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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (R3)

We all have a stake, and a responsibility, to do more with less.  Adhering to the principles, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE (in that order!), can help curb energy and raw material consumption in the face of growing population and demand.  
 
REDUCE packaging waste by purchasing items in bulk and/or items packaged with maximum post-consumer content and minimal non-recyclable materials. Reduce unwanted “junk” mail by customizing your direct mail preferences at www.DMAchoice.org.   Always be mindful of the amount of “disposable items” you consume, and work to incorporate reusable items instead.  Consider composting your food waste as a free way to return organic nutrients to your soil. 

Find ways to REUSE or repurpose things!  For example, invest in a refillable water bottle—it will save you money, reduce packaging waste, transportation fuel use, and air pollution!  Remember your reusable bag when you visit your local grocery store or farmer’s market. 
  
And then, RECYCLE everything else you can!  You can even earn rewards for recycling through www.recyclebank.com! 
 
Many private haulers (and a few municipalities) offer curbside recycling options for free, or for a nominal fee to Muskegon County residents.  Contact your waste hauler for details and be sure to follow collection guidelines.  When a household includes unacceptable items with recyclables, such as food waste, broken glass, or pizza boxes, it can contaminate the load, and your diligent efforts to separate recyclables can end up in the trash!

Below is a list of local haulers and municipalities that offer curbside recycling services in and around Muskegon County:
Allied Waste (AKA: Republic Services)………………..(877) 698-7274
City of Roosevelt Park (residents only)……………….(231) 788-5096
Kuerth’s Disposal Inc………………………………………………(231) 744-4967
Muskegon Charter Township (residents only)……...(231) 777-2555  
RMS Disposal Inc…………………………………………………….(231) 788-5096
Village of Fruitport (residents only)………………………(231) 865-3577
Waste Management……………………………………………...(800) 538-3750
If you live in an area where curbside recycling in not available, below is a current list of facilities in Muskegon County that offer disposal and varying degrees of recycling options.  Please note that some of these facilities do charge a nominal fee:

*Please note that while Muskegon County will make every effort to keep this information up to date, this list may not be exhaustive and may be subject to change at the discretion of the each facility operator.

Additional R3 opportunities

Goodwill Industries of West Michigan:
For over 100 years, Goodwill has been reusing, repurposing, and recycling things people no longer want. Goodwill Industries of West Michigan has diverted nearly 26 million pounds from landfills since 2005 alone. You can simultaneously support landfill diversion, workforce development and community enrichment by donating, or shopping at one of Goodwill’s local retail stores, frequenting their online auction site or e-book store. Supporting Goodwill helps your community do more with less!
Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity-Restore

Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore helps fund their mission of building decent, affordable, energy-efficient homes for purchase by struggling families in Muskegon County. The ReStore accepts donations of new and used materials from individuals, construction companies, and retail building supply stores. Contributors avoid hauling and disposal costs, and may receive a tax deduction, since Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable institution. The ReStore keeps thousands of tons of refuse out of local landfills each year. Furthermore, the Restore is open to the public so it’s a great place to find great deals for home improvement and reuse rather than buying new.  Click here for a list of accepted donations.

Muskegon Freecycle:
Muskegon Freecycle(TM) is for anyone looking to find a new home for reusable items. The Freecycle concept started in 2003 as a small network of friends and non-profits in Tucson, AZ and has since spread to over 85 countries. It is estimated that the Freecycle initiative keeps 500 tons of reusable goods out of landfills every day!

 

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