The collection of your trash, recycling, and yard waste is essential to the cleanliness and health of our communities. With that being said, curbside collection crews, landfill & MRF workers, and even those working behind the scenes all play an important part in this process. This week, show your appreciation for our Waste & Recycling workers with a simple gesture such as waving to say hello, leaving a thank-you note taped to your curbside cart, or even improving your recycling habits to make their job a little easier!

Disposing of expired, unused, or unwanted drugs correctly can do more than just protect the environment - it could save a life! With drug overdose being the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., it's more important now than ever to safely store and dispose of any leftover drugs. There are many resources and depots available, including HHW Collection Events, your local pharmacy, and drug disposal events and sites to make the process simple and convenient.

Free online resources are also useful when looking for disposal events and sites in your local area. The EGLE Household Drug Take Back Map shows sites all over Michigan accepting controlled substances, solid and liquid medications, and sharps/needles for disposal. Watch the video below to learn more!

Storing Drugs Before Disposal

Be sure to keep drugs in the container in which you received them to allow for easier organization. Lock the container in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.

Last Resort: Drug Disposal Recipe

If you cannot reach a drug take-back site, you can dispose of drugs at home using the following method. PLEASE NOTE: This should only be used as a last resort!

Begin by mixing the drugs (do not crush) with dirt, kitty litter or used coffee grounds. Add a small amount of water to dissolve any solid medications. Seal the drugs in a plastic bag, which can then be placed in the trash. Your prescription container can be recycled.

Drug information courtesy of EGLE, MHA Keystone Center, and the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

We appreciate each and every one of you who has signed up to receive our monthly e-newsletters! We're happy to share in-depth information regarding HHW Collection Events, curbside and Drop-Off site recycling, sustainable holidays, and more. We share links to websites, our partners, and flyers to make sure you are aware of all the convenient resources available to help you become a recycling genius. Oftentimes, you may come to realize that some of these depots are just a few blocks away!

While our resources are free, we always appreciate those who spread the word about what we're working towards and the services we offer. One way you can do your part is by sharing our newsletter with friends, family, and colleagues within our 9 member communities: Southfield, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Milford, Milford Township, Novi, South Lyon, Walled Lake, and Wixom. When they sign up for our newsletter, they're receiving more than just recycling tips - they're joining a community of avid recyclers, those who want to see our communities clean and thriving, and even those who just want to make a meaningful difference at home!

Click the button below to access our monthly e-newsletter sign-up page. Share the link with those who would be interested in joining! Our e-newsletter sign-up page can also be found in the top-right corner of RRRASOC.org.

During the following HHW Collection Events, all residents of RRRASOC member communities are welcome to bring household hazardous waste for an opportunity to safely discard their hazardous items and e-waste. Simple Recycling and paper shredding services will also be available.

July 15th, 2023 👕

Wixom Dept. of Public Works

2041 Charms Rd., Wixom

9:00am - 2:00pm

October 7th, 2023

Novi Dept. of Public Works

26300 Lee BeGole Dr., Novi

9:00am - 2:00pm

October 28th, 2023 👕

RRRASOC MRF - Truck Entrance

20875 Mapleridge Ave., Southfield

9:00am - 2:00pm

*The T-shirt icon indicates an HHW Collection Event during which clothing, shoes, accessories, and small household items will be accepted by Simple Recycling.

For more information about HHW events and how to prepare your items, please visit our HHW page.

If you have HHW that you'd like to properly dispose of between collection events, you're in luck! Drop off your HHW without a fee at ERG Environmental Services during the following hours:

Monday - Friday:

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Not sure what to do with stuff?

Visit rrrasoc.org and use the Recycling Directory search bar to type in keywords and get recycling, composting, reuse or disposal instructions.

The searchable, intuitive format of the Recycling Directory provides RRRASOC specific information.

Also Available:

Mobile App

• From your App Store or Google Play, search for "Recycling Authority"

Want more tips, tricks, and updates about recycling? We have a Facebook page where we can reach each other to make recycling easier. You can also reach us via RRRASOC.org and email at education@rrrasoc.org!

RRRASOC - Recycling Authority | 248-208-2270 | rrrasoc.org