Contractors that make the rules about what they will accept or not, and they are subject to change based on materials markets. It’s always best to check your city/township website for additional information and rules about waste disposal and recycling. For a list of Bay County cities and townships, please check out this link: Bay County Cities and Townships
How do I get rid of my Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes products that we purchase and use every day in our homes that can harm us or the environment if they are not handled properly. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) division contact: Christine Grossman via email at grossmanc@michigan.gov or via telephone at 517-285-5637. Below are some links to help locate HHW drop-off locations and resources in Michigan: